Vision vs Goal
Vision and Goal are two words that are often confused due to the appearing similarity between them though, strictly speaking, there is a difference between the two words. The two words, vision and goal, should not be used interchangeably. First let us define the two words. Vision can be defined as the ability to think about the future with wisdom or imagination. On the other hand, the word goal can be defined as an aim or desired result. The word vision is associated with the meaning of ‘dream.’ On the other hand, the word goal is equated with the word ‘aim.’ This is the primary difference between the two words. Through this article let us examine the difference further.
What is a Vision?
As mentioned above, the word vision can be defined as the ability to think about the future with wisdom or imagination. It is not something that is close by to the individual, but a far off expectations, more like a dream. In history, we hear of great visionaries. These individuals had the ability to foresee the future. A vision comes with imagination and wisdom. It is an ability to look at the far off future and not at the nearby future.
Now, let us look at some examples as to how the word vision can be used in the English language. Observe the two sentences:
He has a great vision for his country.
So much is said about the vision of the scientists.
In both the sentences, the word vision is understood differently. In fact, it can be said that the word is used in different senses. In the first sentence, it is used in the sense of ‘dream.’ On the other hand, in the second sentence, it is used in the sense of ‘imagination.’ The second sentence would thus mean ‘so much is said about the imagination of the scientists.’ Thus, the word vision is used figuratively too.
‘He has a great vision for his country’
What is a Goal?
The word goal is used primarily in the sense of ‘target’ or ‘aim.’ Unlike vision, which is more dream-like, a goal is much more achievable. When an individual wishes to succeed in life, he creates goals that he should achieve in order to realize his dream. These goals, if smartly defined, that is, if they are specific, measurable, achievable and realistic, and time bound, they can be achieved easily.
As human beings, we all have goals. These can differ from one person to the other. For example, while the goal of one individual is to become wealthy, for another it may be to reach his highest potential academically. Now, let us move on to the usage of the word.
Observe the following sentences:
He is moving slowly towards his goal.
Her goal is to set her foot on the moon one day.
In both the sentences, you can find that the word goal is used in different senses. In the first sentence, it is used in the sense of a ‘target’ and the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘he is moving slowly towards his target.’ In the second sentence, it is used in the sense of ‘aim’ and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘her aim is to set her foot on the moon one day.’
The word goal is also used in the game of football. Goals are scored to achieve victory in this sport. This highlights that vision and goal refer to two distinctive words and should not be confused.
‘Her goal is to set her foot on the moon one day’
What is the difference between Vision and Goal?
• Definitions of Vision and Goal:
• Vision can be defined as the ability to think about the future with wisdom or imagination.
• A goal can be defined as an aim or desired result.
• Nature:
• A vision is dream-like, whereas a goal is not. It is more achievable.
• Time:
• A vision focuses on the far off future.
• A goal concentrates on creating a change in the present or nearby future.
• Indication:
• A vision can denote imagination or wisdom.
• A goal denotes an aim or target.
• Achievability:
• Visions take many years for a real transformation to occur which will allow the vision to be a reality.
• Goals are achievable.
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