Do you know the difference between goals, projects, tasks, and habits? As my friends and I were discussing our new goals last week, I realized that what my friends were calling “goals” were actually projects, tasks, and habits. These concepts were being used interchangeably in the conversation, but they are actually very different things. It’s important to understand the differences between goals, projects, tasks, and habits so that you are able to set clear goals and successfully achieve them.
Goals, Projects, Tasks & Habits
Goals, projects, tasks, and habits are all necessary to achieve what you desire, but they each have very different roles for helping you achieve your dreams. Simply put, goals are your big dreams and filter down into projects which filter down into tasks. You are able to achieve your goals by breaking them down into smaller projects and faster tasks. Habits may or may not be related to your goal, but they are beneficial to your overall growth.
What are goals?
Goals are your “why”. They are your big dreams that motivate you. They are the change you want and the vision you have for your future.
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Make your goals SMART- meaning they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. SMART goals provide the clarity on who, what, when, why, and how you are to achieve your goal. Being specific on what you are trying to achieve, having a quantifiable way to measure your progress, choosing goals that are important to you, and setting a definitive time for completion will help you maintain focus as you work toward your goal.
Goals are typically quarterly, annually, or long-term (3-5 years) because they require ample time to complete. Goals usually require subgoals (also called milestones) or projects in order to achieve them. Reaching milestones and completing planned projects enables you to see the progress you are making toward your ultimate goal.
What are projects?
Projects help you reach your goal. It usually takes multiple projects over the course of a year to achieve your main goal. Projects can vary in time and significance, but each project should be a stepping stone inching you towards goal completion.
”Monthly goals” and “weekly goals” are typically small projects that are moving you towards your goal. For example, if your main goal was to write a novel this year, then writing 4 chapters this month (or one chapter per week) may be your smaller project/goal.
Projects can take days, weeks, or months to complete and are always comprised of smaller tasks.
What are tasks?
Tasks are the steps necessary to complete a project. When you break a project down into smaller steps, you are breaking the project down into manageable tasks. Tasks can usually be completed in under 3 hours.
Continuing with the example from above, if your project this week was to write one chapter, then your daily task could be to write 500 words. Your 500 words each day help you complete the one chapter goal (project) for this week. If you complete that goal every week, you can easily meet your monthly goal of writing four chapters.
Every day, place tasks on your daily schedule that will help you complete a project and move you toward your goal! Be sure to make the tasks related to achieving your big goal a top priority. Focus on completing them first thing each day. Doing so reduces the chances of you bumping them off your schedule for something less important.
What are habits?
Habits are something you want to do repeatedly. They are behaviors that often become subconscious like brushing your teeth every morning when you wake up. Habits may or may not be directly related to your goal, but habits are often positive changes that help you grow as a person.
Review Your Goals
Hopefully this provides you with a little more clarity as you set your yearly goals. (You can learn more about goal setting here.) If you have already set goals, I encourage you to review them and make sure that you have set SMART goals. Once you have set your SMART goals, break them down into projects, and then down into smaller tasks. Doing so will ensure you are taking small, actionable steps each day toward your ultimate goal!
Trim Your Task List
If your task list seems super long and overwhelming, I encourage you to review your task list and make edits. Eliminate tasks that are not relevant to your main goal. If it is not a task that will help you complete a weekly or monthly project related to your big goal, then mark it off.
Additionally, look for tasks on your list that you can delegate. Search for tasks to delegate or outsource to others so that you can focus on tasks that require your attention. It’s easy to get bogged down trying to do all the things. But, if you can delegate it, then let someone else do it. Save your time and energy for the tasks that only you can complete.
Knowledge is key
Setting goals is the key to success. According to an article on Lifehack.org, only 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s goals. Many people fail to achieve their goals because they do not set SMART goals and break them down into smaller goals, projects, and tasks. Understanding the difference between goals, projects, tasks, and habits enables you to create goals and actionable steps with the clarity and focus needed to accomplish your goals.
