What Is "Achievable" in SMART Goals

We’ve all been there. We set ambitious goals, only to be overwhelmed and discouraged when we can’t meet them. That’s where SMART goals come in.

SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It’s a proven framework that helps us set goals that are not only ambitious but also realistic and attainable.

This article looks at what “A” (Achievable) stands for in the context of the SMART goals framework.

What Is “Achievable” in SMART Goals

“Achievable” means setting a realistic goal that is possible to complete or maintain within a set time frame.

But it’s not just about setting a goal that you can technically complete. It’s about setting a goal that pushes you and stretches your abilities but still remains within your grasp. It’s about balancing ambition with being realistic, and it’s a crucial part of the SMART goal-setting process.

Let’s illustrate this with an example.

Let’s say you want to learn a new language. An unachievable goal might be: “I want to become fluent in Spanish by next month.” Unless you’re a language prodigy, that’s likely not going to happen. It’s too big a task, and the time frame is too short.

On the other hand, an achievable goal could be: “I will learn 50 new Spanish words each week for the next three months.” This goal is still challenging — it will require consistent effort and study – but it’s also doable. You’re not setting yourself up for failure; you’re setting yourself up for success.

To recap, the “A” in SMART isn’t just about setting a goal you can achieve. It’s about setting a goal that’s right for you — one that stretches your abilities but doesn’t break them.

How Do I Know Whether My Goal Is Achievable?

So, how do we determine if a goal is achievable? It’s a delicate balance that requires a deep understanding of your abilities, resources, and constraints.

Here are some factors to consider when looking at whether a goal is achievable:

Consider your skills and abilities. Look at your past performance and what you have been able to accomplish. If you’ve never run a mile in your life, setting a goal to compete in a marathon next month might not be achievable. However, running a 5k might be a more realistic starting point.
Think about your resources. Do you have the time, money, equipment, or support you need to reach your goal? For example, if you want to learn to play the guitar but don’t have a guitar or the funds to buy one, that goal might not be achievable until you have those resources.
Consider your other commitments and constraints. We all have a finite amount of time and energy. If you’re already juggling a full-time job, family responsibilities, and other commitments, you’ll need to take these into account when setting your goals.
You should also remember that an achievable goal should still be challenging. It should push you out of your comfort zone and require you to grow and develop new skills or habits. If a goal doesn’t challenge you, it’s not likely to motivate you.

How To Set Achievable Goals

Once you’ve analyzed the above-mentioned factors and determined that your goal is achievable, it’s time to outline how you will accomplish it.

This involves creating a detailed plan of action that breaks down the steps you need to take to achieve your goal. For example, if your goal is to learn a new language, your plan might include daily vocabulary exercises, weekly language classes, and regular practice sessions with a language partner.

If you identified any skill gaps in the previous exercise, you need to assess how to close them to reach your goal. For instance, if you want to run a marathon but you’ve never run before, your goal might involve joining a running club or hiring a personal trainer so you can train safely.

The final step is to analyze how you can overcome any potential obstacles you identified when assessing whether your goal is achievable. For example, if your goal is to start your own business, but you don’t have the necessary funds, you might need to start smaller or find ways to secure the needed capital.

Setting achievable goals involves a balance of ambition and being realistic. By considering the steps to accomplish your goal and understanding the effort required, evaluating potential obstacles, and figuring out how to harness the necessary skills and resources, you’ll be well on your way to setting and achieving SMART goals.

Examples of Achievable Goals

Now, let’s dive into some examples of achievable goals. These examples span various categories, from personal to professional to fitness and finance.

Run a 5K in the next six months.
Read one book per month.
Save $100 every month.
Learn to cook a new dish every week.
Practice mindfulness meditation for 10 minutes daily.
Learn a new language in a year.
Increase sales by 10% in the next quarter.
Lose 5 pounds in three months.
Write a 50,000-word novel in six months.
Learn to play a new musical instrument in a year.
Improve typing speed by 20% in the next month.
Complete a professional certification course in three months.
Reduce personal carbon footprint by 15% in a year.
Volunteer for a local charity once a month.
Spend quality time with family every weekend.

Each of these goals is achievable. They may challenge you, but they’re not overwhelming, and they require some level of effort and commitment, but they’re not impossible.

Conclusion

Setting goals is an integral part of personal and professional growth. However, the essence of goal-setting isn’t just about ambition; it’s about aligning that ambition with reality.

The “A” in SMART goals, which stands for “Achievable,” reminds us of this crucial balance. It encourages us to stretch our boundaries and push our limits, but not to the point of breaking. By ensuring our goals are achievable and possible, we set ourselves up for success rather than disappointment.

By understanding our capabilities, resources, and constraints and by breaking down our goals into actionable steps, we can navigate the path to success with clarity and confidence. Whether it’s personal development, professional growth, or any other domain, setting achievable goals is the cornerstone of meaningful progress.