Within SMART goal setting, what does 'Relevance' primarily ensure?

Within SMART goal setting, 'Relevance' primarily ensures that the goal aligns with one's broader objectives, values, and overall purpose, increasing motivation and the likelihood of achieving the goal. SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The 'Relevance' criterion requires that the goal be meaningful and important to the individual, and that it contributes to their overall goals and aspirations. A relevant goal is one that is worth pursuing and that aligns with one's values and priorities. When a goal is relevant, individuals are more likely to be motivated to work towards it and to persist in the face of challenges. For example, if a student's overall goal is to pursue a career in environmental science, a relevant SMART goal might be to complete a research project on climate change. This goal is relevant because it directly contributes to their career aspirations and aligns with their interests and values. The 'Relevance' criterion helps to ensure that goals are not only specific, measurable, achievable, and time-bound, but also personally meaningful and worthwhile.