What characteristic do good goals typically possess?

Good goals typically possess time-bound specifics because having a clear timeline is crucial for establishing a sense of urgency and accountability. Time-bound goals help individuals and organizations prioritize tasks and allocate resources effectively to meet those deadlines. This characteristic allows for measuring progress and helps maintain focus on the goal, as it defines when the goal should be achieved, making it easier to track both milestones and final outcomes.

Goals that are specific about the time frame encourage commitment and foster a sense of responsibility, which can enhance motivation. By having deadlines, teams can coordinate their efforts more efficiently and reflect on their progress at set intervals, determining whether adjustments are necessary to stay on track. This specific characteristic aligns with the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—widely recognized as an effective framework for setting actionable goals.