Literally, a target is something to be shot at, but its meaning has been extended to include any desired object and also anything that is to be acted upon with a view to altering it. An objective is something worked toward as a goal. Target has become a "fad" word in recent years and is often misused for objective. One can have a target or an objective in life, such as becoming a millionaire, but although one can raise or lower his target, it seems silly to speak of "achieving a target." If one wishes to stop overusing target and desires to reduce his use of objective, he can try purpose, goal, intent, intention, end, aim, and object.
Dictionary of problem words and expressions. Harry Shaw. 1975.