The goal is to hit it or come as close as you can to calorie count overall. You want to learn how to balance all your macros including the protein macro and if you go over on any of them then no worries as long as it does not make you go over on your total calorie count target for the day. Just lean balance grasshopper it takes time and practice.

I'm not an either-or person... focus on both! Hit your calories AND your protein. Remember, when in a deficit you can be a little less strict with your food choices, but when in a calorie surplus you want to eat clean (ie: clean bulk) to avoid excess fat gain with your muscle. It's the opposite of what many think (ie: clean cutting and dirty bulking).