This document discusses the characteristics of effective goals: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely (SMART). For a goal to be specific, it should include details about what exactly needs to be accomplished. To be measurable, a goal must include quantifiable metrics like numbers or dates. Attainable goals are within one's abilities to achieve. Realistic goals are practical and important. And timely goals have a clear deadline. Examples are provided to contrast goals that do and do not embody these SMART criteria.