SMART goals help people turn aspirations into achievable outcomes by providing a clear path for what they want to accomplish.
We’ll explain what SMART goals are and how to set them, but also offer SMART goal templates you can use in your work and life.
- A SMART goal is an objective-setting method for making goals specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.
- SMART goals help you reduce workload overwhelm, develop autonomy, and improve time management.
- SMART goals should be used to set priorities, achieve high-level objectives, and for personal growth.
- SMART goals shouldn’t be used solely to measure your wins and losses when the outcome is uncertain or when you expect a challenge.
- The most common SMART goal mistakes include setting goals that are too vague, unachievable, or irrelevant to the broader objective.
Basic SMART Goal Template (+ Problems)
Elaborate SMART Goal Template (+ Problems)
SMART Action Plan Template (+ Action Steps and Responsibilities)
SMART Goal Template for Project Managers
SMART Goal Template (+ Rewards/Motivations)
What is a SMART goal?
A SMART goal is an objective-setting technique for defining specific, actionable outcomes, such as launching a new marketing campaign to get 500 leads by Q3.
The acronym SMART stands for 5 characteristics of a goal that you should consider to achieve the goal successfully. Each characteristic is represented by 1 letter in the SMART abbreviation:
- Specific — a specific goal is straightforward and precise (e.g., “I want to reduce the 6 hours I spend daily processing Excel data to 3 hours by implementing an improved work routine”).
- Measurable — a measurable goal has quantifiable criteria that allow you to track progress and evaluate success (e.g., “I want to reduce the 6 hours I spend daily in Excel to 3 hours, and I’ll measure my progress by tracking the time I spend in Excel every day”).
- Attainable — an attainable goal is realistic in the sense that you have a reasonable amount of time, money, and skills to reach it (e.g., “I have access to Excel eBooks that will help me learn how to be more efficient when using Excel”).
- Relevant — a relevant goal holds particular importance in your life, the project you’re working on, or your business as a whole (e.g., “I want to cut the time I spend processing Excel data in half so I can have more time for other work activities”).
- Time-bound — a time-bound goal “binds” you with a specific time frame within which the goal should be achieved (e.g., “I want to cut the time I spend on Excel calculations in half by the 15th of next month”).
How to write SMART goals?
Here are 7 critical steps to follow on your SMART goals journey.
#1: Make goals specific
Specific goals are precise enough so that you won’t steer away from achieving them.
If you say that you want to be in marketing, that’s a nonspecific goal. On the other hand, saying that you want to land the position of a Junior Marketing Specialist in a Boston tech company is a well-defined, specific goal you can strive for.
#2: Make goals measurable
Measurable goals have clear metrics that help you track progress and stay on target.
If you say that you’ll study for your Monday math exam, you might not actually follow through with this plan. Now, let’s assume you say that you’re going to study for your math exam for 5 hours each day, leading up to the next-to-last day before the exam, when you’ll revise everything. This is a measurable goal with clear benchmarks and a plan you can stick to.
With time trackers like Clockify, you can estimate how long you’ll be working on your tasks (or activities that contribute to your goal) and then track the time you actually spend on them.
This way, you can compare your progress against your plan and ensure you’re putting in enough effort to reach your goals.
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#3: Make goals attainable
Achievable goals are realistic enough for you to reach them successfully.
Saying that you’ll lose 30 lbs in 1 month is usually not attainable, as losing that much in such a short time is nearly impossible. But saying that you’ll lose 2 lbs every week for a month by eating healthier and exercising regularly is attainable. With such a reasonable goal, you’ll have the best chance to stay motivated throughout it.
#4: Make goals relevant
Relevant goals are the ones that directly impact your progress and are particularly important to you.
Say you want to major in economics, but you plan on pursuing a career in nursing. That right there makes it an irrelevant goal, as it’s not aligned with your long-term objective.
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To learn more about different types of goals and how they’re interconnected, read the blog post below:
#5: Make goals time-bound
Time-bound goals are usually set within a specific time frame, with a clear deadline for their completion.
Saying that you want to improve your leadership skills is not a time-bound goal. But if you say you want to improve your leadership skills over the next 3 months, you have a defined period to work within. This helps you stay focused and accountable.
With Clockify, you can track time on activities (e.g., leadership training, mentoring, reviewing feedback) and use the Calendar view to visualize your week and check how you’ve invested your time.
By checking the time you’ve spent on your goal-related activities, you’ll be able to evaluate your consistency and identify where you can improve.
#6: Write your goals down
After defining your SMART goals, you should record them — either in writing or in a digital tool. This way, you can refer back to them whenever you need guidance.
According to a study on goals, participants who wrote their objectives accomplished significantly more than those who didn’t. That’s why you shouldn’t underestimate the power of goal documentation.
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Download free goal-setting templates to plan, organize, and reach both your short-term and long-term goals:
#7: Review and adjust your goals
Once you define and record your goals, you can start working on them. However, it’s essential to review your goals regularly to ensure they remain aligned with your priorities.
As CEO at 5app, Philip Huthwaite says, it’s best not to look too far into the future, as goals can become outdated due to shifting circumstances:
“I prefer to set quarterly goals and revise them regularly, as things change quickly, and we don’t want to be working towards goals that are no longer relevant.”
By adjusting your goals based on your current situation, you ensure you’re always working towards meaningful outcomes.
What are some examples of SMART goals?
Next, we’ll provide some SMART goal examples, divided into several categories (for work, time management, students, leadership, and personal development).
#1: SMART goal examples for work
Example 1: Increase monthly sales (relevant) by 10% (measurable) within the next 3 months (time-bound) by contacting 1,000 potential customers and following up with leads regularly (specific and achievable).
Example 2: Increase organic search traffic (relevant) by 25% (measurable) over the next 6 months (time-bound) by publishing 2 SEO-optimized blog posts per week and targeting high-value keywords (specific and attainable).
Example 3: Increase team task completion rates (relevant) from 85% to 95% (measurable) within 4 months (time-bound) through weekly progress reviews (specific and achievable).
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#2: SMART goal examples for time management
Example 1: Reduce time spent on emails (relevant) from 3 to 2 hours a day (measurable) within 1 month (time-bound) by using email templates and unsubscribing from newsletters not related to work (specific and attainable).
Example 2: Reduce meeting time (relevant) from 10 to 7 hours per week (measurable) in 2 months (time-bound) by setting clear meeting agendas with a defined purpose, discussion topics, and time limits of 15 minutes for stand-ups, 60 minutes for weekly meetings, and 30 minutes for status updates (specific and achievable).
Example 3: Decrease overtime work (relevant) from 5 to 2 hours per week (measurable) in 2 months (time-bound) by setting daily priorities (specific and attainable).
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#3: SMART goal examples for students
Example 1: Increase GPA (relevant) from 2.8 to 3.2 (measurable) within 1 semester (time-bound) by attending all lectures and studying at least 2 hours per day (specific and achievable).
Example 2: Secure at least 1 internship (measurable and relevant) within 3 months (time-bound) by tailoring your CV for each application and practicing interview skills twice a week (specific and attainable).
Example 3: Increase focused study time (relevant) from 1 to 2 hours per day (measurable) within 4 weeks (time-bound) by using the Pomodoro timer and eliminating social media distractions during study sessions (specific and achievable).
#4: SMART leadership goals examples
Example 1: Improve task delegation skills (relevant) over the next 3 months (time-bound) by matching tasks with team capabilities each week and ensuring 100% of tasks have clear deadlines (measurable, specific, and achievable).
Example 2: Improve hiring (relevant) over the next 3 months (time-bound) by interviewing all shortlisted candidates within 5 days of selection and giving final decisions within 48 hours after interviews (measurable, specific, and attainable).
Example 3: Improve communication skills (relevant) over the 6 weeks (time-bound) by attending 1 communication training session per week and applying at least 1 learned technique in weekly team meetings (measurable, specific, and achievable).
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#5: SMART goal examples for personal life
Example 1: Build an emergency fund (relevant) of $1,500 within 6 months (time-bound) by setting aside $250 from my monthly income and tracking my spending each week to eliminate unnecessary expenses (specific, attainable, and measurable).
Example 2: Develop a reading habit (relevant) by reading 30 minutes daily (measurable) for 6 weeks (time-bound) and recording each session in a habit tracker to maintain consistency (specific and achievable).
Example 3: Increase upper body strength (relevant) in 8 weeks (time-bound) by doing strength workouts 3 times per week and gradually increasing the number of consecutive push-ups by 2 reps each week (measurable, specific, and attainable).
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SMART goal templates
SMART goal templates and SMART goal cheat sheets provide an outline for your SMART goal setting. Here are 10 different templates you can use to set your SMART goals easily and efficiently.
Basic SMART Goal Template
The Basic SMART Goal Template helps you get a bird’s-eye view of your professional or business goal.
The Basic SMART Goal Template is divided into 5 sections, each representing a letter of the SMART acronym. Answer 1 or 2 questions for each section to determine whether the goal is worth your time. Then check whether you missed any important aspects and rewrite as necessary.
The Basic SMART Goal Template is perfect for people who want a simple approach to setting their goals.
⬇️ Download the Basic SMART Goal Template PDF
⬇️ Download the Basic SMART Goal Template Google Docs
⬇️ Download the Basic SMART Goal Template Google Sheets
Basic SMART Goal Template (+ Problems)
The Basic SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) provides deeper insights into the resources and people who can help you in reaching your goals.
The Basic SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) has 2 parts. The first part contains questions to understand the problems you face. The second part is a cheat sheet that can help you solve those problems.
Answer 1 or 2 questions for each of the 5 sections (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Next, think about the problems you may encounter as you work toward the said goal — and try to solve them before they happen.
The Basic SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) is perfect for businesses and individuals who want to predict financial and organizational issues.
⬇️ Download the Basic SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) PDF
⬇️ Download the Basic SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) Google Docs
⬇️ Download the Basic SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) Google Sheets
Simple SMART Goal Template
The Simple SMART Goal Template is a more relatable and direct template with phrases that anyone can fill out fast. It lets you determine why you want to pursue your goal — and start planning it.
Answer each question in as much detail as possible. As soon as you’re done, consider if you’ve left out any important information and add it accordingly.
The Simple SMART Goal Template is perfect for people who want to set SMART goals but don’t necessarily want to adhere to SMART criteria.
⬇️ Download the Simple SMART Goal Template PDF
⬇️ Download the Simple SMART Goal Template Google Docs
⬇️ Download the Simple SMART Goal Template Google Sheets
Elaborate SMART Goal Template
The Elaborate SMART Goal Template guides you through your thought process with in-depth prompts — exploring your potential, desires, and plans more thoroughly.
The Elaborate SMART Goal Template is divided into 5 sections, each representing a letter of the SMART acronym. Answer a list of questions for each section to determine whether the goal is worth pursuing.
The Elaborate SMART Goal Template is ideal for people who need more guidance on whether their goal is SMART.
⬇️ Download the Elaborate SMART Goal Template PDF
⬇️ Download the Elaborate SMART Goal Template Google Docs
⬇️ Download the Elaborate SMART Goal Template Google Sheets
Elaborate SMART Goal Template (+ Problems)
The Elaborate SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) is a helpful tool for identifying problem areas and solving each. This template contains useful prompts on resources and people you can check in with to help you reach your goals faster.
The Elaborate SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) has 2 parts. The first part features a series of SMART framework questions. The second part is a cheat sheet for solving problems you established in the first part.
Answer a list of questions for each of the 5 sections (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound). After that, think about the problems you may face as you work toward the said goal — and try to solve them before they happen.
The Elaborate SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) is perfect for businesses and individuals who want to explore financial and organizational concerns in depth.
⬇️ Download the Elaborate SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) PDF
⬇️ Download the Elaborate SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) Google Docs
⬇️ Download the Elaborate SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) Google Sheets
SMART Goal Tree Template
The SMART Goal Tree Template helps you select and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that tell you how well you’re progressing with your goal.
To use the SMART Goal Tree Template, set up at least 3 indicators for your goal. Then insert measures to track progress and reach the targets.
For example, the overall goal could be: “Improved customer satisfaction by 50%.”
An indicator for this goal would be: “The number of calls, requests, and emails taken by customer support and ending in happy resolutions.”
The 2 measures we can use to calculate the indicator could be:
- “Professionally and cheerfully handling customer requests, calls, and emails.”
- “Creating an incentive system for customer support agents to be better in their job.”
Finally, the 2 targets for each measure could be:
- “50% more calls/emails handled more professionally and cheerfully by customer support.”
- “Managers in the customer support team giving positive employee reviews weekly.”
You can use this template to measure success in various business areas, such as company finance, internal processes, and more.
⬇️ Download the SMART Goal Tree Template PDF
⬇️ Download the SMART Goal Tree Template Google Docs
⬇️ Download the SMART Goal Tree Template Google Sheets
SMART Action Plan Template (+ Action Steps and Responsibilities)
The SMART Action Plan Template (+ Action Steps and Responsibilities) outlines responsibilities and sets out steps on your path to achieving your professional and personal goals. In fact, it gives you immediate feedback on whether you’ve reached your objectives in the end.
The SMART Action Plan Template (+ Action Steps and Responsibilities) lets you determine the value of a goal by asking you to explain how or why the goal is:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
Then you can add the name of the person responsible for the goal (that is, your name) and outline the steps you need to take to achieve success.
The SMART Action Plan Template (+ Action Steps and Responsibilities) is also great for teamwork on a project where each team member has different goals and responsibilities that tie together into one greater purpose.
⬇️ Download the SMART Action Plan Template (+ Action Steps and Responsibilities) PDF
⬇️ Download the SMART Action Plan Template (+ Action Steps and Responsibilities) Google Docs
⬇️ Download the SMART Action Plan Template (+ Action Steps and Responsibilities) Google Sheets
New Year SMART Goal Template
The New Year SMART Goal Template prompts you to outline your personal and professional aspirations for the coming year. As a result, this template goes above and beyond to explore which goals you truly want to pursue — or not.
The New Year SMART Goal Template lets you define SMART goals for your:
- Personal growth
- Health
- Business life
- Family and friends
- Travels
- Hobbies
- New purchases in the new year
Answer the prompts in as much detail as possible. For example, in the Personal growth section, you can list things such as “Start meditating every day for 30 minutes” or “Read 20 book pages daily” and go from there.
The New Year SMART Goal Template is perfect for anyone who wants to carry out New Year’s resolutions — students, freelancers, or anyone else pursuing goals in the coming year.
⬇️ Download the New Year SMART Goal Template PDF
⬇️ Download the New Year SMART Goal Template Google Docs
⬇️ Download the New Year SMART Goal Template Google Sheets
SMART Goal Template for Project Managers
The SMART Goal Template for Project Managers is a clear, concise, and descriptive tool that helps you lead your team and create a roadmap for success.
With the SMART Goal Template for Project Managers, you can assess each goal you want to assign to a team member. In fact, you can decide whether the goal needs redefining or even if it’s worthwhile (or unattainable by the assigned team member) in the first place.
The SMART Goal Template for Project Managers consists of 5 sections. Answer 2 questions per section to set and define a goal worth pursuing.
This SMART goal template is perfect for managers who are currently defining the project goals and objectives.
⬇️ Download the SMART Goal Template for Project Managers PDF
⬇️ Download the SMART Goal Template for Project Managers Google Docs
⬇️ Download the SMART Goal Template for Project Managers Google Sheets
SMART Goal Template (+ Rewards/Motivations)
The SMART Goal Template (+ Rewards/Motivations) presents a powerful tool for learning what motivates you to reach your goals.
Respond to 5 questions from the SMART framework, followed by 2 questions on how you’ll make the goal motivating and rewarding.
Pick this SMART goal template if you want to define specific rewards that await you when you reach a goal.
⬇️ Download the SMART Goal Template (+ Rewards/Motivations) PDF
⬇️ Download the SMART Goal Template (+ Rewards/Motivations) Google Docs
⬇️ Download the SMART Goal Template (+ Rewards/Motivations) Google Sheets
Tips for setting SMART goals
In this section, we’ll provide some useful tips for setting SMART goals so you can make the most of this framework.
#1: Set a SMART action plan and stick to it
Set a SMART action plan to ensure your progress:
- Focus on 1 goal in 90-day sprints
- Spell out each action step in a timeline
- Track your progress every week
CEO of Smartech Business Systems, Vincent Nair, says that defining a roadmap for your team’s goals brings you clarity:
“Planning is one of the most effective ways to ensure goals are well-understood, timely, and realistic. With a clear schedule and roadmap in place, your entire team will have a better understanding of exactly how, why, and when your goals are being set.”
For each SMART action plan, you can create a list of tasks that you need to complete to achieve the ultimate goal.
As health coach Stephanie Averkamp suggests, instead of focusing on the goal itself, you should focus on your behavior in reaching the said goal:
”Center your SMART goals around specific behaviors or actions that’ll take place instead of around specific results you want to achieve. For example, set a SMART goal that’s focused on the exercise you’ll do instead of the amount of weight you’ll lose. Your behavior is the one thing you have full control over, and behavior drives results.”
When you break your goal into more manageable pieces, you have a better overview of what needs to be done.
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#2: Make a workable schedule
To accomplish your SMART goals faster, make time estimates for each activity or task that you need to complete. What’s more, make use of the time blocking technique to organize your tasks into specific blocks of time.
If your goal is to lose 2 lbs every week for a month by eating healthier and exercising regularly, assign specific blocks of time in your calendar to activities that support your goal. For example, you can schedule activities such as:
- A morning walk from 7:00 to 7:30 a.m. each weekday
- Workouts from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
- Meal prep from 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday
Registered dietitian Kelsey Costa thinks that journaling can play a major role in creating a workable schedule:
“Journaling can be a powerful tool for increasing self-awareness, reflection, and the attainment of goals. Journaling helps identify obstacles, patterns, and areas of strength that you may need to draw on during your goal-setting journey. Regularly revisit the specifics of your goals, such as action steps, measurements, and deadlines.”
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#3: Celebrate your milestones
Celebrating small wins is crucial as it helps you sustain your motivation and build confidence for the challenges ahead.
Head of Organic Growth at Enhancv, Kaloyan Dimitrov, says that it’s important to reward yourself whenever you reach a meaningful milestone:
“Keep yourself motivated and committed to accomplishing your goals by celebrating the milestones that you reach along the route. Think about treating yourself to something special whenever you reach a significant milestone or accomplish a particular goal.”
So, make sure you pause to appreciate your progress — whether by enjoying your favorite activity, going to a spa, or having dinner with your friends.
#4: Find an accountability partner
Your accountability partner (a friend, team member) should be someone who won’t let you slack off. They should be encouraging, but also provide honest feedback and advice when needed.
Depending on your goal, you can schedule weekly or bi-weekly check-ins with your accountability partner to reflect on what you’ve accomplished. You can also use shared documents to review what you’ve achieved, what slipped, and what you plan for the following week.
When you have someone holding you responsible for your progress, you’re more likely to stay disciplined.
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#5: Assign people to help you with your goals
Let others help you achieve your goals or accomplish your tasks.
If you’re the editor-in-chief and need a document proofread thoroughly, you don’t have to do it yourself. Instead, ask a fellow editor or writer on your team to do the job for you. In fact, assigning the right people to the job can lead to faster and higher-quality results.
Track your SMART goals effectively with Clockify by CAKE.com
With a simple yet powerful goal tracker app, you and your team can set and track your goals more easily than ever.
Clockify by CAKE.com lets you record the time you spend on goal-related activities and track your progress for improvement. Simply create a project in Clockify (your goal) and add tasks within that project (the tasks you need to complete to reach your goal). You can also favorite your projects/tasks in Clockify for a quick find.
To create Clockify tasks, you need to:
- Go to the project you previously created
- Open the Tasks tab
- Type your task name
- Click Add
After that, you can set time estimates for your tasks, track the time you spend on them, and see how well you’re doing overall.
If a certain task (or tasks) takes longer than expected, you can use this knowledge to make better time estimates for future goals. In any case, you’ll be able to set more realistic objectives.
Choose the most suitable Clockify plan to check in on your or your team’s progress and assess your performance. And if you want to skyrocket your team’s productivity, try the CAKE.com Bundle. You’ll get the Clockify time tracker, Pumble team chat app, and Plaky project management tool for just $12.99 per user per month.
FAQs about SMART goals
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about SMART goals.
Why should I use SMART goals?
SMART goals help you beat workload overwhelm. When you know what needs to be done, when, and how, you’re less likely to feel burned out.
Setting SMART goals also helps you reduce distractions. With Clockify, you can break down goals into easily digestible tasks, which helps maintain focus.
Finally, SMART goals help you develop autonomy. They give you a clear framework for managing your own progress and decisions, allowing you to take ownership of your growth.
When to use SMART goals?
Use SMART goals to set your priorities. Once you have your goals in place, it’s easier to decide which tasks deserve your immediate attention and which don’t.
Furthermore, use SMART goals for high-level objectives (e.g., advancing your career) that require a thorough action plan.
Lastly, use SMART goals for personal development. When you incorporate the SMART goal criteria into your daily routine, you can identify areas for improvement and make a positive change in your life.
When not to use SMART goals?
Don’t use SMART goals to “count” your successes and failures. If you didn’t achieve your goal this time, it doesn’t mean you won’t next time.
SMART goals don’t work for uncertain objectives. Content Manager at Quirky Digital, Emily Griffiths, agrees:
“SMART goals shouldn’t be used in creative projects when you’re not sure what’s achievable.”
If you expect sudden challenges (e.g., encountering a technical issue that requires learning an unfamiliar tool) along the way, SMART goals aren’t for you.
Are SMART goals outdated?
Founder of Alliance Medical Revenue Group, Yahya Khan, thinks SMART goals aren’t outdated — but may be too rigid in fast-moving environments:
“Sometimes the right goal is uncomfortable, and the timeline is uncertain. I combine SMART structure with ‘directional goals’. You know the destination clearly, the exact path stays flexible.”
Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) are used to track progress toward bigger strategic objectives.
PACT goals emphasize controllable outputs, not outcomes.
HARD goals are used for setting meaningful and challenging objectives.
What are common SMART goals mistakes?
Common SMART goals mistakes are:
- Being too vague — when your goal lacks specificity, it’s difficult to know what actions to take or whether you succeeded.
- Being unrealistic — setting overly ambitious goals can reduce motivation and lead to frustration.
- Setting irrelevant goals — if your goal doesn’t support a larger purpose, achieving it may not fulfill you.
- Setting too many goals at once — pursuing too many goals simultaneously weakens your focus and drains your energy.
