What does the "A" in SMART goals stand for?

The "A" in SMART goals stands for Achievable. This concept is crucial in goal-setting as it emphasizes setting realistic and attainable objectives that consider current resources, constraints, and potential obstacles. An Achievable goal encourages individuals to assess their current capabilities and resources and allows them to formulate a path that is both challenging yet feasible. When goals are achievable, they promote motivation and the likelihood of success, as individuals are more likely to commit to goals that seem within their reach.

In contrast, while terms like Accessible or Adaptable might imply some level of feasibility, they do not capture the essence of being realistically attainable within the context of the individual’s circumstances. Also, it's important to note that while the term Attainable is often used interchangeably with Achievable in popular usage, SMART goals specifically designates Achievable, reinforcing the focus on setting realistic yet challenging objectives.