SMART Goals Template [Download Free]

Maintaining high employee productivity levels in a dynamic environment has never been easier with this smart goals template. Proper goal setting can help you map out a clear path for how you’ll reach those organizational or personal milestones. Here’s what you need to know about getting the most out of using this handy smart goals worksheet template.

What’s a smart goals template?

A smart goals template is a ready-made tool that can help you create carefully planned, trackable, and effective goals. It uses the SMART framework, which is based on the principle of setting goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-oriented, hence the acronym.

Our smart goals and objectives template is therefore based on a solid, well-proven principle that has produced great results for employees and individuals alike. Business owners can use this smart goals template for employees to keep their team on track. This tool can even act as a smart goals template for teachers or other professionals who need a tangible way to measure their work progress.

If you have ever set weak or poorly framed goals, then you’re all too familiar with how tricky working towards such goals can be. Our smart goals worksheet template can boost your chances of success because of the following reasons:

Helps you to create clear and specific goals

Our template can help you fine-tune any goals you have in mind, so they’re not vague. It does so by helping you answer the following series of questions:

What do I want to achieve or accomplish? – This is your end goal so you must be clear about what it is before you can define the steps needed to get there.
Why do I want to accomplish it? – These reasons will keep you motivated since you know exactly why you’re doing what you’re doing.
What needs to be done to achieve this goal? – This helps you to set down the steps that will lead to your end goal.
Who needs to be involved when accomplishing this goal? – You can also pin-point any individuals that are key to the success of your goals and how best to approach them.
Are there any challenges to be overcome? – Figuring out how to get past challenges ahead of time ensures you don’t lose steam in your journey to achieve your goals.

The more clearly you can answer these questions, the more you narrow your goal and the greater your chances of success.

Ensures you set down measurable goals

Our template also helps you measure your progress so you can be sure that you will be able to successfully meet your goals. The following questions help you define the best way to find evidence that proves you’re moving in the right direction.

How do I measure my progress towards achieving the goal I have set above? – To answer this question, you’ll have to set milestones that can easily be measured.
How do I know when I have successfully met my goal? – When you have achieved all your milestones, make sure the result matches the end goal that you set out to accomplish in the first place.

Assists you with setting achievable goals

Your goals mustn’t be impossible. Otherwise, you’ll waste your time and efforts. Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid this by answering the questions in our smart goals worksheet template.

Do I have the skills, time, or know-how to achieve this goal? – Be honest about what you can and can’t do. Taking the time to answer this question helps you to think practically and reasonably.
If any of the above is lacking, how do I go around this? – If there are any obstacles in your path, make sure there’s a workaround solution before you work towards any goal.

Keeps your goals relevant

You need to make sure your goals align with your values and long-term objectives.

Why is it important that I achieve this goal? – Make sure you link the answer to your broader objectives, so the goal fits into your bigger picture.
How will it impact me if I achieve this goal? – Again this is to check that you’re not going against your long-term goals.

Creates a useful time-frame

Having a due date for accomplishing your goals ensures you can prioritize certain areas of your workload and stay motivated. Our template helps you ask the right questions, so you can see that light at the end of the tunnel every time you set down a goal.

What is the due date for accomplishing this goal? – You can give yourself anything from several days to months.
Is the due date realistic, and can I meet it? - Make sure the time is realistic and not too generous.

What are the benefits of using a smart goals template?

In a nutshell, our smart goals worksheet template comes with the following benefits:

Fosters transparency and clarity – When assigned to employees or used by individuals, it helps get rid of ambiguous meaning when it comes to what must be achieved.
Boosts motivation – Goals aren’t always easy to achieve but having a clearly defined path makes the process easier.
Saves money and time – When you have a higher success rate for achieving goals, your time, efforts, and money aren’t being wasted.
Improves focus – With each task you accomplish, you can go back to check your customized template to ensure you’re on the right track.

The bottom line

Here’s a solid example to help sum up the best way to use our smart goals template.

I will obtain a higher-paying job by finishing the required coursework in six months and applying for the position in the seventh month.

Specific: Applying for a higher-paying job is a well-defined goal.
Measurable: Progress can be measured by the number of modules completed.
Achievable: You’ll complete the required coursework needed to get a better job.
Relevant: You’re planning to get a better job in education after completing the required coursework.
Time-based: You have a set deadline to achieve your objective in the next month after completing all your modules.