A goal, or objective, is a specific target or outcome that an individual or organization aims to achieve. It provides direction and motivation, helping to focus efforts and resources. Goals can be short-term, like completing a project by the end of the week, or long-term, such as saving for retirement. Setting clear objectives is essential for measuring progress and success. For example, a student might set a goal to improve their grades in mathematics by studying for an extra hour each day. This structured approach allows for better planning and increases the likelihood of achieving desired results.