Realistic vs Attainable: When And How Can You Use Each One?

When it comes to setting goals, it’s important to distinguish between what is realistic and what is attainable. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings that can impact the success of your efforts.

Realistic refers to something that is based on reality, rather than idealized or imaginary. In the context of goal-setting, a realistic goal is one that takes into account the resources, time, and effort required to achieve it. It is a goal that is feasible and practical, given your current circumstances.

Attainable, on the other hand, refers to something that is achievable or within reach. An attainable goal is one that you have the ability and resources to accomplish, even if it requires some effort or stretching beyond your current capabilities.

While these two terms may seem similar, they have different implications for goal-setting. Realistic goals help you stay grounded in reality and avoid setting yourself up for failure by setting goals that are impossible to achieve. Attainable goals, on the other hand, help you stretch your abilities and achieve more than you thought possible.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between realistic and attainable goals and how to strike a balance between the two when setting your own goals.

Define Realistic

Realistic refers to something that is based on or reflects what is possible, achievable, or expected in a given situation. It is a practical approach that takes into account the available resources, limitations, and constraints. Realistic goals are those that can be accomplished with the available means and within a reasonable timeframe.

For example, if you are a beginner in a sport, setting a goal to win a championship in the first year may not be realistic. It is important to set goals that challenge you but are also within your capabilities. Realistic goals help you stay motivated, avoid frustration, and achieve success.

Define Attainable

Attainable refers to something that is within reach or can be achieved with effort and persistence. It is a goal that is challenging but not impossible. Attainable goals require a clear plan, consistent action, and a positive mindset.

For example, if you want to start a business, setting a goal to become a millionaire in the first year may not be attainable. However, setting a goal to generate a certain amount of revenue or reach a certain number of customers in the first year may be attainable. Attainable goals help you build confidence, develop skills, and make progress towards your ultimate vision.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning. The words “realistic” and “attainable” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that should be used appropriately. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words correctly in a sentence.

How To Use “Realistic” In A Sentence

The word “realistic” is an adjective that describes something that is based on reality and is achievable. Here are some examples of how to use “realistic” in a sentence:

• It’s not realistic to expect to become a millionaire overnight.
• The team set a realistic goal of finishing the project within six months.
• She gave a realistic portrayal of the character’s emotions in the movie.

As you can see, “realistic” is used to describe something that is achievable or based on reality. It is important to use this word appropriately to avoid confusion.

How To Use “Attainable” In A Sentence

The word “attainable” is also an adjective that describes something that is achievable or within reach. Here are some examples of how to use “attainable” in a sentence:

• The company set an attainable sales target for the quarter.
• With hard work and dedication, becoming a doctor is an attainable goal.
• She made a list of attainable New Year’s resolutions that she could realistically achieve.

As you can see, “attainable” is also used to describe something that is achievable or within reach. However, it is important to note that “attainable” is more focused on the possibility of achieving something, while “realistic” is more focused on the practicality of achieving something.

By using these words appropriately, you can ensure that your writing is clear and effective in conveying your intended message.

More Examples Of Realistic & Attainable Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between realistic and attainable, it can be helpful to see how each word is used in a sentence. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using Realistic In A Sentence

• It’s not realistic to expect to become a millionaire overnight.
• She set a realistic goal of losing 10 pounds in three months.
• The company’s revenue projections were not realistic given the current market conditions.
• It’s important to have a realistic understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses.
• He gave a realistic portrayal of life in the inner city.
• It’s not realistic to think that you can finish this project in one day.
• The team needs to set realistic expectations for what they can accomplish in the next quarter.
• She has a very realistic approach to problem-solving.
• It’s not realistic to expect everyone to agree on every issue.
• He had a realistic view of the challenges that lay ahead.

Examples Of Using Attainable In A Sentence

• She believes that her dream of becoming a doctor is attainable with hard work and dedication.
• The company’s goal of increasing sales by 10% next year is attainable if they implement the right strategies.
• He set an attainable goal of running a 5K in six months.
• It’s important to set attainable goals in order to avoid feeling discouraged or overwhelmed.
• The team needs to focus on attainable objectives that can be accomplished in the next few weeks.
• She has a talent for breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more attainable steps.
• He believes that success is attainable for anyone who is willing to put in the effort.
• It’s important to have a clear understanding of what is and isn’t attainable in a given situation.
• She is a firm believer in setting challenging but attainable goals.
• He was able to achieve his dream of starting his own business by setting attainable milestones along the way.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to setting goals, people often confuse the terms “realistic” and “attainable”. While these two words may seem interchangeable, they have distinct meanings that can lead to common mistakes. Here are some of the most frequent errors people make when using these terms, and tips on how to avoid them:

Confusing Realistic With Attainable

One of the most common mistakes people make is using the words “realistic” and “attainable” interchangeably. While both terms relate to achieving a goal, they have different connotations. Realistic refers to something that is based on reality, while attainable means something that is achievable or within reach.

For example, if your goal is to become a millionaire in a year, it may be attainable, but it is not realistic. On the other hand, if your goal is to save $10,000 in a year, it may be both realistic and attainable, depending on your income and expenses.

Setting Unrealistic Goals

Another mistake people make is setting unrealistic goals. While it’s important to aim high, setting goals that are too far out of reach can lead to frustration and disappointment. For example, if you have never run a mile in your life, setting a goal to run a marathon in a month is not realistic or attainable.

To avoid this mistake, start by setting small, achievable goals that will lead you to your ultimate objective. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, start by running a mile, then gradually increase your distance over time.

Underestimating Your Abilities

Conversely, some people make the mistake of underestimating their abilities and setting goals that are too easy to achieve. While it’s important to set achievable goals, it’s also important to challenge yourself and aim for something that will push you out of your comfort zone.

To avoid this mistake, take an honest assessment of your skills and abilities, and set goals that will challenge you without being impossible to achieve. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, so don’t be afraid to take risks and push yourself to be your best.

Context Matters

When it comes to setting goals, the choice between realistic and attainable can depend heavily on the context in which they are used. While these terms may seem interchangeable, there are important distinctions between them that can impact the effectiveness of goal-setting.

Realistic Vs Attainable: Understanding The Difference

Before delving into the role of context, it’s important to define what we mean by realistic and attainable. A realistic goal is one that is based in reality and takes into account any limitations or obstacles that may exist. An attainable goal, on the other hand, is one that is within reach and can be accomplished with effort and dedication.

While these definitions may seem similar, they can have vastly different implications depending on the situation. For example, a realistic goal for a beginner runner may be to complete a 5K race in six months, while an attainable goal may be to run a mile without stopping within the next month.

Contextual Factors

There are a number of contextual factors that can impact the choice between realistic and attainable goals. Some of these factors include:

• Timeframe: If there is a tight deadline or time constraint, it may be more important to focus on attainable goals that can be accomplished quickly.
• Resources: The amount of resources available, such as money, personnel, or equipment, can impact the feasibility of a goal. In situations where resources are limited, it may be more realistic to set smaller, attainable goals.
• Experience: The level of experience or expertise of the individual or team can also play a role in goal-setting. For those who are just starting out, attainable goals may be more appropriate, while those with more experience may be able to tackle more ambitious, realistic goals.

It’s important to consider these contextual factors when setting goals in order to choose the approach that is most likely to lead to success. For example, in a business setting where resources are limited and time is of the essence, setting a realistic goal to double revenue within a month may not be feasible. Instead, setting attainable goals to increase sales by a certain percentage or acquire a certain number of new customers may be more appropriate.

Ultimately, the choice between realistic and attainable goals depends on a variety of contextual factors. By understanding the differences between these approaches and considering the specific situation at hand, individuals and organizations can set goals that are challenging yet achievable, leading to greater success and satisfaction in the long run.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the terms “realistic” and “attainable” are generally used in the same context, there are certain exceptions where the rules for using them might not apply. Here are some examples:

1. In The Context Of Goal Setting

When it comes to setting goals, what is realistic for one person may not be attainable for another. For instance, if someone wants to lose weight, a realistic goal might be to lose 1-2 pounds per week. However, if they have a health condition that makes it difficult to lose weight, that goal may not be attainable for them. In this case, they may need to set a different goal that is more realistic and attainable for their specific situation.

2. In The Context Of Creativity

When it comes to creative pursuits, such as writing, painting, or music, what is realistic or attainable is often subjective. For instance, a writer may have a goal of writing a novel in six months, but if they are struggling with writer’s block, that goal may not be attainable. In this case, they may need to adjust their goal or approach to better suit their creative process.

3. In The Context Of Risk-taking

When it comes to taking risks, what is realistic or attainable may depend on a person’s level of experience and comfort with risk. For instance, investing in the stock market may be a realistic and attainable goal for someone with a lot of experience and knowledge in investing, but it may not be for someone who is new to investing. In this case, the latter person may need to start with smaller, more attainable goals to build their confidence and knowledge before taking on larger risks.

4. In The Context Of Personal Values

What is realistic or attainable may also depend on a person’s personal values and priorities. For instance, someone who values work-life balance may find it unrealistic to work 80 hours a week, even if it is attainable for them. In this case, they may need to adjust their goals or priorities to better align with their values.

Overall, while the terms “realistic” and “attainable” are useful guidelines for setting goals and making plans, it’s important to recognize that there may be exceptions where these rules don’t apply. By considering the context and individual circumstances, we can make more informed decisions about what is realistic and attainable for ourselves and others.

Practice Exercises

Learning the difference between realistic and attainable can be challenging, but with practice, it can become second nature. Below are some practice exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these two terms:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either realistic or attainable:

1. It’s ________ to become a millionaire overnight.
2. Setting ________ goals is important for success.
3. It’s not ________ to expect to be an expert in a new skill after only a few days of practice.
4. She set an ________ goal to run a marathon within a year.
5. It’s ________ to think you can learn a new language in a week.

Answer key:

1. realistic
2. attainable
3. realistic
4. attainable
5. unrealistic

Exercise 2: Identify The Term

Read the following sentences and identify whether the term used is realistic or attainable:

Sentence	Term
She set a goal to save $10,000 in one year.	attainable
He thinks he can become a professional athlete without any training.	unrealistic
She wants to become an astronaut, but she’s afraid of heights.	unrealistic
He set a goal to read 100 books in one year.	attainable
She wants to become a doctor, but she’s not willing to go to medical school.	unrealistic

Exercise 3: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using either realistic or attainable:

Answer key:

1. It’s realistic to expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week with a healthy diet and exercise.
2. Setting attainable goals is key to staying motivated and achieving success.
3. It’s not realistic to think you can become a professional musician without years of practice.
4. She set an attainable goal to save $5,000 for a down payment on a house within two years.
5. It’s unrealistic to expect to become a CEO of a company without any prior experience or education.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between realistic and attainable language use, it is clear that while it is important to strive for accuracy and precision in our writing, we must also be realistic about our abilities and limitations. It is essential to strike a balance between setting achievable goals and pushing ourselves to improve.

Some key takeaways from this article include:

• Realistic language use involves acknowledging our limitations and focusing on achievable goals.
• Attainable language use involves pushing ourselves to improve and striving for accuracy and precision.
• Both realistic and attainable language use are important for effective communication.

As writers, we should continue to learn about grammar and language use to improve our skills and strive for excellence. By setting realistic and attainable goals, we can achieve success in our writing endeavors.