In SMART goals, which criterion ensures goals are directly related to the task?

In SMART goals, which criterion ensures goals are directly related to the task?

• A. Measurable
• B. Time-bound
• C. Realistic
• D. Specific

Answer: (D)

Specificity defines exactly what needs to be done and what the outcome will be, so the goal is directly tied to the task. By detailing the exact action and the expected result, you remove ambiguity and make it clear what success looks like in that particular task. For example, instead of a vague aim like “improve fitness,” a specific goal would state the exact activity and target, such as “complete 12 push-ups in a single set after six weeks of training” or “run 3 km in under 15 minutes twice a week for six weeks.” This level of detail ensures everyone understands what must be achieved and how to judge it. The other SMART elements—Measurable, Time-bound, Realistic—help track progress, deadlines, and feasibility, but they don’t by themselves define the exact task to be accomplished.

Specificity defines exactly what needs to be done and what the outcome will be, so the goal is directly tied to the task. By detailing the exact action and the expected result, you remove ambiguity and make it clear what success looks like in that particular task. For example, instead of a vague aim like “improve fitness,” a specific goal would state the exact activity and target, such as “complete 12 push-ups in a single set after six weeks of training” or “run 3 km in under 15 minutes twice a week for six weeks.” This level of detail ensures everyone understands what must be achieved and how to judge it. The other SMART elements—Measurable, Time-bound, Realistic—help track progress, deadlines, and feasibility, but they don’t by themselves define the exact task to be accomplished.