In the SMART goals framework, what does the 'A' stand for?

• A. Attainable
• B. Applicable
• C. Achievable
• D. Actionable

Answer: (C)

Achievability is about feasibility. The A in SMART should express that the goal is realistically reachable given the resources, time, and constraints you have. It needs to challenge you enough to be meaningful, but not be so far out of reach that success feels unlikely or motivation collapses. To assess this, consider whether you have or can obtain the necessary skills, budget, tools, and authority, and whether the deadline and dependencies are practical. If external factors are uncertain or the required effort would demand a breakthrough, the goal isn’t achievable. That’s why Achievable fits best here: it communicates feasibility directly. Attainable is similar but less commonly used in this framing, while Applicable and Actionable refer more to relevance or the steps you’ll take rather than whether the goal itself can be reached.