When I was 14 years old, I didn't have a goal written down on how I could and would eventually get into the media and television industry. I aspired to be on television. Aspirations don't change the way goals do. Aspirations are a part of our identity, whereas a goal is merely a grounded plan of action on a desired outcome. Consider this: how many people do you know have earned a degree they don't really use? Or have a talent they have no interest in capitalizing? Earning a degree obviously requires that one make and achieve an established goal, however their degree may actually be completely independent of their aspiration in life. Likewise, a talent can help one to achieve many goals in life, but that does not automatically mean that their talent is their aspiration. Just because you may be able to sing well does not mean you aspire to be a singer; however, you may still achieve singing goals, such as learning a new vocal technique or performing at a recital, despite the fact that you aspire to be something else. It is very possible that your goals may have nothing to do with your aspirations. I remember watching a video clip of Bishop T. D. Jakes recounting a conversation he had with his eldest son, who was preparing for college at the time. His son was worried that his choice of major wouldn't be "the thing" God called him to do. Bishop Jakes encouraged him to pursue the degree anyway, "...because even if it wasn't the thing, it would be the thing that lead to the thing." Sometimes goals lead to aspirations. Bishop Jakes gives us another understanding of goals versus aspirations. It may take a goal-or even a series of goals-to reach one's aspiration in life.