11 Free SMART Goals Templates to Edit, Download, and Print (2024)

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Goals are meant to get you to where you want to go. They are an important component of success.

However, if a person or a company’s goals are vague or unrealistic, they can do more harm than good.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry expressed it quite clearly in this quote:

A goal without a plan is just a wish.

SMART goals templates help you to achieve success.

With a SMART template, you’ll be able to keep track of goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely.

In this post, we share our collection of 11 SMART templates to help you succeed in your goal-setting.

You’ll find templates that are ideal for introducing goal-setting to children, templates for both businesses and personal life, colorful templates, and minimalistic ones as well.

Let’s dive into the list and get you started on your journey to success.

What You Will Learn

  • 1. DGH SMART Goals Printable
  • 2. DGH SMART Goals Template (Guided)
  • 3. DGH SMART Goals Template
  • 4. SMART Goal Planner
  • 5. SMART Goals for Kids
  • 6. Colorful Template
  • 7. Simple Goal Worksheet
  • 8. Professional Looking Goal Setting Template
  • 9. Detailed SMART Goal Setting Worksheet
  • 10. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely
  • 11. SMART Goal Map
  • 12. My SMART Goal
  • 13. Gray Themed Goal Setting Template
  • 14. Simple SMART Goal Templates
  • Final Thoughts

1. DGH SMART Goals Printable

11 Free SMART Goals Templates to Edit, Download, and Print (1)

Download the PDF

If you want a simple way to create SMART goals for any area of your life, our Free Printable SMART Goals Worksheet can help. Learn how to use this worksheet by reading our guidehere.

2. DGH SMART Goals Template (Guided)

11 Free SMART Goals Templates to Edit, Download, and Print (2)

Download the PDF

First on the list is our very own Guided SMART Goals Template. We’ve added a guide question for each aspect of SMART goal setting to help you throughout the process. This is ideal if you are just starting out with SMART goal setting and need a bit of guidance. This simple template comes in A4 size.

3. DGH SMART Goals Template

11 Free SMART Goals Templates to Edit, Download, and Print (3)

Download the PDF

For the more experienced SMART goal setter who doesn’t like distractions, this template is for you. Its no-frills approach will help you get to the execution part of your plan faster. It is straightforward: just write your SMART goal in each dedicated box. This simple template comes in A4 size.

4. SMART Goal Planner

via Fractus Learning

Finally, we have this template sample from Fractus Learning. This template ensures that the goals you are creating are concrete.

Just like the other templates, it has sufficient space where you can write the details of your SMART goals. Then, at the bottom of the page, there is enough space to write a clear statement of your goal.

5. SMART Goals for Kids

via Template Lab

First on the list is a template designed for kids.

Introducing goal-setting to children helps them develop this life skill early on.

It can be especially valuable as they take on bigger responsibilities. It can also be a springboard to help them learn about personal responsibility.

This example is available from Template Lab (clicking the link instantly downloads a .zip file of the template). It features a colorful template with the image of a kid surrounded by speech bubbles.

Each speech bubble contains a prompt that kids will answer in order to establish their SMART goals.

The template is downloadable and editable as a Word, Excel, or PDF file.

6. Colorful Template

via Sugar, Spice & Glitter

This colorful template is pretty straightforward when it comes to helping you plan your SMART goals.

It has a number of spaces for different aspects of SMART goal-setting. One goal goes into each sheet of the template.

The beauty of this template is that you can use it for any type of goal-setting. You can plot out your monthly goals with it, and it’s also great for creating exciting, long-term goals.

7. Simple Goal Worksheet

via Class Crown

This template is primarily designed for student use. It has two main sections:

  • Brainstorm
  • Goal

In the Brainstorm section, template users are to identify up to four personal strengths, as well as four of the challenges they face in relation to the goal they want to achieve. (Check out this post of self-awareness activities to help discover your personal strengths.)

The Goal section, meanwhile, provides space for the user to write a statement about their goal. There is also space to write three actionable steps for achieving this goal.

Another column in this section allows the user to identify key helpers and/or accountability partners to help them attain their goal.

Finally, like a binding contract, the user signs their name at the bottom of the page.

8. Professional Looking Goal Setting Template

via Wise Goals

Here is a professional-looking template for your SMART goals. It can be downloaded as a printable PDF file. (Administrative assistants can use it to set their smart goals.)

The header contains a motivational quote from Daisaku Ikeda, one of the most influential Japanese pacifists and spiritual leaders of the 20th century. The quote says:

Anyone who has ever made a resolution discovers that the strength of their determination fades with time. The important thing is not that your resolve never wavers, but that you don’t get down on yourself when it does and throw in the towel.

We agree. Never give up, even when life gets hard.

9. Detailed SMART Goal Setting Worksheet

via Spark People

Do you need a detailed template for your goals?

This one from Spark People provides in-depth guide questions to streamline your goals and help you achieve success.

When you use this template, you’ll be prompted to create success markers to check on your progress. Set aside at least half an hour to fill out this template. When you’re done, you’ll have a clear roadmap for reaching your goals. This template is available as a .doc file.

10. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely

via Jessi Fearon.

When working your way to success, it is important to be as specific as possible with your goals.

For example, rather than declaring “Lose weight this year,” you can make it more specific by stating “Lose 25 pounds by summer.”

This specific statement conditions your brain to work on achieving a specific goal. It sets you up for guaranteed success.

In this template, you’ll be prompted to specify your goals. Then you are encouraged to reflect on and identify obstacles and setbacks that might stand in the way of obtaining what you want.

After that, a section lets you identify up to seven action items and tasks. There are also slots for target dates.

These deadlines help create a sense of urgency for your brain. This, in turn, makes you receptive to opportunities that bring you closer to your goals.

Finally, the worksheet has space for writing down how you will reward yourself when you’ve achieved your goals. (Check out some ideas for rewarding yourself.)

11. SMART Goal Map

via Daily Teaching Tools

This goal map is primarily designed to help students set and achieve their goals.

Each of the five boxes represents one letter of the SMART acronym. There are also guide questions you can answer in relation to SMART goal-setting.

Children and young people benefit from setting small, achievable goals. Accomplishing these goals boosts confidence and encourages them to apply goal-setting in other areas of their lives.

To help your kids in their goal-setting, you might want to check out this post for SMART goal examples for kids.

12. My SMART Goal

via Simplify Create Inspire

This simple template is an ideal goal-setting tool when you need a no-frills approach to tracking your goals.

Although initially designed for kids, this template actually works well for people of all ages.

The template comes in a teal-colored theme. Unlike other templates, this one prompts you to reflect on why your goal is important to you.

If you’re working on goal-setting with kids, you might want to display their goal worksheets after they’ve filled them out. This serves as a visual reminder, much like a vision board, which activates the Law of Attraction and helps them achieve what they want.

13. Gray Themed Goal Setting Template

via On Planners

This elegant template might be what you need for goal setting if you love the color gray. It is intended for use in a team setting, but it can also be tweaked for personal use.

It has guide questions to help you explore and establish your goals, as well as a plan for how to accomplish them.

When formulating your goal, make sure to use clear, concise language. Your goal statement should be one or two sentences only.

Visualize how it will look when you’ve achieved your goal. Set a target date for when the goal has been achieved. Remember to take note of the actual date when you’ve accomplished your goal.

14. Simple SMART Goal Templates

If you’re looking for a a variety of SMART goals templates, these might be the one for you.

When you’re using a SMART template, you will be encouraged to reflect on how important or worthwhile your goal is.

Some of the questions that help you explore this aspect of goal-setting are:

  • Does it really matter to you?
  • Why are you doing this?
  • Does it support others and/or a wider purpose?

Determining how relevant your goal is often helps you become more committed to following through with it.

Final Thoughts

Goal-setting often fails because the things that people want to achieve are not written down. Another reason why people fail to achieve their goals is that they don’t have a concrete plan for how to pursue them.

SMART goals templates help bring structure and organization to your goal-setting. In addition, it encourages you to be accountable in working towards what you want to achieve and tracking your progress on your way there.

We hope you have found the template that works best for your needs in today’s post.

You might also want to take a look at some goal-setting worksheets made by Develop Good Habits for you. Head over to this post to check out the free downloadable worksheets.

If you are looking for other resources on goal-setting, the following posts might be of great help:

  • 9 Best Goal Setting Planners (Our 2021 Review)

Finally, if you want to take your goal-setting efforts to the next level, check out this FREE printable worksheet and a step-by-step process that will help you set effective SMART goals.

11 Free SMART Goals Templates to Edit, Download, and Print (6)

11 Free SMART Goals Templates to Edit, Download, and Print (2024)

FAQs

How do I create a SMART goal template? ›

Start by defining your SMART goal using the Define your SMART goal sheet. Write your goal next to the example goal in Your Initial Goal section. Make your goal specific by defining exactly what you want to accomplish. Write the specific goal next to the example goal in the Make it specific section.

What are the 5 SMART goals your answer? ›

The SMART in SMART goals stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

What is a SMART goal PDF? ›

SMART is an acronym that stands for. specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and. timely - all attributes you'll need to set effective goals.

What are SMART goals examples? ›

SMART Goal Example:
  • Specific: I'm going to write a 60,000-word sci-fi novel.
  • Measurable: I will finish writing 60,000 words in 6 months.
  • Achievable: I will write 2,500 words per week.
  • Relevant: I've always dreamed of becoming a professional writer.
Mar 22, 2021

How do you fill out a SMART goal worksheet? ›

What Does the SMART Acronym Stand For?
  1. S – Specific. When setting a goal, be specific about what you want to accomplish. ...
  2. M – Measurable. What metrics are you going to use to determine if you meet the goal? ...
  3. A – Achievable. ...
  4. R – Relevant. ...
  5. T – Time-Bound.

How do you fill out SMART goals? ›

How to write a SMART goal
  1. S for specific. A goal should be linked to one activity, thought, or idea.
  2. M for measurable. A goal should be something you can track and measure progress toward.
  3. A for actionable. There should be clear tasks or actions you can take to make progress toward a goal.
  4. R for realistic. ...
  5. T for timely.

What are goals examples? ›

27 More Examples of Personal Goals
  • Find a career that you love.
  • Find a life partner.
  • Become an expert or leader in your field.
  • Go for a walk every day.
  • Become a better listener.
  • Buy your first home.
  • Save X number of dollars for retirement.
  • Give back to your community in ways that matter to you.

How do you set goals examples? ›

Ask yourself why you're setting a goal before you set it do so. Set goals about things you can control. Phrase your goal in a positive tone — for example, “Do one hour of physical activity each evening” instead of “Watch less TV in the evening” For each goal, create an action plan and a to-do list.

What are 3 good SMART goals? ›

S.M.A.R.T. goals are goals that are written to conform to the following criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable (or Attainable), Realistic (or Relevant), and Time-bound. The S.M.A.R.T.

What is a SMART goal worksheet? ›

Crafting S.M.A.R.T. Goals are designed to help you identify if what you want to achieve is realistic and determine a deadline. When writing S.M.A.R.T. Goals use concise language, but include relevant information.

What is your short term SMART goal? ›

The SMART goals are defined as a goal that is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. If your short-term goal is to increase the revenue, you can make it SMART by defining it more clearly like, increase the company revenue by 10% by the first quarter of the next year.

How do you write SMART targets for your own personal development? ›

First consider what you want to achieve, and then commit to it. Set SMART (specific, measureable, attainable, relevant and time-bound) goals that motivate you and write them down to make them feel tangible. Then plan the steps you must take to realize your goal, and cross off each one as you work through them.

How do you write a SMART goal essay? ›

You write specific, measurable, achievable +, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals in 2 areas: writing projects and writing talents. When you set goals in both areas (and act upon them) you'll transform your writing.

What are the 5 personal goals? ›

With this in mind, here are 10 primary goals to accomplish as you plan for life in the next 10 years.
  • Marriage and Family Harmony. ...
  • Proper Mindset and Balance. ...
  • Commitment to Improved Physical Health. ...
  • Career Passion and Personal Satisfaction. ...
  • Develop Empathy and Gentleness. ...
  • Financial Stability. ...
  • Service and Social Responsibility.

What are the 7 SMART goals? ›

In George Doran's original article, his acronym stood for specific, measurable, assignable, realistic, and time-related. Then I did various comparisons online and found that the most common version of S.M.A.R.T. nowadays stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely.

How do I create a SMART action plan? ›

To make sure your goals are clear and reachable, each one should be:
  1. Specific (simple, sensible, significant).
  2. Measurable (meaningful, motivating).
  3. Achievable (agreed, attainable).
  4. Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based).
Mar 9, 2016

What are the 8 personal goals? ›

Resilient = I can try again / I never give up. Collaborator = I can work together / I can take turns / I can share / I help. Communicator =I can listen / I can say/show. Respectful = I am caring / I can agree and disagree / I can look after my things / I can tidy up.

What are measurable goals examples? ›

Goal: I will target my lowest class average in order to raise my overall GPA. Specific: I want to improve my overall GPA so I can apply for new scholarships next semester. Measurable: I will earn a B or better on my MAT 101 midterm exam.

What goals can I set for myself? ›

20 goals to set for yourself
  • Improve your growth mindset.
  • Be more proactive.
  • Learn to understand yourself.
  • Be persistent despite obstacles.
  • Learn to accept your limits.
  • Learn how to make effective decisions.
  • Practice gratitude.
  • Stay open-minded to new opportunities.

What is a SMART action plan template? ›

SMART Goal Template. Page 1. SMART Goal Template. A SMART goal meets the criteria of the terms of the acronym SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time Bound.

How do I create an action plan template? ›

How to use the Action Plan Template
  1. Brainstorm and identify specific tasks. ...
  2. List the tasks and identify what's needed to complete them. ...
  3. Use SCHEMES to double-check your action plan. ...
  4. Prioritize the tasks. ...
  5. Set deadlines and milestones. ...
  6. Complete each task with the end goal in mind.

How do you write an IEP SMART goal? ›

IEP goals should, as noted, follow the SMART acronym, ensuring that they are specific, measurable, achievable, results-oriented, and time-bound. Following are some examples: "Adam will be able to read a passage orally in a grade-level book at 110 to 130 words per minute with no more than 10 errors."

What are measurable goals examples? ›

Goal: I will target my lowest class average in order to raise my overall GPA. Specific: I want to improve my overall GPA so I can apply for new scholarships next semester. Measurable: I will earn a B or better on my MAT 101 midterm exam.

How do I create a SMART plan? ›

To make sure your goals are clear and reachable, each one should be:
  1. Specific (simple, sensible, significant).
  2. Measurable (meaningful, motivating).
  3. Achievable (agreed, attainable).
  4. Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based).
Mar 9, 2016

What are 3 good SMART goals? ›

S.M.A.R.T. goals are goals that are written to conform to the following criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable (or Attainable), Realistic (or Relevant), and Time-bound. The S.M.A.R.T.

How do I create an action plan in Word? ›

Here's how to write an action plan explained in 6 easy steps.
  1. Step 1: Define your end goal. ...
  2. Step 2: List down the steps to be followed. ...
  3. Step 3: Prioritize tasks and add deadlines. ...
  4. Step 4: Set Milestones. ...
  5. Step 5: Identify the resources needed. ...
  6. Step 6: Visualize your action plan. ...
  7. Step 7: Monitor, evaluate and update.
Apr 25, 2022

How do you make an action plan in 5 easy steps? ›

5 Steps To Create An Action Plan Template
  1. Step 1 - What Do You Actually Want To Create? You need to get clarity on your desired outcome by asking yourself this question. ...
  2. Step 2 - Create A Timeline. ...
  3. Step 3 - Brain Dump. ...
  4. Step 4 - Order The List. ...
  5. Step 5 - First Essential Step.
Aug 16, 2019

What are the 7 steps in making an action plan? ›

In the next sections we will go through the seven steps to solve this problem:
  1. Step 1: Define the Problem(s) ...
  2. Step 2: Collect and Analyze the Data. ...
  3. Step 3: Clarify and Prioritize the Problem(s) ...
  4. Step 4: Write a Goal Statement for Each Solution. ...
  5. Step 5: Implement Solutions - The Action Plan. ...
  6. Step 6: Monitor and Evaluate.
Oct 9, 2012

What are some good writing goals for IEP? ›

Objectives to support IEP Writing Goals. Write the main idea with some supporting details on a topic. Research and write to convey understanding of a topic using at least one resource. Write clear, focused main ideas and supporting details on a topic.

What 4 elements must be contained in every IEP goal? ›

Each goal has four elements: a target behavior, the conditions under which the target behavior will be exhibited and measured, the criterion for acceptable performance, and the timeframe within which the student will meet the criterion.

How do you write IEP targets? ›

IEP CHECKLIST

Targets must be detailed, specific and time-related. Targets should be realistic and provide the child with the opportunity for success and achievement. The IEP must define how the targets are to be achieved. The IEP must detail the strategies and resources that are to be used.

What is your short term SMART goal? ›

The SMART goals are defined as a goal that is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. If your short-term goal is to increase the revenue, you can make it SMART by defining it more clearly like, increase the company revenue by 10% by the first quarter of the next year.

What are some good SMART goals for work? ›

SMART Goals - Examples
  • Overcome Your Fear of Presenting. I will build my confidence to deliver presentations so I can do so with less anxiety. ...
  • Be a Better Coach. I will improve my coaching skills. ...
  • Build Your Network. ...
  • Improving Productivity. ...
  • Become a Leader. ...
  • Be a Strategic Thinker.

What is realistic in SMART goals? ›

Realistic SMART Goals

A SMART goal must be realistic in that the goal can be realistically achieved given the available resources and time. A SMART goal is likely realistic if you believe that it can be accomplished.

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