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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Vision and Goal?

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The main difference between vision and goal lies in their purpose and time frame. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

  • Vision: A vision is a long-term aspiration that aligns with your deepest values and priorities. It is the destination you visualize and want to achieve, but the path to get there is unknown. Visions are more of a gradual process and take a longer time to realize compared to goals. They highlight the values and aspirations that lie at the heart of an organization or individual.
  • Goal: Goals are specific aims or desired results that help you achieve your vision. They are milestones created to guide you towards realizing your vision and require hard work, commitment, and sweat to be achieved. Goals are the means to an end, while visions are the end in themselves. The best goals are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.

In summary, a vision is a long-term aspiration that provides direction and purpose, while goals are shorter-term objectives that help you progress towards realizing your vision. Both are essential for personal and organizational growth and success.

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  • What is the Difference Between Vision and Goal?
  • Comparative Table: Vision vs Goal

    • Comparative Table: Vision vs Goal

    Feature Vision Goal
    Definition A vision is a statement that describes a desired future, considering what is possible and uniting people to inspire and motivate action. A goal is a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound target that an individual or organization aims to achieve.
    Focus Long-term, aspirational, and future-oriented. Short-term, practical, and actionable.
    Language Descriptive and often vague, focusing on the big picture. Clear and quantifiable, stating specific results to be achieved.
    Purpose Provides direction and inspiration, guiding the overall strategy and decision-making of an organization. Drives action and performance, outlining clear targets and milestones for achievement.
    Measurability Not measurable, as it is a broader, abstract statement of the desired future state. Measurable, as it outlines concrete, quantifiable targets to measure progress and success.
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.