Realistic goals

In general, the advice to make realistic goals means you have to base your goals in reality instead of in fantasy - to work in probabilities instead of possibilities.
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Specifically, it means to make goals that are actually within your control. Things that you have the ability and leverage to change. For instance, if I make the goal to “win my next judo tournament,” then this is not a SMART goal because it is not realistic. I am not the only one that makes the final decision as to whether or not I am the winner of the next tournament. My opponents have a say, the referees have a say, and fate/chance/Providence has a say in it. I simply don’t have the leverage to make that a realistic expectation.
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On the other hand, If I identify uchimata as a weakness of mine that had something to do with me losing the last tournament, then I can do everything in my power to improve my uchimata and hope that that improvement carries over into the next tournament. My performance on a specific thing is something I can control to a great degree.
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SMART, realistic goals are ones that you are in control of.

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Don't forget the Call for Submissions for Carnival #5. The theme for this month is related to non-violent resolution of conflict.