Goal vs Desire

A Goal is a specific, actionable, and measurable plan within your control that you work toward, where as a desire is an emotional longing, wish, or craving that often lacks a concrete plan. 

GOALS focus on actions

• I am responsible to act in ways that will accomplish my purpose

DESIRES focus on feelings

• I cannot achieve  through my efforts alone

• I am dependent on others or circumstances to determine the outcome 

• We must never assume responsibility for fulfilling our desires

• My  need for love, security, significance, respect ( comes from God and others )

Action vs Feeling : goals are action oriented and require discipline, while desires are emotional, bubbly feelings. 

Control : Goals are under your direct control while desires often involve external factors  you cannot control. 

Specifically : Goals are SMART

• Specific

• Measurable

• Achievable

• Relevant

• Time - bound

  • whereas desires are usually vague and undefined

Purpose : Goals are what you need to do. Desires are what you want to have

Why the distinction  matters

• Treating a desire ( uncontrollable) as a goal ( controllable ) can lead to frustration and disappointment. To achieve results, desires should be converted into concrete goals by defining specific actions, deadlines and steps. When our desires are not met we get upset, and and hurt.