SMART stands for which set of criteria?

• A. SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ACHIEVABLE, RELEVANT, TIMELY
• B. SPECIFIC, MEANINGFUL, ACHIEVABLE, REALISTIC, TIMELY
• C. SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ACTIONABLE, RELEVANT, TIME-BOUND
• D. SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ACHIEVABLE, REALISTIC, TIMED

Answer: (B)

SMART goals are built to be clear, valuable, feasible, and time-directed. The first part, Specific, means the objective is stated in a precise way so everyone knows exactly what, who, and what will be done. Meaningful focuses on ensuring the goal matters to the person or organization and will drive real value, not just a task that looks good on a list. Achievable and Realistic work together to keep the target within reach given resources, constraints, and capabilities, so it’s challenging but doable. Timely adds a deadline or time frame to create urgency and enable progress tracking.

This set mirrors that approach: Specific, Meaningful, Achievable, Realistic, Timely. Some texts swap in Measurable for Meaningful or Time-bound for Timely, but the essence remains: goals should be clear, worthwhile, feasible, and time-bound. That alignment is why this option is the best fit for the question.