Intentions and goals: what's their difference?

[Chris_1977]

Steve often talk about goals and also often about intentions. I think I understand goals. They are supposed to be measurable and have a time frame attached to them. But what about intentions? What properties must something have to be viable as an intention? Let's try to list some properties: positive (i.e., not containing the word "not" or other negations), related to myself, .... However, noting this, there does not seem to be much difference between goals and intentions. What actually is their difference? When one removes the time frame from a goal, does one obtain an intention?

[Liara Covert]

I see intentions as a sense of purpose or attitude that leads one to effect or implement one's actions. I see goals as falling into different categories, with only some kinds having measurable outcomes and timeframes. Phil Gosling describes some ways we can look at them in his book, "Success Engineering:"

a) “Think Big Goals” stretch your imagination have no set timeframe. These real goals motivate your ingenuity. The time issue is less important than the learning curve itself.

b) Reasonably Achievable Goals are grounded in reality and require little effort outside comfort zone. They can have time limit; i.e. increase income by 10% in 12 months.

c) Emergency Goals are imposed by something outside yourself, and if ignored, have consequences like how bills and taxes must be paid by key deadlines or penalties.

d) Certain Goals are tasks you know should be done but you tend to procrastinate, such as household chores or favors you have promised but not come through (yet). You know they'll take time to accomplish, but the time required itself isn't the focus.

[Shaden]

Intentions and goals are the same thing - the application of action which concludes in a result, hopefully the one you set out to achieve. The difference lies in the tools you apply with them - with goals you are using planning, self-discipline, motivation and desire to get your result. With intentions you are asking the universe for help with your actions. In that sense intentions are just goals with the aid of a higher power.