Which term describes goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely?

The term that describes goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely is SMART goals. This acronym serves as a guideline for effective goal setting, ensuring that each goal has clear criteria for assessment and viability.

Being specific means that the goal clearly outlines what is to be achieved without ambiguity. Measurable indicates that there should be established criteria for tracking progress and completion. Achievable ensures that the goal is attainable given the resources and time available, while realistic emphasizes that the goal is practical within the context of the individual's capabilities and circumstances. Finally, timely signifies that the goal has a defined timeframe for completion, which helps to create urgency and prioritize tasks.

Strategic goals typically refer to broad, long-term aims that guide an organization’s direction and overall strategy, not necessarily focused on specific criteria like the SMART framework. Operational goals are often short-term objectives geared toward the day-to-day functioning of a business, and while they can be measurable, they may not fully encompass the specificity or time aspects of SMART goals. Long-term goals reflect aspirations that typically span several years and, while they can be made SMART, do not inherently include all the requirements of the SMART criteria.

Thus, when assessing goal-setting methods, SMART goals provide a comprehensive framework that