The "M" in the goal-setting acronym S.M.A.R.T. stands for ___.

In the context of goal-setting, the "M" in the S.M.A.R.T. acronym stands for "Measurable." A measurable goal provides a clear way to assess progress and determine when the goal has been achieved. By defining criteria for measuring progress, individuals can stay motivated and adjust their efforts as needed.

For instance, if a goal is to "increase sales," making it measurable would require specifying how much of an increase is expected—such as a 15% increase in sales over a specific timeframe. This specificity allows for tracking progress through numerical data, making it easier to evaluate success and make informed decisions about future actions.

In contrast, other terms such as "Multipurpose," "Motivating," and "Meaningful" do not fit this criteria as they are not part of the S.M.A.R.T. framework for defining goals that can be objectively assessed. While motivation and meaning are important for engagement, they do not directly relate to the ability to measure progress quantitatively.