In SMART goals, what does the 'M' represent?

In the context of SMART goals, the 'M' stands for Measurable. A measurable goal enables individuals to track their progress and determine when they have achieved the goal. This characteristic emphasizes the importance of including specific criteria that allow for quantification, such as numbers or percentages, which make it clear how much progress has been made. For example, rather than stating a goal as "I want to save money," a measurable goal would be "I want to save $5,000 by the end of the year." This allows for an assessment of progress through regular check-ins on savings, making it easier to adjust strategies if necessary. In contrast, the other options like Meaningful, Manageable, and Motivational relate to other aspects of goal-setting but do not specifically define the essential characteristic of being able to measure progress.