Do you prefer to make lofty goals or short-term goals?
Listen in to today’s episode and learn if you’re using the wrong terms to refer to someone’s goals and breaking the connection.
Lindsay and Aubrey also share a few ways you can properly talk about goals and make sure you’re expressing yourself well.
Talk about goals
Lindsay asks Aubrey when setting goals, does she prefer to make lofty goals or short and achievable goals
Aubrey shares that if she had to choose between the two, she would prefer short and achievable goals.
She breaks bigger goals up into smaller milestones so she can achieve them quickly.
Lindsay shares that she prefers lofty goals.
Today’s question
Today’s episode is inspired by a listener’s question.
He wanted to learn vocabulary to talk about his goals and dreams.
Thanks to all the team for these amazing podcasts, I listen to all three of them. Could you please give me some native and natural vocabulary to talk about dreams that I have in life? Because I kinda overused the expression “pipe dream,” I threw it out 4 times in a month in conversations that I had with the same person, and I kinda felt it was too much by the way they looked at me.
What is a pipe dream?
The term ‘pipe dream’ means an unattainable or fanciful hope or plan.
An example of this is:
He wants to go to Harvard, but I’m afraid that with his grades that might be a pipe dream.
When we reached out to the listener to share that he was using the term incorrectly, this was his response:
OMG, I didn’t know that pipe dream meant that, I thought it was for a possible very desirable dream that could come true. Thanks for making it clear, cause I heard this expression way back in the day and I used it so many times in the wrong way!
This is tricky vocabulary!
We’re excited to clear it up for anyone who didn’t understand what is meant by ‘pipe dream.’
Imagine the misunderstandings if you accidentally refer to someone’s goals or ambitions as a pipe dream!
Setting goals
Today you will learn how to talk about someone else’s goals and also your own.
Talking about hopes and dreams is always a good way to connect.
You want to show support when listening about someone’s plans to achieve their goals.
You also want to share your own!
Having the right vocabulary to share what you want to attain in the next month or upcoming years is vital.
#1: Lofty goals
This refers to ambitious objectives.
Lofty goals are challenging to achieve.
They require dedication and perseverance, but are definitely attainable.
#2: Ambitious goals
This is a challenging and significant objective that pushes you beyond your comfort zone and requires considerable effort to achieve.
Using ambitious to describe a person is different.
An ambitious person is someone who shows strong desire and determination to succeed.
Examples:
- I know this is an ambitious goal, but I’m planning to complete a PhD next year.
- I’m impressed you’ve set such ambitious goals!
#3: Aspirational goals
This refers to bold and ambitious objectives that inspire individuals or organizations to reach beyond their current limits, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking and pushing them to aim for something extraordinary.
Examples:
- I’m impressed that this company sets such aspirational goals.
- I have some aspirational goals but I need to set benchmarks that I can more easily achieve for some quick wins.
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay from Lindsay and Aubrey using the vocabulary shared in today’s episode.
In this scenario, Aubrey and Lindsay have just met at a conference about achieving goals
Aubrey: Hi, I’m Aubrey. Nice to meet you.
Lindsay: Likewise! I’m Lindsay.
Aubrey: I made a goal to introduce myself to someone between sessions so here we are.
Lindsay: I’m the lucky winner!
Aubrey: Yes!
Lindsay: That last presentation was so motivational. I’m excited to sit down and think about some ambitious goals.
Aubrey: Same! I’m not bad at setting short-term goals, but I don’t always think about the bigger picture. I need to think about some aspirational goals that will take more time to accomplish.
Lindsay: Exactly! What industry do you work in?
Don’t miss the Business English podcast episode 408: How to Throw Out Your Ideas in a Brainstorming Session.
This will help you gain more confidence to share ideas in the workplace.
Takeaway
Unfortunately, you could break the connection if you call someone’s goal a pipe dream.
Instead use today’s vocabulary to talk about ambitious and lofty goals!
Set goals for yourself that are both short and long-term.
Talking about your goals with other people is a good conversation starter.
You may be able to find new friends with the same ambitions as you.
Even if you don’t have the same goals, you can be supportive and listen to their plans.
It’s a great way to build relationships.
What are your lofty goals?
We’d love to hear what they are in the comments below.
