What does the 'M' in 'SMART' goals stand for?

The 'M' in 'SMART' goals stands for 'Measurable.' This aspect emphasizes the importance of establishing clear criteria for measuring progress toward the goal. By defining how success will be quantified, it allows for tracking improvements, identifying challenges, and assessing the completion of the goal effectively. Measurable goals enable individuals and teams to see the advancement they are making over time, focus their efforts, and stay motivated by celebrating milestones along the way. This clarity also aids in accountability, ensuring that those involved can evaluate their performance and make adjustments as needed.

In contrast, while 'Manageable' suggests that a goal should be feasible and within reach, it does not directly address the importance of tracking progress. 'Motivating' pertains to how engaging a goal might be but lacks the structured evaluation aspect. 'Mandatory' implies that a goal is obligatory, which may not align with the foundational components of effective goal-setting in the SMART framework. Overall, 'Measurable' is central to ensuring goals are actionable and can be effectively monitored.