smart action plan example for management

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How to write SMART goals

It’s easier to succeed when you have clearly defined objectives that are based in reality.

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5-second summary

• Teams often fall short of meeting their goals due to a lack of consensus on the definition of success.
• SMART goals use a specific set of criteria to help ensure that objectives are clearly defined and attainable within a certain timeframe.
• Working through each step of creating a SMART goal can reveal instances where priorities and resources are out of alignment.

Meet Jane. She’s a product manager at a mid-sized tech company – let’s call it Techfirm, Inc. Jane has been tasked with increasing usage of Techfirm’s mobile app.

She knows she’ll need all hands on deck to make this happen, but when Jane has set team-wide goals in the past, they’ve quickly fallen off track. Nobody seemed to have a clear understanding of what success should look like; progress wasn’t monitored closely enough, and inevitably, that important objective slipped to the back burner (before toppling off the stove entirely).

That’s why, this time around, Jane plans to leverage SMART goals for setting an action plan and staying the course.

Want to get started right now?

Use our template to define the different components of your SMART goal.

What are SMART goals?

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

Defining these parameters as they pertain to your goal helps ensure that your objectives are attainable within a certain time frame. This approach eliminates generalities and guesswork, sets a clear timeline, and makes it easier to track progress and identify missed milestones.

An example of a SMART-goal statement might look like this: Our goal is to [quantifiable objective] by [timeframe or deadline]. [Key players or teams] will accomplish this goal by [what steps you’ll take to achieve the goal]. Accomplishing this goal will [result or benefit].

Let’s use Jane’s objective to work through each component.

S: Specific

In order for a goal to be effective, it needs to be specific. A specific goal answers questions like:

• What needs to be accomplished?
• Who’s responsible for it?
• What steps need to be taken to achieve it?

Thinking through these questions helps get to the heart of what you’re aiming for. Here’s an example of a specific goal Jane might come up with:

Grow the number of monthly users of Techfirm’s mobile app by optimizing our app-store listing and creating targeted social media campaigns.

M: Measurable

Don’t underestimate the outsized impact of short-term goals

Specificity is a solid start, but quantifying your goals (that is, making sure they’re measurable) makes it easier to track progress and know when you’ve reached the finish line.

Jane and her product team want to grow the number of their mobile app users – but by how much? If they get even one new signup, that’s technically positive growth – so does that mean they’re done? Same goes for their strategy – how many platforms will they advertise on? 

To make this SMART objective more impactful, Jane should incorporate measurable, trackable benchmarks.

Increase the number of monthly users of Techfirm’s mobile app by 1,000 by optimizing our app-store listing and creating targeted social media campaigns for four social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

A: Achievable

This is the point in the process when you give yourself a serious reality check. Goals should be realistic –  not  pedestals from which you inevitably tumble. Ask yourself: is your objective something your team can reasonably accomplish?

Jane might look at her goal and realize that, given her small team and their heavy workload, creating ad campaigns for four social platforms might be biting off more than they can chew. She decides to scale back to the three social networks where she’s most likely to find new clients.

Increase the number of monthly users of Techfirm’s mobile app by 1,000 by optimizing our app-store listing and creating targeted social media campaigns for three social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Safeguarding the achievability of your goal is much easier when you’re the one setting it. However, that’s not always the case. When goals are handed down from elsewhere, make sure to communicate any restraints you may be working under. Even if you can’t shift the end goal, at least you can make your position (and any potential roadblocks) known up-front.

R: Relevant

Here’s where you need to think about the big picture. Why are you setting the goal that you’re setting? Jane knows that the app is a huge driver of customer loyalty, and that an uptick in their app usage could mean big things for the company’s bottom-line revenue goals. Now she revises her statement to reflect that context.

Grow the number of monthly users of Techfirm’s mobile app by 1,000 by optimizing our app-store listing and creating targeted social media campaigns for three social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Because mobile users tend to use our product longer, growing our app usage will ultimately increase profitability.

T: Time-bound

To properly measure success, you and your team need to be on the same page about when a goal has been reached. What’s your time horizon? When will the team start creating and implementing the tasks they’ve identified? When will they finish?

SMART goals should have time-related parameters built in, so everybody knows how to stay on track within a designated time frame.

When Jane incorporates those dates, her SMART goal is complete.

Grow the number of monthly users of Techfirm’s mobile app by 1,000 within Q1 of 2022. This will be accomplished by optimizing our app-store listing and creating targeted social media campaigns, which will begin running in February 2022, on three social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Since mobile is our primary point of conversion for paid-customer signups, growing our app usage will ultimately increase sales.

Knowing how to set goals using the SMART framework can help you succeed in setting and attaining goals, no matter how large or small.

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Article • 12 min read

SMART Goals

How to make your goals achievable.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

Key Takeaways

• SMART goals are S pecific, M easurable, A chievable, R elevant, and T ime-bound.
• They allow you to write goals that are clear, attainable and meaningful.
• Having clarity in your goal-setting provides the motivation and focus you need to be successful.

The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score.– Bill Copeland

Do you ever feel like you're working hard but not getting anywhere? Maybe you see little improvement in your skills or achievements when you reflect on the last five or 10 years. Or perhaps you struggle to see how you'll fulfill your ambitions during the next few years.

Many people spend their lives drifting from one job to another, or rushing around trying to get more done while actually accomplishing very little. Setting SMART goals means you can clarify your ideas, focus your efforts, use your time and resources productively, and increase your chances of achieving what you want in life.

In this article, we'll explore what SMART goals are, and we'll look at how you can use them to achieve your objectives.

Learn how to set SMART goals with our video and transcript .

What Are SMART Goals?

SMART is an acronym that you can use to guide your goal setting. To make sure your goals are clear and reachable, each one should be:

• S pecific (simple, sensible, significant).
• M easurable (meaningful, motivating).
• A chievable (agreed, attainable).
• R elevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based).
• T ime bound (time-based, time limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive).

Its criteria are commonly attributed to Peter Drucker's Management by Objectives concept. The first-known use of the term was in the November 1981 issue of Management Review by George T. Doran. Later, Professor Robert S. Rubin (Saint Louis University) wrote about SMART in an article for The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. He stated that SMART has come to mean different things to different people, as shown above.

Professor Rubin also noted that the definition of the SMART acronym may need updating to reflect the importance of efficacy and feedback. However, some authors have expanded it to include extra focus areas; SMARTER, for example, includes E valuated and R eviewed.

What Are the SMART Criteria?

SMART Criteria

How to Write a SMART Goal

Paul J. Meyer, businessman, author and founder of Success Motivation International , describes the characteristics of SMART goals in his 2003 book, " Attitude Is Everything: If You Want to Succeed Above and Beyond ." We'll expand on his definitions to explore how to create, develop and achieve your goals:

1. Specific

Your goal should be clear and specific, otherwise you won't be able to focus your efforts or feel truly motivated to achieve it. When drafting your goal, try to answer the five "W" questions:

• What do I want to accomplish?
• Why is this goal important?
• Who is involved?
• Where is it located?
• Which resources or limits are involved?

Imagine that you are currently a marketing executive, and you'd like to become head of marketing. A specific goal could be, "I want to gain the skills and experience necessary to become head of marketing within my organization, so that I can build my career and lead a successful team."

2. Measurable

It's important to have measurable goals, so that you can track your progress and stay motivated. Assessing progress helps you to stay focused, meet your deadlines, and feel the excitement of getting closer to achieving your goal.

A measurable goal should address questions such as:

• How will I know when it is accomplished?

You might measure your goal of acquiring the skills to become head of marketing by determining that you will have completed the necessary training courses and gained the relevant experience within five years' time.

3. Achievable

Your goal also needs to be realistic and attainable to be successful. In other words, it should stretch your abilities but still remain possible. When you set an achievable goal, you may be able to identify previously overlooked opportunities or resources that can bring you closer to it.

An achievable goal will usually answer questions such as:

• How can I accomplish this goal?
• How realistic is the goal, based on other constraints, such as financial factors?

You might need to ask yourself whether developing the skills required to become head of marketing is realistic, based on your existing experience and qualifications. For example, do you have the time to complete the required training effectively? Are the necessary resources available to you? Can you afford to do it?

Beware of setting goals that someone else has power over. For example, "Get that promotion!" depends on who else applies, and on the recruiter's decision. But "Get the experience and training that I need to be considered for that promotion" is entirely down to you.

4. Relevant

This step is about ensuring that your goal matters to you, and that it also aligns with other relevant goals. We all need support and assistance in achieving our goals, but it's important to retain control over them. So, make sure that your plans drive everyone forward, but that you're still responsible for achieving your own goal.

A relevant goal can answer "yes" to these questions:

• Does this seem worthwhile?
• Is this the right time?
• Does this match our other efforts/needs?
• Am I the right person to reach this goal?
• Is it applicable in the current socio-economic environment?

You might want to gain the skills to become head of marketing within your organization, but is it the right time to undertake the required training, or work toward additional qualifications? Are you sure that you're the right person for the head of marketing role? Have you considered your partner's goals? For example, if you want to start a family, would completing training in your free time make this more difficult?

5. Time-bound

Every goal needs a target date, so that you have a deadline to focus on and something to work toward. This part of the SMART goal criteria helps to prevent everyday tasks from taking priority over your longer-term goals.

A time-bound goal will usually answer these questions:

• What can I do six months from now?
• What can I do six weeks from now?
• What can I do today?

Gaining the skills to become head of marketing may require additional training or experience, as we mentioned earlier. How long will it take you to acquire these skills? Do you need further training, so that you're eligible for certain exams or qualifications? It's important to give yourself a realistic time frame for accomplishing the smaller goals that are necessary to achieving your final objective.

Used with Permission from The Meyer Resource Group,® Inc.

The Pros and Cons of SMART Goals

SMART is an effective tool that provides the clarity, focus and motivation you need to achieve your goals. It can also improve your ability to reach them by encouraging you to define your objectives and set a completion date. SMART goals are also easy to use by anyone, anywhere, without the need for specialist tools or training.

Various interpretations of SMART have meant that it can lose its effectiveness or be misunderstood. Some people believe that SMART doesn't work well for long-term goals because it lacks flexibility, while others suggest that it might stifle creativity. For more information on the potential weaknesses of SMART, see our article, Locke's Goal-Setting Theory .

Frequently Asked Questions About SMART Goals

What does smart stand for.

SMART stands for S pecific,  M easurable,  A chievable,  R elevant, and  T ime-bound.

What about SMARTER goals?

In this expanded acronym, the E stands for Evaluated, and the R for Reviewed.

Who invented SMART goals?

The SMART goals concept is commonly attributed to Peter Drucker, author of Management by Objectives . The first-known use of the term was in the November 1981 issue of Management Review by George T. Doran.

What’s an example of a SMART goal?

Let’s say you’re a marketing executive, and you think you'd like to become head of marketing. This is a specific goal. You might measure your goal of gaining the skills to become head of marketing by deciding it will take five years. Ask yourself whether gaining these skills is achievable , based on your existing experience and qualifications. Are you at the right point in your career? Is it relevant to what you want? Give yourself a realistic time frame for accomplishing the smaller goals that are necessary to achieving your final objective.

How do I write a SMART goal plan?

• Start by asking exactly what you need to accomplish. This will make your goal specific.
• Quantify your goals. Measurable goals are easier to track, so build in milestones.
• Your goal should be achievable. Is this something you can do with the resources at your disposal?
• Think why you’re setting this goal. How will it improve your life or career? This is what makes it relevant.
• Know exactly when you’ll have reached your goal. Have a firm schedule, and stick to it.

For other goal-setting resources, see our articles, Golden Rules of Goal-Setting , Using Well-Formed Outcomes in Goal Setting , Personal Goal Setting , and Treasure Mapping .

• SMART is a well-established tool that you can use to plan and achieve your goals.
• While there are a number of interpretations of the acronym's meaning, the most common one is that goals should be S pecific, M easurable, A chievable, R elevant, and T ime-bound.
• When you use SMART, you can create clear, attainable and meaningful goals, and develop the motivation, action plan, and support needed to achieve them.

Rubin, R. (2002). Will the Real SMART Goals Please Stand Up? [online]. Available here . [Accessed January 27, 2016.]

Meyer, Paul J. (2003). " Attitude Is Everything: If You Want to Succeed Above and Beyond ." Waco, TX: Meyer Resource Group.

Haughey, D. (2014). A Brief History of SMART Goals [online]. Available here . [Accessed January 27, 2016.]

Smart Goals Guide, (2014). Why Goal Setting Is Important [online]. Available here . [Accessed January 27, 2016.]

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Golden rules of goal setting.

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Your complete guide to SMART goals (with examples & a free template)

Most professionals realize the importance of establishing workplace goals. They spur great performance, increase motivation, align teams, boost engagement levels, and even drive profitability. However, the majority of companies still fail to set effective objectives: 51% of organizations don’t even attempt to develop aligned goals (1), leading to 1 in 3 employees being unsatisfied with internal goal setting (2) and as many as 90% of businesses not achieving their strategic objectives (3).

There’s certainly a disconnect between how vital people think putting productive goals in place is and how often companies do it well.

The well-known SMART guidelines constitute one strategy that ambitious, dynamic organizations can use to start setting better goals that are equal parts meaningful, realistic, and actionable. In this article, we’ll not only explain what SMART goals are, but we’ll also provide you with a free, downloadable SMART goal template and discuss a couple of detailed examples.

• Phoenix Business Journal , 2020
• Leapsome Workforce Trends Report , 2023 ‍
• Economist Impact , 2021 ‍

💡 Want to make your goals SMART? Simply download our free SMART goal template and we’ll help you write your own. 👉 Download the template

What are SMART goals?

SMART is a framework that enables people to establish goals that are both actionable and achievable. That’s because it prompts them to carefully define and evaluate their objectives, while also helping them keep track of their progress along the way. SMART goals were initially developed in the 1980s by George T. Doran , but the world has seen several versions and iterations since then.

As defined in Dr. Osahon Ogbeiwi’s 2017 study on SMART goals : “Writing objectives as SMART statements is the gold standard for goal setting because it gives a clear direction for action planning and implementation.”

SMART goals are popular in professional contexts such as project management and performance management, but some also use them for personal development. Most importantly, the framework is popular because it’s easy for just about anyone to use, doesn’t require any specific training, and makes goal setting a more structured process. The SMART acronym is most commonly broken down as follows:

S — Specific

M — Measurable

A — Achievable

R — Relevant

T — Time-bound ‍

💡Pro tip: SMART goals and objectives and key results (OKRs) are two of the most common professional goal-setting frameworks. If you’re curious about the differences between SMART goals and OKRs , we’ve got a detailed article dedicated to just that topic.

Leapsome’s SMART goal setting template

Many professionals have a general understanding of what SMART goals are and what the acronym means, but they nevertheless find it hard to put the criteria into action when establishing their own objectives. This template will get you on the right track by proposing a series of reflective questions that’ll empower you to set goals that are more specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

🧠 Never set a SMART goal before? Our convenient free template includes the top questions you should ask yourself when formulating yours. 👉 Download the template

The breakdown: How to develop your own SMART goals

Though the SMART guidelines are known for their simplicity, many people still have trouble putting them into action. It might sound great to develop objectives that are measurable and relevant, but how does that look in practice?

Let’s break down what each part of the SMART acronym stands for and consider how to integrate it into your goal-setting process in a meaningful way. ‍

Many people make the mistake of establishing objectives that are too vague or that they haven’t defined and reflected on sufficiently. This is a serious misstep: Unclear goals are far more difficult to reach, because you won’t really understand what you’re working toward. They’re also less motivating and satisfying, since you can’t clearly visualize what you’re striving for. This was proven as early as 1976, when a famous study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology on goal clarity, goal setting participation, and job satisfaction found that the more specific people’s goals are, the more motivated they become. That, in turn, increases the likelihood of individuals accomplishing their objectives successfully.

When developing your own SMART goals, ask yourself the following questions to make your objective more specific:

• What’s the most precise version of my goal? (Remember to account for the who, what, where, when, and why.)
• What will my goal accomplish?
• What granular actions will I have to take to reach my goal? ‍

Next, define how you’ll monitor your progress while working toward your goal and, ultimately, how you’ll know when you’ve been successful. It’s also ideal to leverage goal-setting software like Leasome to streamline the way you keep track of your advancement and connect your objectives with those of the team and company.

In his 2013 study Making SMART Goals Smarter, Les Macload underlines some of the reasons why building measurable goals is so crucial: “Specific measurement criteria will eliminate the possibility of future disagreements. Also implicit in the measurement criteria is the important concept of accountability. It’s much more difficult to avoid accountability when measurement criteria are clear and not subject to interpretation.”

Consider the following questions to transform your goal into something more measurable:

• How will I know when I’ve achieved my goal?
• How will I keep track of my progress while I’m working toward my goal?
• Will I leverage any specific metrics to monitor how I’m moving toward my goal? Which ones and why? ‍

Any objective should be at least a little bit ambitious, but consider whether you’ll realistically be able to accomplish your goal with the time and resources you have and the situation you’re currently in. There’s no point in establishing a goal that you won’t be able to follow through on, as it’ll be both frustrating and demotivating.

Indeed, a 2020 study from the Queen Mary University of London found that when people consider the effort that’s necessary to achieve a goal and focus on the rewards of those efforts in the long term, they’ll be more likely to accomplish their objective.

Keisha Moore-Medina , a therapist at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, TX, specializes in goal setting. In an NPR article, she further explains why setting achievable goals is so vital: “It’s a reality check on just how much time and resources you have to devote to it. And, it sometimes begs a bigger question: ‘Why should I commit to this goal?’”

Try reflecting on these questions to check that your goal is achievable:

• Do I have the skills, time, and/or resources I need to achieve my goal?
• If not, can I acquire them or get additional assistance? ‍

Now, think about why the goal you’re establishing should be prioritized above other potential pursuits. If you’d like to set a target for career growth, consider how it fits in with your present professional situation. Imagine you’ve been thinking of learning Spanish. If you’d like to eventually pursue a transfer to the Spanish branch of the company, this would make it an important and time-sensitive goal. If your interest is not tied to a current need for the language, it would be better for your professional development to focus on other, more immediate objectives and consider learning Spanish as a longer-term personal development goal.

There’s also another aspect to this guideline. Even if your goal might not immediately appear relevant to your current professional situation, intentionally reflecting on its relevance will give you a chance to dig into and justify why it actually does deserve priority at that time.

These questions can help ensure your goal’s relevancy:

• Why am I establishing this goal now? 
• How does my goal fit with my short and long-term professional objectives?
• How is this goal helpful or meaningful to me? ‍

Last, define when you want to fulfill your goal. It’s essential to specify the timeframe for effective goal setting as it’ll encourage your focus on this target within a certain period and let you know whether you’re on track with the initial time estimate. To avoid having to adjust the timeline as you go, consider defining deadlines for different milestones — especially if you’re pursuing a more complex objective.

Les Macload discusses why ‘time-bound’ is an essential part of the SMART goal framework in his 2013 study : “As soon as possible is simply not an acceptable time frame. Without a predetermined deadline, there’s only a general notion about due dates, which in turn generates a less than rigorous pursuit of closure. Where there’s only a loose expectation of closure, prioritizations and associated time management requirements are more apt to lack needed discipline.”

The following questions will prompt you to add a time-bound element to your goal:

• When do I want to achieve my goal?
• Does my goal encompass several milestones, or is there one solid deadline? What are they?
• Are the milestones and/or deadlines I’m establishing for my goal realistic? ‍

🤝 We’ll help you write your own SMART goals Our template uses intentionally designed questions to guide you from vague aspirations to detailed objectives ‍ 👉 Download the template

2 examples of professional SMART goals in action

Now that we’ve discussed what SMART goals are and provided you with the template and complementary information you need to begin writing yours, let’s consider a couple of examples of how SMART goals can look in professional settings to give you some initial ideas. ‍

1. Build a remote freelancer onboarding process

In this case, let’s imagine that a team lead needs to create an onboarding process for remote freelancers . They’re working with freelancers more and more and have realized that their current approach to onboarding isn’t ideal for remote workers.

Now, let’s improve this goal with the SMART guidelines:

• Specific — I’ll revise our current approach to freelancer onboarding, discuss it with colleagues and community members and ask for their input, do my own industry research, determine which aspects I can keep and which aspects I need to change, and share the finished result with the people team for a last review.

• Measurable — Once new hires have gone through their first 90 days with the company, I’ll send them an employee survey on the onboarding process and ask for their feedback on it. Leapsome’s Surveys module will analyze their responses and use the resulting data to keep track of onboarding satisfaction rates. I’ll also rely on the Instant Feedback module to prompt team members for input on their experience with freelancers who have gone through the revamped onboarding program and investigate whether they seem more informed and better equipped to carry out their work than before. ‍ ‍
• Achievable — I have the skills and resources I need to build an excellent onboarding process for remote freelancers. The leadership team agrees that we need a revamped onboarding approach for remote freelancers. They’ve given me the okay to time block an hour and a half each day to work on this, which will provide me with the time I need. ‍ ‍
• Relevant — We’ve been working with an increasing number of freelancers over the last quarter, and it’s become clear to me and the broader team that our current onboarding approach isn’t adequately preparing them for their work or meeting their needs. ‍ ‍
• Time-bound — I’d like to have the new remote freelancer onboarding process ready to upload into our project management software one month from now. I’ll need approximately two weeks to take stock of the situation and do my research, a week to come up with an initial draft, and another week to ask colleagues to give it a final review.

Of course, it’s not realistic to include all those details in the final SMART goal, but consider how much more reflection, intention, and planning went into the SMART version of this objective when compared with the initial idea. The finished SMART goal might look something like this:

• Revamp our onboarding process for remote freelancers over the next month to better integrate rising numbers of them into our workflows, prepare them to effectively collaborate and carry out their work sooner, and increase their satisfaction rates. ‍

2. Improve attention to detail

Now, let’s consider a marketing team member who’s been with the organization for a year. Overall, they’re performing well, but in the recent review with their manager, they collaboratively decided that they needed to improve their attention to detail skills.

Let’s consider how to elevate that goal with SMART guidelines:

• Specific — I know that my work is strong in general, but it could be made even better if I was more thorough and meticulous in my attention to detail. More specifically, I want to learn more about our company’s tone of voice (TOV) and try out strategies to ensure the marketing content I produce aligns with it more consistently. I also struggle with unclear writing and typos from time to time, which I find hard to correct with self-editing alone, so I’d like to focus on that as well. ‍ ‍
• Measurable — I’ll refer to my Q4 performance review scores to gauge how well I’m progressing toward this goal. For Q3, my skills in this field were rated slightly “below expectations,” and in Q4, I’d like to be rated as “consistently meeting expectations.” I’ll also ask my colleagues for peer assessments and informal feedback on my attention to detail to get a more balanced, nuanced view of my development.

• Achievable — I’m performing well overall and my manager and peers had actionable recommendations for growth in this category, so I’m well-positioned to improve over a relatively short period with a combination of learning materials, 1:1 check-ins, and coaching and shadowing sessions with colleagues and more senior team members. ‍ ‍
• Relevant — This is the competency where I need to improve the most, so it makes sense to prioritize. Once I excel in all the performance categories that are relevant to my current role, I’ll be able to progress through my department’s career development framework and work toward an eventual promotion . ‍ ‍
• Time-bound — I’d like to work on this consistently throughout Q4 and make an improvement before my quarterly performance assessment.

Considering all the information above, the marketing team member’s SMART goal could be:

• Improve my attention to detail during Q4 using a combination of learning activities, development-focused check-ins, coaching, and shadowing sessions, and reach a score showing that I “consistently meet expectations” on my next quarterly performance review. ‍

💭 Need guidance developing SMART goals? Our free, downloadable SMART goal template will prompt you to consider all the necessary details for complete, actionable objectives.   👉 Download the template

Elevate your goal-setting & tracking process with Leapsome

Goal setting is crucial for people-centered, forward-thinking organizations that want to motivate and engage employees, foster a collaborative work environment, and drive great performance. However, many leaders fail to support their people in defining goals that are both challenging and achievable, which leads to them missing out on top-level results.

As we’ve seen, SMART guidelines are one strategy that professionals can use to establish effective goals across all levels of their organization. However, it’s even better to use holistic goal-setting software like Leapsome to set, collaborate on, track, and revise individual, team, and company goals.

Our Goals module supports different goals frameworks — including SMART and OKRs — and enables users to visualize their progress, prompt colleagues for feedback, and align their aspirations with company objectives.

Leapsome knows that establishing great goals is one thing, but leveraging intelligent software to meaningfully integrate them into people’s day-to-day workflows will take their impact to new heights. ‍

⚡ Supercharge your SMART goals Leapsome’s Goals module integrates with Reviews, Instant Feedback, and Meetings to enrich the goal-tracking progress, promote collaboration, and foster success. 👉 Book a demo

 FAQs about SMART goals

1. what are the benefits of a smart goal.

There are several benefits to SMART goals. Some of the most significant ones are simple: The framework is easy for anyone to use, doesn’t require specific training, and prompts people to carefully consider their goals while they’re establishing them, which leads to better, more achievable objectives. More specifically, the SMART goal approach enables professionals to:

• Cut through the noise, reflect on what they want to accomplish, and get precise about their aspirations
• Strike a balance by setting targets that are both realistic and challenging
• Define specific metrics and criteria to help measure goal progress and success
• Reflect on how their goals align with the company’s big-picture objectives and long-term success
• Break down goals into milestones and set deadlines that are both sensible and motivating ‍

2. How do SMART goals help employees?

SMART goals help employees because they’re more intentional, actionable, and achievable than the basic goals people come up with in brainstorming sessions. The beauty of the SMART framework is that it provides people with simple, easy-to-use guidelines that prompt them to carefully consider their goals anddefine how they’ll keep track of their success. This process results in employees establishing more gratifying goals that are aligned with their current priorities and realistic for them to attain. ‍

3. OKRs vs. SMART goals: Which is more effective?

The question shouldn’t be whether OKRs or SMART goals are more effective. Instead, focus on determining which of the two goal-setting frameworks better suits your circumstances and fulfills your needs. To help you make that decision, here are some of the biggest differences between OKRs and SMART goals :

• SMART goals follow a set of guidelines, whereas OKRs are based on a structured framework.
• SMART goals focus on the how, whereas OKRs focus on the why.
• SMART goals are better for short-term and smaller projects, whereas OKRs are best for long-term goals.
• SMART goals are more fixed because of their short-term nature, whereas OKRs are often evaluated and adjusted over time.
• SMART goals are ideal for single-metric targets, whereas OKRs work well with multi-metric objectives.

Leapsome Team

Related Articles

A step-by-step guide to starting with OKRs from an OKR expert

Cascading goals framework: A strategy for growth

How to conduct effective OKR planning

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How to Set SMART Goals (+ Examples and Templates)

Table of Contents

We all have goals — to be more successful in what we do, to enroll in a university, improve our skills — the list goes on. Goals are what sets thriving people apart from everyone else. 

As Norman Vincent Peale, an advocate of the positive thinking movement, once said:

“All successful people have a goal. No one can get anywhere unless he knows where he wants to go and what he wants to be or do.”

But are your goals always worth pursuing?

Are your goals always even possible to achieve?

Are your goals tangible?

Those are all difficult questions ⁠that often surpass our ability to answer in a straightforward, systematic, and logical way. 

Luckily, I’ll offer simple criteria you can use to determine the value of any goal — they’re called SMART goals. 

In this guide, I’ll also lay out the answers to the following questions:

• What are SMART goals exactly,
• How and when to set SMART goals, and
• When SMART goals are not that smart.

As a bonus, I’ll give you a few SMART goal templates to use in your work and life and touch on how to write SMART goals you’ll stick to.

Let’s get rolling! 

What is a SMART goal?

The acronym SMART stands for 5 characteristics of a goal that you should consider to be able to achieve the goal successfully. Each characteristic is represented by 1 letter in the SMART abbreviation:

• S stands for Specific — specific goals are straightforward, precise, and can be easily defined.
• M stands for Measurable — measurable goals constitute points of reference you can use to assess whether you are successful in progressing toward or reaching the said goal.
• A stands for Attainable — attainable goals are realistic in the sense that you have a reasonable amount of time, money, and skills to reach them.
• R stands for Relevant — relevant goals hold particular importance in your life, the project you’re currently working on, or your business as a whole.
• T stands for Time-bound — time-bound goals “bind” you with a specific time frame you’ll have to work on to call your efforts a success.

In other words, SMART goal setting helps you elaborate your aims and desires — and make an action plan. In fact, setting SMART goals increases the possibility of achieving your goal. 

Interestingly, SMART goals are also known as SMART criteria or SMART objectives, too. But no matter your SMART goals definition, don’t pass on this opportunity to make them part of your routine.

For an illustration of SMART goals, take a look at my example of cutting time for processing data in Excel below:

How to write SMART goals?

By now, you might wonder, “ How do I write a SMART goal and how do I apply this framework to real-life scenarios? ” 

I’m glad you asked!

The application of SMART goals varies. In any case, you can use these criteria to decide whether your current career goals are worth pursuing or if working on particular areas of your personal development would be beneficial enough.

To help you wrap your head around the matter, here are 5 critical steps to follow on your SMART goals journey. Let’s get started!

Step #1: Make goals specific 

Specific goals are well-defined and precise enough so that you won’t steer away from achieving them. 

Let’s take a look at an example. 

If you say that you want to be in marketing, that’s a nonspecific goal.

It’s what you usually say to your extended family when you want them to stop bugging you about when you’ll get a job. Again, it sounds nice, and it may even impress your grandparents — but it’s too broad to motivate you to act on it. 

On the other hand, suppose you say you want to land the position of a Junior Marketing Specialist in a Boston tech company. Now, that’s a well-defined, specific goal you can strive for. 

Let’s look at a few prompts to use when crafting your SMART goals.

Questions for specific goals

If you want to make a goal specific, consider answering a few questions. You don’t have to answer all of them, but the more questions you answer, the more specific your goal gets. 

Here they are:

• Q1: What is the goal?
• Q2: What are the details of the goal?
• Q3: What do I want to accomplish with it?
• Q4: Who is involved?
• Q5: Where is it going to happen?
• Q6: What resources are available?

Examples of answers that prove the goal is specific :

• A1: I want to land a Junior Marketing Specialist position.
• A2: I want to apply for 10 job calls each week during the month. At this rate, I’ll land a job faster.
• A3: I want to feel financially stable, enjoy my work more, and generally feel better about myself.
• A4: I’m the chief person responsible for getting the job. Still, I’ll also talk to a few mentors and industry peers to learn how to land a good position.
• A5: I’ll spend a bit more time online, researching and applying for jobs. I’ll look at job boards and create my own portfolio website.
• A6: I’ll have advice from my mentors and the network I’ve established over the years. Also, I’ll ask previous employers to write me recommendation letters.

Step #2: Make goals measurable

Measurable goals consist of specific milestones with clearly defined criteria that help you track your progress on your way to achieving them.

For example, if you just say that you’ll study for your Monday math exam, you might not be actually able to follow through with this plan. 

When you define your goal without a specific, actionable plan, you don’t have any distinguishable milestones to help you stay on track. 

But 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 the last day before the exam when you’ll revise everything. Now, that’s a measurable goal with clear milestones and a plan you can follow (and a plan you can stick to).

So, let’s explore 3 questions and 3 answers of measurable goals.

Questions for measurable goals

If you want to make a goal measurable, consider answering the following questions:

• Q1: How will I measure progress?
• Q2: Do I have the necessary tools to measure my progress?
• Q3: How will I know the goal has been accomplished?

Examples of answers that prove the goal is measurable :

• A1: To measure my progress (or lack thereof), I’ll check in with my goal tracking app of choice and get a report on how much time I spent studying for the math exam.
• A2: I’ve recently subscribed to the Clockify goal tracker to track my progress daily. Also, I’ve set a clear learning goal with areas where I expect improvements, like algebra, geometry, and arithmetic.
• A3: Simple math will tell me whether I have accomplished my goal. If by next Monday, my time tracking report shows that I’ve spent 5 hours a day reading, studying, and learning for the math exam, I’ll consider it a success.

💡 Clockify Pro Tip

Whatever SMART goal you set, you should measure and keep track of it with a fitting tool. Here’s the definitive list of the best goal tracker apps you can use for this purpose:

• 12 Best goal tracker apps for 2022

Step #3: Make goals attainable 

Attainable goals are realistic enough for you to successfully reach them. 

Saying that you’ll lose 30 lbs in 1 month is usually not attainable .

In fact, you can expect 2 outcomes that can come from such an overachieving goal — and neither is favorable:

• You go on a strict diet and exercise routine. You stick to your diet without faltering and exercise hard every morning. But, ultimately, you fail because losing that much in such a short time is near impossible.
• You feel discouraged by such an unfeasible goal from the start. So much that you give up without even trying.

On the other hand, saying that you’ll lose 3 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.

Next, let’s dive into 5 questions and 5 answers of attainable goals.

Questions for attainable goals

To make your goal more attainable, answering the following questions might help:

• Q1: Do I have the financial capacity to accomplish my goal?
• Q2: Do I have the skills and willpower to accomplish my goal?
• Q3: Will I have access to help when needed?
• Q4: Do I have all the necessary resources?
• Q5: Do I have the time to accomplish the goal?

Examples of answers that prove the goal is attainable :

• A1: I have enough money to join a gym and consult with a professional trainer.
• A2: I’ve previously already lost 13 lbs within a month on a different occasion. As a result, I firmly believe I can do it again.
• A3: I’ll have access to a personal trainer, helpful advice from my nutritionist friend, and additional support from my family.
• A4: I have all the necessary resources at hand, as my city has several great gyms. I also have an enviable selection of healthy food in the neighborhood supermarket.
• A5: Considering that I work remotely 5 days a week and my job comes with flexible working hours, I can spare 1 hour per weekday to go to the gym — and I have enough time to prepare healthy meals. I can easily spare even more time for the gym and food preparation on weekends.

Step #4: Make goals relevant 

Relevant goals are the ones that directly impact your progress and are particularly important to you.  

So, to actually stick to your goals till the finish line, you need to make sure your goals are relevant. 

Say you want to major in economics. That sounds relevant and worthwhile, right?

However, you’re not the least bit interested in economics. In fact, you don’t plan on pursuing a career in economics. 

That right there makes it an irrelevant goal, as it’s not clear what you’ll get in life by working toward it. Of course, apart from gaining a college degree. But you could also get a degree by studying something you like .

As you might have guessed, it’s always best to pursue a college education in a topic that interests you. A college education goal may also be relevant if you pick a potentially profitable subject you’re not 100% passionate about, but you want to pursue.

Finally, let’s explore 3 questions and 3 answers of relevant goals.

Questions for relevant goals

To make your goal relevant, ask yourself the following questions:

• Q1: Why is this goal important to me?
• Q2: Is this goal worth my time?
• Q3: Is this the right time for it?

Examples of answers that prove the goal is relevant :

• A1: If I get a major in economics, I’ll be more financially secure and have more time to spend on what matters. Also, pursuing a major in economics will make me more confident about myself and my current career.
• A2: I feel that getting a major in economics would benefit me in the short and long run. In a nutshell, doing so will affect my mental and physical health. Therefore, it’s worth my time.
• A3: The holiday feasts are over, and it’s time to implement the New Year’s resolutions. As a result, it’s time to pursue that major in economics.

Step #5: Make goals time-bound 

Time-bound goals are usually set within a specific time frame, with a clear deadline for their completion. 

Take a look at the following example.

To say that you want to participate in a poem writing contest that’s due next week is admirable.

But phrasing it like that means it’s not a time-bound goal .

In this case, the contest has a deadline — say it’s Sunday, February 2. But you didn’t define a deadline for your work. Will you submit your finished work on Tuesday? Or Wednesday? Or 5 hours before the contest deadline, giving you enough time to tweak it to perfection?

As a matter of fact, what’s your time-bound battle plan?   

Now, say that you plan to handle the contest by:

• Writing the first draft of your poem on Monday, January 27,
• Revising everything on Tuesday, January 28,
• Finalizing the rhyme scheme on Wednesday, January 29, and
• Sending out the poem on Thursday, January 30 — 4 days before the deadline.

That’s a time-bound goal you can work with. So, let’s dive into a few questions and examples of time-bound goals.

Questions for time-bound goals

To make a time-bound — or timely — goal, answer the following questions:

• Q1: When will I achieve the goal?
• Q2: When will I carry out the activities that will bring me to my goal?
• Q3: When can I expect the first outcomes?

Examples of answers that prove the goal is time-bound:

• A1: I’ll set January 31 as my end deadline. Also, I’ll include daily targets for each of the 3 stages — writing, revising, and finalizing the poem.
• A2: Every day after work, I’ll set aside 2 hours to work on the poem. I’ll make a clear schedule for writing, revising, and finalizing the poem in stages. I’ll check in with my progress every day to see if I’m set to meet the deadline of submitting the poem 4 days ahead of schedule. 
• A3: The first outcome I can expect should be completing each stage — writing, revising, finalizing — on a daily basis. For example, if I’ve completed the writing stage, then I can consider my first outcome a success.

Now you know how to set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound goals. Kudos! 

Next up, let’s get a few additional tips from business experts and life coaches — with SMART goals examples for work, play, and much more.

How to set SMART goals: Proven tips and expert opinions

If you’ve come this far, setting SMART goals shouldn’t be a problem at this point. But just to be safe, I sat down with a few time management experts, business enthusiasts, coaches, and others to help you understand how to be unstoppable with your SMART goals.

Let’s take a look at unique expert insights into setting and sticking to your SMART goals.

Tip #1: Set a SMART action plan and stick to it

Plans come first, as they are a visual representation of your goals. If you don’t have a plan, you’re more likely to get off track. 

But it’s expected that you’ll have more SMART goals than 1. So, I recommend that you:

• Laser-focus on 1 goal in 90-day sprints,
• Spell out each action step in a timeline, and
• Track your progress every week.

I asked Vincent Nair , the CEO of SMARTECH Business Systems, to weigh in on this topic. According to him, setting clear goals will bring you clarity:

“Planning ahead 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.”

That’s what I call common sense — we truly sometimes need to get back to the basics.

Next, I spoke to Will Yang at Instrumentl, a platform serving grant-seekers. His words were another eye-opener as he said that a SMART action plan must include clear landmarks:

“Ensure apples-to-apples comparisons: it is critical to compare equivalent items and activities when setting SMART goals. For example, if you wish to raise the number of sales calls made in a month, don’t compare it to the number of emails sent in a month. Instead, concentrate on which activity will yield the desired outcomes.”

Learn all about how to think about objectives and key results, with additional resources right here:

• Objectives and Key Results (OKR): everything you need to know

Tip #2: Serialize your goals and celebrate more

If you’re reading this article, it probably means that you are an overachiever or striving to become one. But one of the main pitfalls overachievers fall into is trying to get more done than they can handle, therefore spreading themselves too thin.

I talked to Alexis Haselberger , time management and productivity coach, to share her wisdom on how to avoid this all-too-common trap. She gives a powerful illustration about how you can feel a sense of satisfaction and motivation if you pace yourself:

“Think of it like reading a book: if you read 5 books all at the same time, and read 5 pages each per day, it’ll take you months to finish them all. But, if you start with one book, and read 25 pages a day, you’ll finish in a couple of weeks, and then can move onto the next — which is much more satisfying and motivating.”

To keep a steady pace means creating a workflow that helps you achieve your SMART goals. Career expert Kaloyan Dimitrov of Enhancv, a resume builder, made a good point when he emphasized the importance of enjoying an occasional treat — your milestones:

“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.”

In fact, it’s this attitude that allows you to feel a sense of accomplishment and get better results.

Speaking of books, read our selection of the best productivity textbooks on the market right here:

• 25+ Best productivity books

Tip #3: Assign people to help you with your goals

Sometimes, you can’t achieve results or accomplish your tasks without the help of others. 

For example, it’s possible to lose weight on your own. However, it’s smarter if you pay for a gym membership, and let a professional fitness coach or a nutritionist help you in that process. In reality, it’s easier and safer to listen to professionals with the right skills and knowledge to carry out tasks.

Likewise, you’ve probably heard about the Boomerang effect on gaining weight back quickly after losing it. This usually happens because people starve and lose a lot of weight in a short period. Not only do they lose weight quickly, but muscles as well. As a result, people experience their metabolism slowing down and regain weight again.

Luckily, you can translate this weight loss scenario into any modern knowledge work job, like:

• Coding, etc.

If you’re the editor-in-chief and would like to have a document proofread thoroughly, you don’t need 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 for the job can result in faster and higher-quality results.

Tip #4: List the tasks that need to be done

Now that you elaborated on your goal in more detail and assigned the right people to assist you, it’s time to focus on the smaller parts. That means the tasks that must be done to achieve the ultimate goal.

In the case of losing 12 lbs of weight, you’ll probably need to complete tasks like:

• Go to the gym every day after work,
• Put aside money for the gym membership and nutrition consultations,
• Weigh yourself each Sunday afternoon, and
• Eat nutrient-rich foods.

Healthy habits coach Stephanie Averkamp weighs in — pun intended — on this topic. Interestingly, she brings home the point on why you should focus a lot more on your behavior in reaching the goal, and not the final goal itself:

“Center your SMART goals around specific behaviors or actions that will take place instead of around specific results you want to achieve. For example, set a SMART goal that is focused on the exercise you will do instead of the amount of weight you will 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. In turn, the possibility of achieving your goal increases. For that purpose, you can create a hands-on to-do list to keep track of all your tasks in one place.

Get as many to-do list templates as you need — from simple to business and personal — right here:

• Free To-Do List Templates

Tip #5: Make a workable schedule

To make sure you accomplish your SMART goals even faster, make work 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.

Let’s move back to the weight-loss example again. One of the key things that you need to strictly follow when losing weight is to pay attention to when you eat your meals. 

Even if you are being extremely careful with how many calories you consume daily, eating late at night can decrease your progress and lead to achieving partial results. 

For example, one 2022 study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that late-night eating impacts how you spend energy throughout the day. In fact, the research sheds light on the fact that your productivity overall could suffer from irregular eating schedules. Expectedly, all this negatively affects how you work on your goals.

So, to make sure your SMART goal plan runs smoothly, you need to:

• Create a time-bound schedule that you are going to stick to, and
• Determine when your breakfast/snack/lunch/dinner is. 

After completing these steps, you’ll see tangible results.

On a similar note, 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 attainability 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.”

Now, that’s how you stick to your SMART action plan and goals!

Tip #6: Evaluate and explore

So much valuable advice can sometimes be overwhelming. Yet, many experts have a somewhat curious take on how to approach the SMART goal-setting process.

For example, mental performance coach Lain Lee emphasized that comfort isn’t your ally in reaching your goals:

“Instead of ‘realistic’, your goals should be UNCOMFORTABLE! Nothing worth doing or fighting for is done in comfort! The best things in life — growth, success, learning, love — all exist outside of your comfort zone. So if your goals don’t make you uncomfortable, they’re TOO realistic!”

Another interesting approach in conversations with experts came from certified career and life coach María Tomás-Keegan who showed me a way to enrich the SMART criteria with evaluation and revision:

“2 Additional steps make your SMART goals SMARTER: Evaluate & Revise. Decide when you’ll evaluate your progress and what you’ll look for. This step closes the loop on each goal. Then you’ll know if you need to revise your goal or timeline. This creates a 360-degree view of each goal that helps move them to the finish line.”

In sum, do what works for you — try to make SMART goal setting a seamless process aligned with your personality and preferences. 

Remember: You want SMART goals to work for you, not the other way around.

Interested in learning more about how your personality type might influence your productivity? Say no more — I got you covered in our blog post with productivity tips:

• Productivity tips for 16 personality types based on MBTI  

Why should you use SMART goals?

Even ancient Greek philosophers emphasized the importance of goal setting and proposed that purpose can incite action . 

Setting your goals by following the SMART criteria helps you elaborate on them. Similarly, it allows you to see if the current goal you want to achieve has any potential or if it’s just a waste of time , as sometimes can be the case.

Up next, I discuss how the SMART goal concept can benefit you insanely in the short run.

Benefit #1: SMART goals enhance well-being

A 2022 study found that SMART goals can increase the likelihood of accomplishing goals and experiencing positive affect. Simply put, positive affect refers to upbeat emotions and expressions in the study’s respondents.

In fact, the same study researchers suggest that the mere existence of a SMART goal strategy increased the quality of the respondents’ behavior that led to goal attainment.

Another relevant result was that the psychologists in charge of the study established that goal attainment, in this sense, led to enhanced well-being. 

In summary, SMART goals make it likely that you’ll achieve your goals and that those goals lead to your well-being.

Read our detailed guide on how to up your goals game by setting daily targets:

• How to set and reach your daily targets

Benefit #2: SMART goals improve time management skills

Setting goals and efficiently managing your time are 2 elements that go hand in hand. 

If you look at the acronym SMART again, you’ll see that the terms measurable and time-bound refer to time management . So, when you have a clearly defined goal or goals, you know how and where to focus your time. 

What’s more, you can make work time estimates and stick to them to avoid poor spending of resources. Finally, your improved time management skills will help you reduce distractions and increase your focus on more important tasks.

For that purpose, you can opt for a goal-tracking tool like Clockify to get a silent partner in efficiently managing your time and reaching your targets.

For example, Clockify allows you to beautifully tag and color-code your projects so that you can easily stay on track — and enjoy the process. In fact, the app lets you break down goals into manageable tasks that you can easily digest. In sum, Clockify also allows you to check in on your progress and obtain a report on your productivity as often or rarely as you want.

By integrating SMART goals into your daily routine (whether work or personal), you’ll never miss a deadline or find excuses for missing your workout again.

Learn how to improve your time management skills in our in-depth guide:

• 10 ultimate steps to improve time management skills  

Benefit #3: SMART goals increase accountability

To achieve any goal, you need to hold yourself accountable. 

I know I’m not reinventing the wheel here, but people often forget to be more responsible on an ongoing basis.

In fact, Harry Morton of Lower Street, a podcast production agency, says something to that effect. Simply put, he told me that you should expect peaks and valleys in how distracted and motivated you feel:

“When working toward a long-term goal, it can be natural to encounter dips in motivation or distractions. An accountability partner can guide you back on track, offering an objective perspective when you deviate from the path to your goals. Be completely transparent and work with someone who understands what motivates you.”

Benefit #4: SMART goals beat workload overwhelm

A little planning ahead never killed anybody — but work overload and workplace stress are taking a toll on people’s health and the economy. According to a research paper by the World Health Organization, anxiety and depression cost the world’s economy $1 trillion each year, mostly due to a decline in productivity.

However, by setting your personal or business goals, you have a clear picture of what needs to be done, when , where , and how . As a result, the likelihood of feeling burned out reduces tremendously. 

What’s more, when you clearly identify your SMART goals, you learn how to unshakably say “No” to your colleagues the next time they try to swamp you with work. That’s right: SMART goals will save you from exhaustion and stress.

Okay, so now you understand what the SMART goal concept means and why it’s beneficial. Up next, let’s see when SMART goals are the most effective — and when you should avoid them.

Find out more about the causes and symptoms of career burnout and how it affects your health right here:

• Career burnout and its effect on health

When to use SMART goals

Are SMART goals effective?  Yes, when used in the right context.

Here’s when SMART goals work best.

1. Use SMART goals to set priorities

Use the SMART goal criteria when you want to single out your priorities and focus solely on them. 

The SMART criteria should guide you in the right direction to get a better insight into what’s important to accomplish something. 

In fact, the SMART framework saves you from wasting your time. If you don’t set your priorities right, you’ll lose track of your work. What’s more, you’ll probably end up feeling exhausted — and you don’t want that if you were wondering.

Learn why not all tasks are equally important and how you can prioritize them easily:

• How to (re-)prioritize your tasks

2. Use SMART goals to set high-level objectives

Use SMART goals when you need to focus on high-level goals that involve a number of smaller, specific tasks. High-level goals (such as advancing your career, enrolling in a university, or losing weight) demand a thorough action plan the SMART goal concept can offer you. 

However, I would even argue that SMART goals are especially useful for the more consequential targets in your life — where you need to be on top of your game because the stakes are high. That’s why it’s essential to make SMART goals a part of your everyday life and planning.

For illustration, consider you’re moving into a different town or state and selling your house. If you fail to take into account local taxes, regulations, real estate prices, and transport in your SMART goal framework, achieving this goal could lead to a disaster – personally and professionally.

3. Use SMART goals to tackle work tasks and set mini-milestones

SMART goals help you carry out your ongoing job responsibilities more efficiently and successfully. 

In fact, the SMART goal concept helps you split your goal into smaller, more manageable pieces. As a result, you get a clearer insight into the tasks that lead you to achieve the ultimate goal. 

For a quick fix, tackle your tasks one at a time to efficiently get them done and avoid being overwhelmed. The technique works wonders! 

In fact, the family law and relationship expert, Laura Wasser , thinks that you first need to set mini-milestones to get you going:

“When setting a SMART goal, think of it as a roadmap to your desired outcome. Break your goal into smaller, achievable steps, which will make it easier for you to stay on track and motivated. These mini-milestones will not only keep you focused, but they’ll also give you a sense of accomplishment as you progress.”

Read our all-inclusive guide to find out how to break down large tasks into easily digestible pieces:

• How to Break a Project Down into Tasks

4. Use SMART goals to handle new assignments

Employ the SMART goal criteria when you’re moving on to new assignments. 

Whether simple or complex, the SMART goal concept works well with all types of assignments regardless of their complexity or duration. It shifts your attention to what needs to be done and makes a thorough plan to achieve the final goal.

When you get a new assignment, the first step should be to insert it into one of the upcoming SMART goal templates at the end of this guide. This practice shows you if the assignment is even worth your time and effort — or if it’s a priority.

Learn how to distinguish between short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans in your work and life:

• The differences between long-term and short-term planning

5. Use SMART goals for personal development

When you feed the SMART goal criteria into your daily routine, you can make an everlasting, positive change in your life. This way, you can identify areas for improvement and personal growth — and go the extra mile to advance your career.

If you want to perform better at your job by following a comprehensive, step-by-step guide, check out this article:

• How to improve in your job

When SMART goals are not so smart 

Now, just because it sounds like the smart thing to do — pun intended — that doesn’t mean you should view all your tasks and initiatives through the SMART goals framework. 

Take a look at the examples of situations when you should avoid using SMART goals. 

1. Don’t use SMART goals to “count” your successes and failures

You shouldn’t use SMART goal-setting just so you can race past your goals as fast as you can without stopping to take a breather and reflect on what you’ve learned along the way.

You also shouldn’t view a SMART goal you haven’t accomplished as a failure and, thus, a reason to judge yourself.

Just because you failed this time doesn’t mean you won’t be able to succeed next time or use the knowledge you gained from pursuing the said goal in the future.

2. Don’t use SMART goals if you tend to give up too soon

SMART goals take time! That’s because they’re more complex than your everyday goals, such as getting to the food store before it closes.

As such, SMART goals take more effort and dedication. Therefore, they can be a bigger challenge for people who get nervous when they think they’re not progressing as best as they could.If you fear that a goal is too large for you to commit to it, it’s best that you reassess it and parse it 1 by 1 into smaller, less challenging goals you can reach easier until you’ve accomplished everything.

3. Don’t use SMART goals when you’re uncertain whether a goal is attainable

Out of all the letters in the SMART acronym, the “A” — which stands for attainable — is the least precise one.

After all, most of the time, you can only be sure a goal is attainable or not if you’ve already tried to pursue it.

So, are you sure you have a shot at landing the position of that Junior Marketing Specialist at that Boston tech company?

Perhaps you don’t have the right qualifications or the right experience.

We’ve seen this before with our example of losing 30 lbs in a month. 

Let’s assume you pursue a goal you’ve defined as attainable (despite it, realistically, not being the case). In this case, this action is bound to discourage you when you fail to reach your goal.

Alternatively, you may miss out on some great opportunities if you mark a realistic goal as “out of reach” without properly thinking about it.

4. Don’t use SMART goals when managing a project

According to the Scrum methodology, even though the SMART criteria suggest that a goal should be specific and measurable , other SMART goal criteria can threaten the success of a project , no matter how well you prepare it. 

Since a project goes through many stages during its life cycle, some things — like, if a goal is realistic — can’t be predicted in advance without further analysis. Also, the criterion time-bound doesn’t fit with the project management principles either. 

You might not be able to know when a goal would be accomplished due to the constant changes during a project’s life cycle.

Therefore, the SMART goal concept doesn’t go hand in hand with project management since it “encourages a simplistic and short-sighted approach to management” — as Scrum methodology experts emphasize in the article I linked to above.

Learn about the essential elements of project management and a few tools to get you started:

• Project Management: 31 best techniques, practices, and tools

5. Don’t use SMART goals when you expect a challenge

The SMART goal criteria propose that your goal needs to be attainable . In effect, this means knowing in advance if you have the right skills/knowledge/resources to accomplish something. 

When you know that a goal is achievable in advance, it gives you some kind of security. On the other hand, it keeps you stuck in one place. In other words, you are deprived of learning new things or acquiring new skills. 

Sometimes, the thrill of the unknown pushes you towards it and makes you realize all the things you can do. So, if you are a thrill-seeker looking for sudden challenges along the way — maybe the SMART goal concept is not the right fit for you.

—Now that you understand when and when not to use them, here are some examples of well-rounded SMART goals you can use to find inspiration. Let’s get rolling!

5 SMART goal examples

By now, you might be thinking: “ Enough with the beating around the bush, tell me what’s a SMART goal example, alright!”

I won’t give you 1 but 5 SMART goals examples — how’s that for a treat? 

Let’s go through them 1 by 1.

Example #1: SMART goal for improved performance at work 

To say, “ I want to improve my Excel skills, ” is too vague. Instead, try to make your goal:

• Specific : I want to improve my performance with Excel to get a promotion at work. These performance improvements focus on quicker data entry, more efficient calculations, and creating graphs.
• Measurable : I’ll know I’ve succeeded because — by the 1st of next month — I’ll be able to enter my data, complete my calculations through custom and combined formulas, create graphs, and carry out my other work in Excel all on my own, and with minimum effort.
• Attainable : I have enough time to work on improving my Excel skills. I can even look for a website with tutorials or enroll in an online course to help me understand some of the finer points.
• Relevant : I like working in my company, and I want to continue working there. One of the preconditions of my staying in the company longer and getting promoted is to streamline my work in Excel.
• Time-bound : I want to perfect my performance with Excel by May 1.

Are you familiar with performance improvement plans (PIP)? Check this article out to learn more about how PIPs can boost your work performance:

• Everything about performance improvement plans

Example #2: SMART goal for improved time management

Here’s an example of poor goal setting: “I want to accelerate the process of calculating in Excel.”

Instead, your goal should have the following attributes:

• Specific : It takes me 6 hours to implement all the formulas I need to process data in Excel. I want to cut that time to 3 hours per day, at least.
• Measurable : I can track the time I spend handling Excel data every day and then observe how that time decreases day by day and week by week. Similarly, I can work on improving my schedule.
• Attainable : I have the resources to help me learn how to be more efficient when using and combining Excel formulas.
• Relevant : I currently spend 6 hours of an 8-hour workday carrying out calculations in Excel, and that’s too much of my time. Cutting that time in half would ensure I have more time for other work activities.
• Time-bound : I want to cut the time I spend on Excel calculations in half by the 15th of next month.

Example #3: SMART goal for students 

Your grades won’t get better overnight, and you sure want to get into a top school or university. Well, saying, “I want to improve my GPA,” won’t do miracles. Instead, make sure your goal is:

• Specific : I want to improve my GPA to 3.8 so I can apply for a semester abroad with a full scholarship.
• Measurable : I’ll need to score an A or A+ on all of my tests this semester to improve my total GPA to an average of 3.8 to qualify for a semester abroad on time.
• Attainable : In recent months, I have fallen behind in school, but I have a history of improving my grades when I put substantial effort into it. So I can improve my grades once again. I’ll need to work longer hours , temporarily cut back on extracurricular activities, and focus on each test and quiz as it comes along.
• Relevant : The school abroad I want to spend a semester at has a great chemistry program. Passing that program will come in handy when I go to college. There, I want to major in chemistry to become a Chemical Engineer.
• Time-bound : I want to improve my GPA to 3.8 by the end of this semester to qualify for a position at the college abroad in question.

Students need all the help they can get when it comes to mastering their output. Read our in-depth guide to learn how to radically increase your productivity:

• Student guide to productivity

Example #4: SMART goal for leadership and team management 

Do you notice a stall in your team’s productivity? Being a team leader can be a double-edged sword from time to time. However, SMART goals can come to your rescue even in this situation. 

To help you get started, ensure your goal to boost your team’s productivity is:

• Specific : I want to motivate my team to improve their productivity by 50%.
• Measurable : 50% of increased productivity will trigger a 50% faster project turnaround.
• Attainable : I’ll use team management software and supply my team with the right productivity tools to help them out.
• Relevant : Higher productivity means faster project turnaround, and faster project turnaround leads to satisfied clients. Satisfied clients bring good word of mouth, so we’ll likely land more clients because of it. As a result, team morale would increase, so they’ll feel encouraged to keep up the good work.
• Time-bound : I want to see the expected increase in productivity 6 months from now.

Discover more interesting aspects of team management and how it can affect performance right here:

• The Complete Team Management Guide

Example #5: SMART goal for weight loss and fitness

You know that I’m-hitting-the-gym-next-Monday attitude never got you anywhere. Most people (including myself) consider going to the gym or exercising in any form as exhausting. In other words, we most frequently see exercise as something that requires a ton of will and determination. 

Although it’s not easy, setting a goal based on the SMART goal concept can make it much more bearable and joyful. 

Once you are on the right track, you’ll regret missing your workouts, even during public holidays. So, be all ears and ensure that your goal is:

• Specific : I want to lose 10 pounds to improve my fitness and athletic performance.
• Measurable : I want to lose belly fat and be able to endure physical activities without getting tired easily.
• Attainable : Suppose there’s a gym near my building with group fitness classes, indoor cycling, a weight loss program, Pilates, and more. I’m going to try the weight loss program first to lose some fat and later switch to Pilates to form my body shape. Also, I’m going to avoid fast food and late-night snacking.
• Relevant : I like to look nice in my clothes, and physical appearance matters to me. Fast food is high in cholesterol, and high cholesterol runs in my family. As a consequence, I need to be extra cautious.
• Time-bound : I need to go to the gym 3 times a week, go places on foot, and hopefully lose 10 pounds within 2 to 3 months. This is a healthier plan since — if I lose weight in a short time — I will gain it all back eventually.

Learn a thing or two about how physical and mental fitness can help you become more productive and reach your goals:

• 10 Productivity exercises for body and mind

SMART goal templates

Skilfully crafted SMART goal templates and SMART goal worksheets can serve as your quick and efficient generator of — you guessed it — SMART goals. 

In the following section, you’ll find different examples of templates, including:

• Leadership SMART goals examples,
• Time management SMART goals examples,
• SMART goals examples for employees, 
• Productivity SMART goals examples, and more.

In fact, these SMART goals templates and SMART goals worksheets provide the outline for your SMART goal setting. As a result, you’ll just need to follow the said outline and fill it out with your data. It’s a fast and efficient alternative to creating and following your template or making plans without one.

Basic SMART Goal Template

The first of 10, the Basic SMART Goal Template is a simple yet powerful way to get a bird’s-eye view of your goal. 

The straightforward design of this template allows you to easily identify the key components of your goal. If you use the Basic SMART Goal Template, you are taking the first step towards your professional or business goal.

What is the Basic SMART Goal Template about? 

The Basic SMART Goal Template is divided into 5 sections, each representing a letter of the SMART acronym: 

• Specific, 
• Measurable, 
• Attainable, 
• Relevant, and 
• Time-bound.

How to use the Basic SMART Goal Template?

Answer 1 or 2 questions for each section to determine whether the said goal is worth your time. Next, think about if you missed some important aspects and rewrite where applicable.

Who should use the Basic SMART Goal Template? 

This 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 Excel

⬇️ Download the Basic SMART Goal Template Google Sheets

Basic SMART Goal Template (+ Problems)

The next on our list, the Basic SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) is same as the previous template — just on steroids. 

This template is an effective tool for setting and achieving goals. The Basic SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) gives you deeper insights into the resources and persons who may assist you in reaching your goals.

What is the Basic SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) about? 

The Basic SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) is divided into 5 sections on 2 pages each. 

The first page consists of questions to understand the problems you face. The second page is made up of a cheat sheet that can help you solve those problems.

How to use the Basic SMART Goal Template (+ Problems)?

Answer 1 or 2 questions for each section to determine whether the said goal is worth your time. Next, think about the problems you may encounter as you work toward the said goal — and try to solve them before they happen.

Who should use the Basic SMART Goal Template (+Problems)? 

This SMART goal template does wonders for preventing potential problems with your goal (if you want a simple SMART breakdown of your goal). 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) Excel

⬇️ 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. 

Yet, it’s fairly simple and can only get you so far. That said, it’s an awesome first step to get you started on setting your SMART goals!

What is the Simple SMART Goal Template about? 

The Simple SMART Goal Template lets you determine why you want to pursue your goal — and start planning your goal. It’s a simple illustration of your SMART goal.

How to use the Simple SMART Goal Template?

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.

Who should use the Simple SMART Goal Template? 

This SMART Goal Template is perfect for people who want to set SMART goals but don’t necessarily want to answer to SMART criteria.

⬇️ Download the Simple SMART Goal Template PDF

⬇️ Download the Simple SMART Goal Template Google Docs

⬇️ Download the Simple SMART Goal Template Excel

⬇️ 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. 

This template takes you beyond superficial goal-setting. In other words, the Elaborate SMART Goal Template digs deeper into your potential, desires, and plans.

What is the Elaborate SMART Goal Template about? 

The Elaborate SMART Goal Template is divided into 5 sections, each representing a letter of the SMART acronym:

How to use the Elaborate SMART Goal Template?

After downloading your preferred template, answer a detailed list of questions for each section to determine whether the said goal is worth your time. You may also need to tweak your answers as you go, and that’s totally fine.

Who should use the Elaborate SMART Goal Template? 

This SMART Goal Template is perfect for people who need more pointers on whether the goal they want to pursue is SMART or not.

⬇️ Download the Elaborate SMART Goal Template PDF

⬇️ Download the Elaborate SMART Goal Template Google Docs

⬇️ Download the Elaborate SMART Goal Template Excel

⬇️ Download the Elaborate SMART Goal Template Google Sheets

Elaborate SMART Goal Template (+ Problems)

The Elaborate SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) is a helpful tool to establish problem areas and solve each. 

The template contains useful prompts on resources and people you can check in with to help you reach your goals faster.

What is the Elaborate SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) about? 

The Elaborate SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) consists of 5 sections on 2 pages each. 

The first page features a series of questions of the SMART framework. In contrast, the second page consists of a cheat sheet for solving problems you established on the first page.

How to use the Elaborate SMART Goal Template (+ Problems)?

Answer a detailed list of questions for each section to determine whether the said goal is worth your time. After that, think about the problems you may face as you work toward the said goal — and try to solve them before they happen.

Who should use the Elaborate SMART Goal Template (+ Problems)?  

This SMART goal template is great for preventing potential problems with your goal — in case you want a more detailed SMART breakdown of your goal. 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) Excel

⬇️ Download the Elaborate SMART Goal Template (+ Problems) Google Sheets

SMART Goal Tree Template

The SMART Goal Tree Template is a nugget of gold on our list of SMART goal templates. 

It’s a treasure trove of valuable insights and direct measurement tools to reach your goals in an efficient and effective manner. 

What is the SMART Goal Tree Template about? 

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.

How to use the SMART Goal Tree Template?

To use this more complex 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,” and
• “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,” and
• “Managers in the customer support team giving positive employee reviews weekly”.

Who should use the SMART Goal Tree Template? 

You can use this template to measure success in various business areas, such as:

• Customer support, 
• 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 Excel

⬇️ 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) is just what it sounds like. 

This template calls for responsibility and sets out steps on your way to reaching your professional and personal goals. In fact, it gives you immediate feedback on whether you’ve reached your objectives in the end.

What is the SMART Action Plan Template (+ Action Steps and Responsibilities) about?  

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 said goal is:

• Time-bound. 

Then, you can add the person responsible for the said goal and lay out the steps you need to go through to reach success.

How to use SMART Action Plan Template (+ Action Steps and Responsibilities)?

After downloading this action plan template, respond to each prompt and fill out the steps you need to complete to reach your goal. Also, you can name the responsible persons or entities that need to help you on this journey.

Remember that nothing is set in stone, and you can always rewrite it if you spot inconsistencies or flaws in your original plan.

Who should use the SMART Action Plan Template (+ Action Steps and Responsibilities)? 

Great for teamwork within a project where each teammate has different goals and responsibilities that together tie into one greater purpose. Also great for goals that imply a specific set of steps (or tasks) you need to tackle to reach them.

⬇️ 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) Excel

⬇️ 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 provide an overview of 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 requires that you make a bit of a long-term commitment.

What is the New Year SMART Goal Template about? 

The New Year SMART Goal Template lets you define SMART goals for your:

• Personal growth, 
• Health, 
• Business life, 
• Family and friends, 
• Travels, 
• Hobbies, and 
• New purchases in the new year.

How to use the New Year SMART Goal Template?

As soon as you download your preferred format, 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.

Who should use the New Year SMART Goal Template? 

This template is perfect for carrying out your New Year’s resolutions. So, you can be a university student, a freelancer, 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 Excel

⬇️ 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 to get to the hows and whys of your project management goals. 

In turn, it helps you lead your team and create a roadmap for success in a short period.

What is the SMART Goal Template for Project Managers about?  

The SMART Goal Template for Project Managers consists of 5 sections. 

With this template, 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 whether it’s worthwhile (or unattainable by the assigned team member) in the first place.

How to use the SMART Goal Template for Project Managers?

Answer 2 questions per section to set and define a goal any project manager might face. Similarly, remember that you can tinker with the details and rewrite anything you deem necessary at any point during the process.

Who should use the SMART Goal Template for Project Managers? 

This SMART goal template is perfect for managers who are currently defining the goals and objectives of a project. You can also consider this template as a way to establish SMART goals for better time management.

⬇️ 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 Excel

⬇️ Download the SMART Goal Template for Project Managers Google Sheets

SMART Goal Template (+ Rewards/Motivations) 

Last but not least, the SMART Goal Template (+ Rewards/Motivations) presents a powerful tool for learning what motivates you to reach your goals. 

By taking the time to understand what drives you, you can tap into your intrinsic motivation and stay focused on your short-term and long-term goals even when things get tough.

What is the SMART Goal Template (+ Rewards/Motivations) about? 

The SMART Goal Template (+ Rewards/Motivations) lets you assess whether a goal is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. 

Then, you can define the motivations and rewards that stand behind your pursuit of the said goal.

How to use the SMART Goal Template (+ Rewards/Motivations)?

To get to the bottom of your rewards and motivations, simply respond to 5 questions from the SMART framework, followed by 2 questions on how you’ll make the goal motivating and rewarding. 

Who should use the SMART Goal Template (+ Rewards/Motivations)? 

Rewards are important to keep you motivated enough to pursue a goal. I suggest you 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) Excel

⬇️ Download the SMART Goal Template (+ Rewards/Motivations) Google Sheets

Estimate task and project duration better — with Clockify

Our last quick tip on handling your goals is this: Limit how much time you allocate to tasks and projects.

Hear us out. 

You can use time management software like Clockify to block out parts of the workday and complete your workload. To create tasks, follow these steps:

• Go to a project you’re working on,
• Open the Tasks tab in the project,
• Type your preferred task name, and

After you’ve completed these steps, you can insert them into your Clockify calendar (like below). In fact, you’ll be able to move, split, and resize each task and project as you see fit.

If your task takes longer than you 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.

Now, imagine hitting your goals not just on time but ahead of schedule. Sounds good?

Optimize your daily routines, reach professional milestones, and gain greater clarity on projects and tasks.

Marija Kojic is a productivity writer who's always researching about various productivity techniques and time management tips in order to find the best ones to write about. She can often be found testing and writing about apps meant to enhance the workflow of freelancers, remote workers, and regular employees. Appeared in G2 Crowd Learning Hub, The Good Men Project, and Pick the Brain, among other places.

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Home Blog Business Setting SMART Goals – A Complete Guide (with Examples + Free Templates)

Setting SMART Goals – A Complete Guide (with Examples + Free Templates)

Businesses today are more focused on effective strategic planning and goal setting than ever. At first sight, these processes might seem pretty straightforward. However, there’s so much more going on behind the scenes. Companies dedicate a lot of time and resources to goal based strategic planning . After all, they determine the company’s future liquidity and success. This post covers the concepts related to goal-setting and the SMART criteria, their respective benefits, and instructions for writing SMART goals.

SMART Goals Definition and Meaning

What are the benefits of setting smart goals, setting the scope of a smart goal, writing the content of a smart goal, s – specific, m – measurable, a – achievable, r – relevant, t – time-bound, a smart goals template, learn how to set smart goals, to conclude, what are smart goals.

“ Goal setting and task performance: 1969-1980 ” was the first study to promote the importance of setting achievable yet challenging goals. It found that 90% of people perform better with relevant and challenging goals, translating to higher business efficiency and profits.

Over the years, management and marketing teams came with different alternatives for goal setting and enhancing workplace performance . One widespread process is using the SMART acronym.

George T. Doran, a consultant and former Director of Corporate Planning for Washington Water Power Company, first introduced the SMART acronym. He published a paper titled There’s a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management’s Goals and Objectives in November 1981.

Fast forward, the five rules or criteria known as SMART today serve as a psychological tool for increasing productivity . A SMART goal can foster a clear and mutual understanding of what constitutes expected performance levels and successful professional development, but also to achieve personal goals.

SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

The SMART goals acronym eliminates generalization and guesswork, thus setting the base for tracking progress and identifying missed deadlines. When a business entity defines these five parameters, it essentially ensures its team will attain the listed objectives within a predetermined time frame.

SMART is an effective tool with growing popularity. Businesses worldwide incorporate the criteria for strategic planning and goal setting due to the following benefits:

How to Write SMART Goals?

The following section consists of the steps in the process of writing SMART goals, including practical examples to form a comprehensive goal statement.

SMART goals can address a wide range of job responsibilities, most commonly day-to-day job activities. Business entities primarily apply the SMART criteria to direct their attention and resources towards the most critical aspects of their operation, thus achieving their priorities .

SMART goals can cover different personal or business objectives, such as increasing/decreasing, developing, making, improving, and saving something (resource, expense, revenue, time, etc.).

Setting the scope of a SMART goal is a three-step process with the aim of help meeting personal or business goals:

Note : If a business has too many goals, it can indicate that they are developed at a too low level and meeting the business goals can be challenging in these situations. These goals are more task-oriented instead of focusing on the broader picture and the result. A practical solution to this problem is combining several statements into one, more comprehensive goal.

A general goal has a lower chance of being accomplished compared to a SMART goal.

An example of a general goal: “ I will increase my profits this year “.

First, SMART goals are always specific, providing enough detail to eliminate a general goal’s indecision.

An example of a specific goal: “ The sales department will increase my profits this year by increasing my marketing efforts in the domestic market “.

Specific goals answer the famous “W” questions:

Note : Not every specific goal has to answer all questions. They are given as a starting point; it’s a non-exclusive list.

A specific SMART goal is a solid base but worth almost nothing without the proper metrics in place. Setting metrics to determine whether a business will attain the goal and track progress makes the goal more tangible. Usually, this translates to numbers or customer/employee satisfaction.

A measurable goal usually answers questions, such as the following:

An example of a measurable goal: “ The sales department will improve my profits by 15% this year by increasing my marketing expenses by 5% in the domestic market “.

Note : A business can easily measure these indicators since they are expressed in numbers (revenues, expenses, profits) – these are quantitative measurements.

However, a measurable goal can take another form: “ The sales department will improve my profits by 15% this year by increasing customer satisfaction in the domestic market “.

The second refers to qualitative measurements that cannot be assessed as easily. An entity, in this case, will need to think in terms of customer feedback, testimonials, ratings, surveys, and so on. In the long term, customer satisfaction translates to customer/brand loyalty and increased profits. Still, these effects are difficult to quantify.

Can the business improve profits by 15% in a single year? Is this the reality of its niche (is it a fast-growing one, is there a demand for these products/services)?

On the other hand, does the entity have the needed capital and resources to increase expenses by 5%? Or will this decision harm its operation, in debt the company in the long-term, or harm its market position?

These, and a range of other questions, should be considered. A business might need to stretch its abilities, develop new skills, change attitudes, or identify previously overlooked opportunities. Still, they should be able to achieve the set goal promptly. If the goal turns out to be too optimistic, the team might think of other, more viable alternatives.

A single SMART goal statement should be consistent and make sense within the broader image and business mission . All of an entity’s departments should move in the same direction, or in other words, be aligned.

A relevant SMART goal answers the following questions:

The time-bound element in the goal is “this year”, so that there’s no need to expand the statement. Still, it would help to break down the deadline into shorter milestones since a year is pretty broad. A better alternative would be:

“ The sales department will improve my profits by 3% this month/quarter by … . “

A time-bound goal usually answers the following questions:

With a timeline, a business will rarely overlook the importance of a goal. With the lack of it, the company can easily commit to day-to-day activities or occurring crises and forget what should have been a priority in the first place.

The SMART Goals Templates are a tool that facilitates the presentation of the goal-setting process and outcomes. It helps businesses better present their goal statements and communicate them with related parties.

SMART Goals templates are usually divided into several sections, taking a form similar to the following:

A business starts by writing the initial idea. Then, it answers the listed questions as specified in each section above, respectively. In turn, the company can create a more practical goal statement.

The following template might help your entity write a SMART Goal:

Filling in the gaps might lead to examples, such as the following:

Here’s an excellent example of a SMART goals template, depicting the seven-step goals-based strategic planning process :

Through the SMART Goals Template free we invite you to set your main goal and generate a conversion process towards SMART Goals. Thanks to this exercise you will be able to rethink your goal through different questions that will guide you towards the SMART methodology.

SMART Goals Examples

1. free smart goals powerpoint template.

The Free SMART Goals Template is a PowerPoint presentation that will allow you to communicate your business goals using the SMART methodology. Thanks to this PowerPoint template you will be able to evaluate your main goal before moving on to the planning and execution phase. This SMART Goals Template has six slides, is fully editable and available for PowerPoint and Google Slides.

Use This Template

2. Target SMART Goals PowerPoint Template

The Target SMART Goals PowerPoint Template is a creative timeline design for goal setting techniques. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The arrow with five circular icons these five elements of goals. The curved arrow represents a timeline leading to a dartboard of achieving goals. It helps you highlight the key components and show how goals are achieved with SMART goal criteria in mind.

3. SMART Goals Slide Design for PowerPoint

The SMART Goals Slide Design for PowerPoint can evaluate different business goals. It can be applied to any management or marketing plan and edited to fit any corporate presentation. In SlideModel.com, we recommend it for project management, employee performance management, personal development, and various other business environments.

4. Goal Strategy & Tactics PowerPoint Template

The Goal Strategy & Tactics PowerPoint Template visualize steps that will help you describe multiple solutions. There are two slide designs of gradient PowerPoint backgrounds and shapes. Moreover, diagram presents chess game clipart icons like king, knight, and pawn for strategies. The arrow icons in tactic segments will help display optimal solutions.

5. Goals Based Strategic Planning PowerPoint Templates

The Goals-Based Strategic Planning PowerPoint Templates is a set of slides designed to present the result of a goals based strategic planning process. There are different approaches and models for strategic planning. These include goal-based strategic planning, issue-based strategic planning, organic, and scenarios. The Goal-based strategy focuses on organization’s values, mission, visions, and business objectives. It is most commonly used in financial planning to prioritize and optimize.

6. SMART Objectives Slide Design for PowerPoint

SMART Objectives Slide Design for PowerPoint is a presentation that will allow you to simply and clearly specify each of your SMART objectives. It is a very useful PowerPoint Template to specify your goals with your work team and use it as a Roadmap for short-term goals, medium and long-term goals.

7. SMART Goals One Pager PowerPoint Template

The SMART Goals One Pager PowerPoint Template is a data table where you can enter each of your SMART goals. This way you will be able to present in a simple and clear way with the One Pager format each of your goals and their breakdown in SMART acronyms.

8. SMART Objectives PowerPoint Template

9. SMART Goals PowerPoint Template

10. 5-Item Goal Target PowerPoint Template

11. Short & Long Term Goals PowerPoint Template

12. SMART Goals Planning Sheet PowerPoint Template

13. SMART Goals for Balanced Scorecard PowerPoint Template

14. SMART Objectives PowerPoint Template

15. Flat SMART Objectives PowerPoint Template

16. Setting Goals Template for PowerPoint with Target & Darts

SMART goals are effective tools that can increase the efficiency and profitability of a business. They give a clear direction to long-term goals, long-term progress and prioritize the most critical aspects for success. Teams with SMART goals can better focus on the broader picture and not lose themselves in day-to-day activities.

Better focus, motivation, and productivity, in turn, set the base for increasing the financial position of a company, along with the non-financial indicators, in a positive direction.

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Balanced Scorecard, Business PowerPoint Templates, Business Presentations, Corporate Presentations, Strategy Filed under Business

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• Create an action plan that drives resul ...

Create an action plan that drives results

An action plan outlines precisely how you’re planning to accomplish your goals. It’s the perfect way to approach goals systematically and keep your team on target. In this article, we will cover how to create an action plan in six steps and how to implement it successfully. Plus, learn more about the differences between action plans, project plans, and to-do lists.

It can feel good to make goals. After all, you’re defining what you want to accomplish. But goals won’t do much without clear action steps. ​​An action plan is a popular project management technique that lists your action steps so you know exactly how you’re going to accomplish your goals. 

We’re going to show you how to create this clear roadmap step by step and other tools you should utilize to get the most out of your action plan. Let’s dive in.

What is an action plan?

An action plan is a list of tasks or steps you need to complete to achieve your goals. An effective action plan works like a management plan for your company’s initiatives, outlining the steps you need to take to make these larger goals a success. Once you go through the goal-setting process, create an action plan with specific tasks and timeframes to reach each goal. 

Who needs an action plan?

An action plan is useful for anyone who needs a step-by-step planning process. When you create an action plan, you detail exactly what actions you'll take to accomplish your project goals. These plans can help you organize your to-dos and ensure you have the necessary information and resources to accomplish your goals.

But you can create action plans for more than just strategic planning. Use this tool to reach any specific goals in a systematic way. Try setting up:

Business action plan

Marketing action plan

Corrective action plan

Sales action plan

Project action plan

Personal development action plan

Regardless of the type of action plan you create, make sure you create it in task management software . That way, you can easily share action items and timelines with your team to track progress. Instead of manual status updates and unclear deliverables, your team has one central source of truth for everything they need to do in order to hit their goals. 

Now let’s get into how you can create an action plan that increases your team’s efficiency and accountability.

6 steps to create an action plan

Step 1: set a smart goal.

When it comes to setting goals, clarity is the single most important quality. With the SMART goal method, your goal is clearly defined and attainable. Set specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound goals to benefit from this tactic.

For example, your goal could be to deliver your current project (measurable) in four months (time-bound) without overspending (specific). Assuming this goal is both achievable and realistic based on your available resources, it’s a great SMART goal to set for yourself.

Step 2: Identify tasks

Now that your goal is clearly defined and written down, you’ll want to identify the steps you have to take to reach it. Identify all of the tasks that you and your team need to complete to reach milestones and, eventually, the main objective.

Here are a few action plan examples with tasks for different kinds of goals:

Goal: Expand team from seven to nine team members by June.

Meet with Human Resources to discuss the recruitment campaign.

Create a template project to track candidates.

Schedule three interviews per week.

Goal: Select and onboard new work management software to the entire company by the end of Q2.

Apply for the budget.

Create a roll-out plan for Q2.

Schedule training for team members.

Goal: Host 5k charity run in May to raise $15,000 for the local food bank.

Find volunteers and determine responsibilities

Prepare marketing materials and PR plans

Secure sponsors

Step 3: Allocate resources

Once you’ve outlined all of your tasks, you can allocate resources like team members, project budget, or necessary equipment. Whether it’s assigning team members to certain tasks, applying for a budget, or gathering helpful tools—now is the time to plan and prepare.

Sometimes, you can’t allocate all of your resources before you put your action plan in motion. Perhaps you have to apply for funding first or need executive approval before you can move on with a task. In that case, make the resource an action item in your plan so you can take care of it later.

Step 4: Prioritize tasks

When your team is clear on their priorities, they know what work to do first and what work they can reschedule if necessary. No action plan is set in stone, so the best way to empower your team is to let them know what tasks have a high priority and which ones are a bit more flexible.

To make this clear, sort all of your action items by priority and sequence:

Priority: Important and less important tasks.

Sequence: Order in which tasks have to be completed so others can start.

When you’re organizing and prioritizing your action items , you’ll notice that some action items are dependent on others. In other words, one task can’t begin until the previous task is completed. Highlight these dependencies and factor the sequence into your prioritization. This reduces bottlenecks , removing obstacles that would make a less important action item delay a high-priority item.  

Step 5: Set deadlines and milestones

When your team knows what they're working towards, they have the context to effectively prioritize work and the motivation to get great work done. Team members tend to be more motivated when they directly understand how their work is contributing to larger goals.

To engage your teammates from the get go, assign deadlines to all action items and define milestones . Milestones mark specific points along your project timeline that identify when activities have been completed or when a new phase starts

Create a timeline or Gantt chart to get a better overview of your prioritized tasks, milestones, and deadlines. Your timeline also serves as a visual way to track the start and end dates of every task in your action plan. You can use it as a baseline to make sure your team stays on track.

Step 6: Monitor and revise your action plan

Your ability to stay on top of and adapt to changes is what makes you a great project manager. It’s crucial that you monitor your team’s progress and revise the plan when necessary.

Luckily, your action plan isn’t set in stone. The best way to track potentially changing priorities or deadlines is to use a dynamic tool like a work management software . That way, you can update to-dos and dependencies in real time, keep your team on the same page, and your action plan moving.

Action plan vs. plan B vs. project plan vs. to-do list

So how exactly does an action plan differ from all these other plans and lists? To clear this up once and for all, we’re going to explain what these plans are and when to use which plan to maximize your team’s efforts.

Action plan vs. plan B

You may have heard the terms action plan and plan B used interchangeably. But in fact, an action plan and plan B are two completely different types of plans. Here’s how to tell them apart:

Your action plan outlines actions in much detail so you and your team know exactly what steps to take to reach your goal.

A plan B is a secondary action plan, an alternative strategy, that your team can apply if your original plan fails. Whether that’s because of an internal issue or an external factor—having a plan B is a great way to be prepared for the worst case scenario.

Action plan vs. project plan

A project plan is a bit more complicated than an action plan. Project plans are blueprints of the key elements your team needs to accomplish to successfully achieve your project goals. A project plan includes seven elements:

Goals and project objectives

Success metrics

Stakeholders and roles

Scope and budget

Milestones and deliverables

Timeline and schedule

Communication plan

Once you’ve created a project plan, use an action plan to outline and document how your team will execute your tasks and hit your goals. This will ensure that everyone on your team knows what their responsibilities are and what to get done by when.

Action plan vs. to-do list

A to-do list is typically used to write down single tasks that don’t necessarily lead to one common goal. To-do lists can change daily and are much less organized than action plans. An action plan will follow specific steps and include tasks that all lead to the completion of a common goal.

How to implement your action plan successfully

You know how to create an action plan, but in order to implement it successfully, you need to use the right tools and use them correctly. Here are our top five tips to ensure your action plan is effective:

Use task management software

Streamline your action plan by keeping all of your tasks and timelines in one central source of truth. Task management software, like Asana , is perfect for your action plan because it allows you to keep track of pending tasks, declare task ownership, assign dependencies, and connect with your team in real time or asynchronously .

Use or create templates

Create or use a template that lists all the action items with notes, status, priority, and ownership. When you create a template that fits your project type, you can reuse it time and time again.

Set up real-time alerts and assign dependencies

Make sure all action items are time-bound and that you assign dependencies. That way, your team can react when an item is ready for them and easily track what other items depend on theirs. 

Check action items off as you complete them

When action items are completed, check them off! Make sure it’s visible to everyone and happens in real time so the person responsible for the next action item can start their work as soon as possible.

Discuss late or pending tasks

If you run into issues or delays, talk to your team to uncover potential bottlenecks and find solutions that keep the action plan on track. You can add notes directly into your action plan or set up calls to discuss more complex issues.

Ready, set, action plan

Like Benjamin Franklin once said: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Creating an action plan helps you stay focused, on track, and brings your goals to life.

Plan to succeed with a structured action plan and helpful tools like Asana’s task management software. Connect and align with your team in a central source of truth while staying flexible enough to revise your action plan when necessary.

Related resources

What is management by objectives (MBO)?

7 steps to complete a social media audit (with template)

How to accomplish big things with long-term goals

What are objectives and key results (OKRs)?

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Your 6-step guide on how to make an action plan for management

It’s likely we all have goals we’d like to achieve in our professional lives. Sometimes, they start as lofty ambitions. We have an idea of what sort of end result we want to see yet we might not be sure of how we’ll get there. 

Other times, we have very concrete deliverables. Yet we might not know the path to get there. An action plan to help keep you accountable for achieving your goals is one way to help. An action plan is like a roadmap. It’ll serve as your guide to help you reach all the little steps along the way. 

With increased collaboration across teams, it’s likely that multiple team members will need to help you reach your goals. In order to keep everyone on the same page, an action plan can help increase team alignment . 

If you’re wondering how to make an action plan for project management , we’ll break it down in this guide. We’ll also talk about how to make sure your action plan works effectively. 

6 steps to make an action plan for management 

A huge part of strategic planning comes to life with action plans. In order to create an effective action plan, it’s important to work backward from your desired outcome. It’s also important to be realistic about the goals you’re setting, which means making sure they’re both SMART goals and attainable. 

If you’re ready to get started, follow this step-by-step guide. 

1. Identify your project goals 

First, figure out what your desired outcome is. Start to think about the goal from a big-picture perspective . Define what your goal is and from there, you’ll be better equipped to put together an action plan template. 

2. Outline your key objectives 

At BetterUp, we use something called objectives and key results (OKRs) . It’s a goal-setting framework that helps keep our project planning aligned, especially when collaborating with others. 

It’s also possible that there are multiple ways to approach the same objective. By outlining your objective, you can start to think through what sort of results you’d like to see as a result of reaching it. From there, it’ll help to firm up your strategic approach to tackling the specific goal.

3. Break down your action items into smaller tasks 

Let’s take a look at a simple example to help frame out what this step looks like. For example, your goal is to organize a happy hour event for a prospective client. Your objective for this goal is to help engage this prospective client to become a customer. 

On its face, this project might seem purely event planning related. Of course, you’ll have to consider things like timeframe, key stakeholders, invitation and guest list, and securing a venue. 

But you’ll also want to consider things like communication throughout the planning process. For example, what specific steps do you need to take to put together a save-the-date email for your guest list? Can you break down the list of tasks that are bundled underneath each step? 

This includes things like setting deadlines, delegating tasks , and outlining set milestones. It might end up feeling like a giant to-do list. But in many ways, it’ll give you a better handle on how to put together a management plan that encompasses everything you need to do. The more detailed, the better. 

4. Assemble your team 

Like anything in life, reaching goals is almost never a solitary pursuit. In order to ensure your project will be successful, you‘ll need to assemble team members . 

Depending on the scope of the project, you might need to do some resource planning. This includes communicating with key stakeholders and setting expectations before the project kicks off. You might also consider outlining dependencies you might need to consider along the way. After all, team alignment is critically important in achieving goals. 

At BetterUp, we use a decision-making framework called ACID .

Approver 

Contributor 

Informed 

Driver 

There are plenty of decision-making frameworks out there. But at the start of any larger project, we identify the ACID framework to also ensure roles and responsibilities are clear.

It’s also a good idea to think about how specific tasks will be allocated across your team. It’ll help empower better teamwork to clearly clarify roles and duties. Include things like any time-bound deadlines, too. 

5. Determine measurable outcomes 

For any initiative, it’s a best practice to measure its performance. Figure out what metrics you’ll use to gauge the success of the project. 

Some organizations use things like KPIs to measure the success of an end goal. Others might need to establish some benchmarking metrics before really assessing the performance of a goal. 

6. Use a project management tool 

Technology was built to help make us work smarter and better. If your organization uses project management software, take advantage of it. 

At BetterUp, we use many tools. One tool that we use is Asana to help keep our projects on track. It helps us with everything from task management to time management . It’s also a great way to keep communication lines open with all project members, too. 

How to ensure that the action plan will work 

We’re all probably familiar with plans going sideways. After all, even the best-laid plans will come across obstacles. With accelerated change and fast-evolving priorities, it’s likely you’ll have to stay agile . 

In order to do so, we’ve compiled six tips to make sure your action plan is effective. 

Set expectations for all team members at the beginning. Communication about expectations, especially at the start of the project, is critical. If you’re the project lead, communicate expectations from the launch. If you’re a team member, don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions. 

Communicate more often than you think you need to. Track progress along the way. But more importantly, communicate with your project team members. Promote transparency and visibility, especially when it comes to challenges. 

For example, if you anticipate missing a due date, communicate ahead of time. At BetterUp, we talk a lot about conscious commitments. At its heart, it’s about communication. If we’re falling behind on a project or need to renegotiate a deliverable, it comes down to effective communication .

As you work through your action steps and complete tasks, communicate. But more importantly, if you’re coming across hurdles and roadblocks, communicate. A project management tool can help promote visibility across teams, too. 

Provide feedback along the way. Continuous feedback throughout the project can be the difference between reaching your goals or missing them. If you think there’s a process improvement, voice your feedback. But also ask for feedback in return.

Regularly check in with team members to see how things are going for them. By asking for feedback , you’re also establishing psychological safety and trust within the team, too.  

Celebrate the small wins along the way. Sometimes, projects can be gnarly. Some projects I’ve worked on have taken months, even more than a year, to complete.

Especially if it feels like the end is far from near, celebrate the small wins. Include employee recognition as part of your strategy, too. For example, can you celebrate a team member who went above and beyond? How are you taking a moment to celebrate the progress you have made, even if you haven’t yet reached the end goal? 

If needed, have a corrective action plan at the ready. Worst-case scenarios are not ideal but they do happen. At BetterUp, we’ve studied something that we call future-mindedness . It’s this idea that you can look ahead to the future with a sense of optimism and pragmatism.

With change fast-evolving, it’s likely you’ll have to course correct at one point in your project. If needed, have that corrective action plan ready. Stay agile and nimble, especially amid uncertainty and change. 

2 action plan examples as guides 

Every workflow will be different depending on the company, roles, and complexity of teams. These project plans are rough plans that could be adopted for use in a project management tool, like Asana. 

Example 1: Launching a multi-channel campaign 

Example 2: sending an all-company communication about open enrollment , start creating effective project plans .

No matter what challenges you’re coming up against in your project planning, BetterUp can help. With access to virtual coaching , you can make sure your team members are empowered to reach their goals.

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Madeline Miles

Madeline is a writer, communicator, and storyteller who is passionate about using words to help drive positive change. She holds a bachelor's in English Creative Writing and Communication Studies and lives in Denver, Colorado. In her spare time, she's usually somewhere outside (preferably in the mountains) — and enjoys poetry and fiction.

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11 SMART Goals Examples for Time Management & Productivity

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We all have ambitions, aspirations, and objectives that we want to achieve in life. But we hardly take a systematic approach towards them. Do you know that out of every hundred people, only twenty set their goals, and from those twenty, only  eight are able to accomplish  what they plan for?

The concept of SMART goals can be applied to Time Management and Productivity and help with significant improvements in these areas.

Table of Contents

What Are SMART Goals?

“SMART Goals” has become a common buzzword over the past years, and why shouldn’t it? After all, goal setting is one of the best and most helpful ways to achieve what you want in life. SMART goals lay out a clear roadmap, which you can follow to reach your target.

A person who does not have a direction will probably get nowhere. But setting SMART goals can give you a clear vision of your targets and increase your chances of reaching them.

Goals and SMART Goals – The Difference

A proper goal is narrowed down and clearly defined. For instance, take this clichéd goal, “I want to be rich.” This sentence is very vague and is going in all directions. Most importantly, it does not specify or measure what “rich” is. A person with $10,000 in their savings account might consider $100,000 as rich, but a person with $100,000 might want to become a millionaire to feel rich.

Similarly, suppose a person makes $2,000 in monthly wages and aims to reach a million dollars. In that case, they will have to consider their options to see if it is even attainable and if such a huge goal is relevant to them. They also need to understand how much time it will take.

You can’t design a plan of action if you aren’t clear about what you want to achieve. This is where SMART goals come into play. SMART is an acronym that stands for:

• S pecific: Clearly defined and unambiguous
• M easurable: Allow you to track your progress towards the goal
• A ttainable: Possible to achieve
• R elevant: Important to you, and you have a burning desire to achieve the goal
• T ime-Bound: Needs to have a deadline

Let us look at each one in more detail.

Specifying your goals will considerably increase your chances of achieving them. Whenever you are setting a goal, start by asking five “W” questions:

• What  is it that you want to achieve?
• Who  is involved in this goal, and who will be affected by it?
• Where  do you plan to achieve this goal?
• Why  is this goal so important to you?
• When  do you want to complete this goal?

Specifying a goal allows you to see and measure your progress and to know when you have achieved this goal. The more narrowed down a goal is, the easier it is to identify and achieve it.

Every goal needs to have some criteria to measure it against. Without a criterion, there is no way to track your progress towards the goal, which means you will never know where you are standing or how much more effort you have to put in. There are three important questions that you can use to make your goal measurable:

• How much or how many do you want to achieve?
• How do you know when you have reached your goal?
• What are the criteria for measuring progress?

Your goals must challenge you and further push your limits, but they must not be impossible. For instance, say your objective is to lose weight, and you set a goal to lose 20 pounds in two weeks. This is not only challenging, but it is not even safely possible.

Or take the person with a $2,000 monthly wage aiming to save up a million dollars. This is also not too realistic. Instead, that person can set smaller, more attainable goals, aim to make investments, and then aim for the million when it is more attainable.

At this stage of goal setting, you will ask yourself if you have the resources needed to attain the goal that you are setting? If not, what are you missing, and how can you fill in the missing parts?

The goal needs to have importance in your life. It should also be aligned with other goals that you want to achieve. You will indeed require some assistance and support when achieving a goal. But remember to maintain control and not let go of ownership for the goal.

When setting a goal, ask yourself the following questions to verify if the goal is relevant to you.

• Is the goal worth the effort?
• Is it the right time to start working on the goal?
• Is it aligned with other objectives you are working on or trying to achieve?

With these questions answered, you will understand how relevant and important the goal is to you.

If your goal does not have a deadline, you will never be able to achieve it. It is okay to extend deadlines occasionally, but you must set a timeline for achieving your goal. With a deadline in place, the goal will remain a priority and not allow other daily tasks to hinder progress.

Sometimes, it is better to break down a bigger goal into smaller goals and set deadlines for each task. A few questions that you can ask yourself for timing a goal are:

• When do I want to accomplish this goal?
• Where do I want to be a year from now?
• What can I achieve in two months from now?
• What can I do today towards the goal?

This  Ultimate Guide to SMART Goals  discusses SMART goals in more detail and a more detailed explanation of SMART goals and will help you set your smart goal with easy-to-follow steps.

Why SMART Goals Are Important for Time Management and Productivity

Time management and productivity are skills that take time to learn and master. If your objectives are not in the correct order, you will have difficulty mastering these skills.

Throughout your journey of improving your time management and productivity skills, you will need to identify and work on areas that need improvement. Some advantages of setting SMART goals in these areas are:

• Keep an eye on your progress throughout your journey of improvement
• Increase effectiveness and efficiency
• With clear objectives, chances of  procrastination  go down considerably
• A focused mind learns and performs significantly better

11 SMART Goals Examples for Time Management & Productivity

1. learn more about ms excel formulas.

“To reduce the time it takes me to implement formulas in Excel from six hours to three hours by the 30th of next month. I will use the MS Excel Guide to learn new methodologies for formula implementation.”

S:  Three hours to complete formula implementation

M:  The progress can be measured with the decreasing time and the difference from the initial six hours.

A:  Using resources to learn more about formula application, and by practicing what I have learned, I can make this goal attainable

R:  If I am spending six out of eight hours of my workday implementing formulas, more than three-quarters of my day is gone. Reducing the time to half will allow me extra time for other activities.

T:  Since I have set a deadline for this goal, I know that I have to reduce my formula implementing time to three hours by the end of next month.

2. Arrive at Work Early

“Build a habit of arriving to work early by getting up an hour earlier by the end of the month. I will build this habit by pushing back my alarm by fifteen minutes every week.”

S:  I want to be at work at least an hour before what I am doing now.

M:  The progress can be measured by checking how many minutes after my planned time I am arriving.

A:  Probably one of the most attainable goals that I can set for myself. It does not involve many people, and I have also given myself a transitional period of one month to build the habit.

R:  This goal is important to me because by arriving early, I can accomplish more tasks and get more work done throughout the day

T: I have set a deadline for this goal, and I know where I should be standing at the end of each week.

3. Improve Time Management Skills

“I often sit at least two hours late to complete all tasks. I want to leave on time to spend time with my family. I will improve my time management skills by taking an online course for the next month to bring work-life balance into my life. I will apply what I learn and plan to leave on time by the end of the course.”

S:  I would like to leave at the end of my shift and avoid late sittings. 

M:  I can measure my progress by comparing how many late sittings I am doing and how late I am leaving work.

A:  This goal is attainable because I plan to take on a course for time management to manage my time better and help me achieve my goal.

R:  This goal is relevant for me because I want to enjoy my life outside of work.

T:  I have set a deadline for this goal. As the course progresses, I can gradually start to leave earlier to get into the habit.

4. Improve Productivity

“To improve my productivity by dedicating 20% of my work hours to tasks marked as important. I will turn off all distractions during these hours and focus only on the important tasks. I will implement this practice starting today and make it into a habit by the end of next week.”

S:  Dedicate 20% of my time to important tasks during the day. 

M:  I can measure my progress by evaluating how much time in a day I am giving to important tasks and make adjustments accordingly.

A:  This goal is attainable as it requires me to get more organized and requires only dedication.

R:  This goal is relevant for me because it will improve my productivity.

T:  I have set a deadline for this goal and know that I have to achieve this by the end of next week.

5. Double Company Sales

“To double the sales for my company over one year, I will learn how to use social media ads by attending social media marketing workshops. I will gradually invest up to 30% of my profit in social media marketing by increasing 10% every month.”

S:  To double the current sales for the company

M:  The sales volume can be measured weekly or monthly

A:  This goal is attainable because I will learn and apply new marketing techniques

R:  This goal is relevant for my company and me as it will help us grow

T:  I have set a deadline for this goal and know that I have to achieve this within a year

6. Learn How to Use Apps

“To improve productivity by learning to use and getting used to time management tools. I will learn to use advanced apps to manage my to-do lists, appointments, and everyday tasks by this week.”

S:  Learn and use apps to better manage time and improve productivity.

M:  Productivity and time management can be measured by watching the amount of time being wasted.

A:  This goal is attainable because I will learn and use technology to improve myself.

R:  This goal will help improve my productivity and is essential for my personal development.

T:  The deadline is the end of this week.

7. Improve Public Speaking Skills

“To increase the engagement of participants during my presentations, I will improve my public speaking skills by joining a public speaking club for one year.”

S:  Increase the engagement of participants during presentations

M:  Engagement of participants can be measured by having presentations evaluated by audience members

A:  I am already delivering presentations and would like to improve them, which makes this goal attainable

R:  This goal will help improve audience engagement, which is essential for every presentation

T:  Deadline is one year

8. Use One Color-Coded Schedule

“ I currently keep separate schedules for work and home. This has been causing me to overbook my time, and I end up missing either family events or important work appointments. In order to prevent this, I will start keeping a master schedule this weekend. I will use a color-coding system in order to be able to easily tell what area of my life the event pertains to. I won't make any appointments without this schedule being visible. A new monthly schedule will be posted on my bedroom door each month, so I see it first thing every morning and last thing each night. “

S: This is definitely specific. It lists what kind of schedule, when it will be started, how the different areas will be divided, and it states where the schedule will be kept and why.

M : It will be easy to measure whether or not this goal is put into place. It is also possible to measure how successful this method is by keeping track of how many times there is a schedule conflict or how many important events are missed.

A : This goal is very attainable. There may need to be something added as to how appointments are made when the calendar is in one place, such as at home, and you are at the office. Maybe there could be two copies of the calendar.

R: This is related to getting a handle on time management. Having a schedule that is integrated is one of the easiest ways to bring together the various aspects of life, so there are fewer conflicts.

T: Stating that the schedule will be in place by the coming weekend makes it time-bound.

9. Delegate When Possible

“I waste a lot of time doing tasks that others not only can handle but would also be happy to do. I will identify who can handle what tasks and, starting this coming week, I will delegate routine tasks and tasks that don't require my personal attention to others, freeing me to concentrate on essential tasks that need to be done. I will also research automation apps to see if some tasks can be automated completely.”

S:  This is specific in that it states what you are going to do and when you are going to start. It also gives a second action. It could be more specific if you took the time to list specific tasks that you will automate or delegate, but this is a great place to start.

M: This will be measured over time as the saved minutes and hours add up. You will be able to measure how many of the tasks you delegate or automate.

A : This goal is attainable as long as you are willing to let go of the control over everything and put it into action.

R : Often, we waste time on little things when we can better put our energy into more important projects. By figuring out what others can easily and willingly take off your hands, you make more time for what only you can do. This definitely relates to better time management.

T: Stating that this will start the upcoming week makes this time-bound.

10. Group Like Tasks

“Stopping to answer phone calls and constantly checking messages and emails is eating into my productivity. Starting next week, I will designate a period of time each day solely for answering emails and returning or making phone calls. I will make this period at the beginning or the end of my workday and will re-evaluate in one month to see if it makes a difference in the amount of time expended.”

S: This is specific in that you mention what you plan on doing and why. You mention when you will initiate the goal and when you will set aside time for it. You also mention a re-evaluation period.

M: It will be easy to measure whether or not you achieve this goal. You will also be able to measure its effectiveness over time by the amount of extra time you are being productive.

A: This goal is achievable in that you have control over when you will answer messages and make phone calls. There will be exceptions, but those should be rare.

R: Since it has been proven that every interruption causes you to lose time getting back into focus on a project, this goal is definitely relatable to saving and managing time.

T: Stating that this will start the following week makes it time-bound. The mention of a re-evaluation date also adds to this factor.

11. Take Breaks

“My productivity starts to wane as the day goes on. I will start making sure I include a ten-minute break every two hours to simply stretch and take a deep breath. At the midway point of my day, I will no longer skip lunch but will instead take an outside break when the weather is nice or walk around the building if the weather is poor. I will pack a healthy lunch each day to rejuvenate my body as well as my mind. This routine will start tomorrow and will be followed indefinitely.”

S:   This is very specific. You talk about why and mention exactly what you will do and when you will do it. You also mention when it will start.

M: This is highly measurable. You only need to note whether or not you took your breaks, including lunch. A mood journal might help you in deciding whether or not the breaks help.

A: This goal is attainable. You could also set alarms to make sure you don't work through the scheduled breaks. All this goal takes to achieve is self-discipline.

R : Minds get tired. Making sure you take breaks for food and exercise, which helps get the blood flowing to carry oxygen to the brain, helps you maintain focus and energy longer.

T: This is highly time-bound. You state it will start tomorrow and you specify when the breaks will occur.

Final Thoughts on SMART Goals for Time Management and Productivity

Setting SMART goals for time management and productivity might be a small step, but it is a giant leap for honing your skills. Start by writing down your goals, and then break them into smaller tasks. Revisit your written goals every day to know your progress and identify areas that require improvement.

Here is a  SMART goal-setting worksheet  to help you outline and document your objectives to get yourself started. And check out our roundup of effective time management activities to help achieve your SMART goals .

And if you want more SMART goal ideas and examples, be sure to check out these blog posts:

• 7 SMART Goals Examples for Administrative Assistants
• 7 Examples of SMART Goals for Project Management
• 6 SMART Goals Examples for Finance Managers

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 .

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What is an action plan? (Example and template)

May 3, 2024 - 10 min read

An action plan is a definitive checklist of tasks and resources needed to complete a project or achieve a goal. You can think of it as a visual countdown to the project delivery or a breakdown of the list of tasks needed to achieve desired results.

Now you may be thinking, “What is the purpose of an action plan vs. a to-do list ?” 

The most significant difference between action plans and to-do lists is that action plans focus on achieving a specific goal . In contrast, to-do lists are ongoing and include tasks for different goals and projects. 

Understanding this distinction, it becomes clear that action plans are powerful tools for goal setting and project execution. They help teams manage necessary resources, adhere to schedules, and track progress toward specific goals and project initiatives. 

In this article, we’ll go through the purposes of action plans, the key steps usually included in them, how you can use action plans to help your project management, and step-by-step instructions on how to put one together yourself. 

And, as a bonus, we’ll also give you information on Wrike’s prebuilt action plan template , which can jump-start your action plan process. 

What is the purpose of an action plan?

An action plan , also sometimes referred to as a plan of action , helps order project tasks in a sequential and timely manner to achieve a goal. Project managers and individuals can use action plans to achieve their work and personal project goals.

Developing an action plan clarifies the goals to be achieved, the teams and service providers to involve, and the tasks, dependencies, milestones, and resources needed to complete the project.

Working with an action plan ensures you complete every task and requirement to meet the expected standards of a project. As you develop an action plan, you identify any critical paths and dependencies. 

Keep in mind that a developed action plan isn’t set in stone, because the environment in which projects operate is often subject to change . External factors such as market conditions, economic influences, technology advancements or failures, regulatory requirements, and unexpected events can impact the execution of any plan. A dynamic document allows for flexibility and adaptability so you can adjust your strategies in response to evolving circumstances.

Why are action plans important in project management?

​​An action plan in project management is a quick and easy way to keep projects on track. Creating an action plan means you can quickly map out the resources and requirements you need and sketch a timeline to complete tasks. 

Here are several benefits of using a strategic action plan in project management:

• They’re simple and easy to set up, helping to maintain operational efficiency without taking much time.
• They declutter managers’ minds by providing a framework for structuring new projects in a sensible order.
• They clarify the objectives of the project and build consensus on how the work should be done.
• They prepare you for predictable and preventable challenges and focus your resources to achieve your main goals for the project. 
• They maximize personal and team productivity and resource allocation.
• They reduce the possibility of forgetting tasks in the project.
• They generate a goal-driven workflow, so you know what to work on throughout the project.
• They provide a way to track progress as you check tasks off the action plan as you complete them.

Action plan vs. project plan

Action plans should not be confused with project plans . Both list the tasks, resources, and timelines required to achieve a desired goal, but project plans go deeper, including details such as contingency plan action steps, risk mitigation strategies, quality assessment criteria, and stakeholder communication schedules. In contrast, action plans simply list the tasks, resources, and timelines needed to achieve a goal. 

Think of it this way: For big, complex, or long-term projects, you create a project plan first. Once your project plan is in place, an action plan helps you detail the steps and flow for allocating resources, sharing and executing tasks, and setting deadlines.

In summary, action plans and project plans differ in the following ways: 

• Complexity : Action plans are simpler than project plans. They focus solely on the tasks, resources, and timelines required to achieve a goal. Project plans include additional sections for other measures, standards, and procedures for completing a project. 
• Duration : Action plans focus on specific, short-term goals. These may be for standalone goals or part of a larger project. Project plans are more encompassing, covering longer-term objectives, which may take months or years to complete. 
• Flow : Action plans are linear, with one task following another until the goal is achieved. Project plans may have multiple phases, e.g., planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and reviewing, with each stage containing its own distinct tasks and deliverables.

The components of an action plan

Let’s take a look at the essential components of an action plan:

• Action plan objectives: The action plan objectives serve as the main guide for the action plan, defining and communicating what the plan seeks to achieve. 
• Action plan steps: Action plan steps form the core of the action plan. They detail crucial targets and set milestones that must be completed to reach the goal. These steps divide the goal or project into manageable chunks and provide a framework for identifying tasks (action items), allocating resources, and determining timelines. 
• Action plan items: Action plan items are the nitty-gritty details of the action plan — the actual tasks to be performed. Each action plan item must be clearly defined, actionable, and understood by the team involved. 
• Action plan timeline: The action plan timeline maps out the plan schedule from start to finish. It’s crucial for setting expectations, tracking progress and performance, and ensuring the project stays on schedule. 
• Action plan resources: These are the inputs required to execute the plan, e.g., labor, time, tools, and funds. Identifying action plan resources before delving into execution helps ensure tasks are not delayed or compromised due to resource constraints. 
• Action plan matrix: The action plan matrix provides a structured layout for the strategic planning of tasks. It serves as a roadmap and helps to categorize your action steps and tasks based on priority, status, and resource allocation. This alignment helps identify any dependencies or potential bottlenecks.
• Action plan report: The action plan report provides an overview of the progress made in executing the action plan. It includes details like the tasks completed, time taken, costs incurred, resources used, and any deviations from the plan.
• Assignments: Each task should be assigned to a person, team, or group. Clear assignment of responsibility is crucial for accountability and the successful execution of any action plan.

What are the key steps of an action plan?

The main point of a plan of action is to ensure you don’t overlook critical tasks and milestones of your project. In its simplest form, developing an effective action plan entails listing tasks you need to complete and prioritizing them.

As you develop your action plan, you decide which tasks you can delegate, outsource, or delay. The steps below map out how to write a sound action plan to increase your chance of success.

Step 1: Define your goal 

Get clear on what you want to achieve with your project. Define the action plan in terms of where you are and where you want to be. If you have alternative methods to achieve your goal, assess your situation and decide the best chances of success depending on your resources.

Step 2: List tasks

Once you have your goal, list the tasks and activities you must complete to achieve it. Then order them sequentially by adding key dates and deadlines. This should include a time frame with start and end dates for each task.

Step 3: Identify critical tasks

Are there any specific steps that must be completed before others can start? These are critical time-bound tasks with dependencies. Prioritize these tasks and set realistic deadlines. If you plan to assign them to team members, be sure to let them know the dependencies and allow enough time to deliver them.

Step 4: Assign tasks

Now that the project is broken down, you can start assigning tasks. Will you be handling some yourself in addition to managing the project? Make sure you allocate time and human resources carefully — you may choose to delegate or outsource specific tasks.

Step 5: Assess and improve

At the end of each project, assess performance, analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics, and learn from mistakes or missteps to improve your action planning and project execution. If you work with a team, collect feedback and improvement suggestions from team members for better performance in the future.

Action plan best practices

Following these best practices will mean you ’ re more likely to succeed: 

• Involve your team: When working with a team, involve them early in the planning process to get their input and save time. Get team members’ work schedules before assigning tasks to avoid conflicts. Clear communication enables responsible parties to prepare for their specific project tasks.
• Set SMART goals: SMART goals are s pecific, m easurable, a ttainable, r elevant, and t imely. Ensure your action plan starts with a strong foundation by defining clear and SMART goals that add value, either as a personal project or at work.
• Make your action plans into templates: To get more benefits from your action plans, make them into templates. After assessing your action plan at the end of a completed project, make a copy of the plan and remove all project-specific details, so you’re able to use the action planning template in future projects. This minimizes the need to repeat work, saving a lot of time and reducing errors.

Who needs to write an action plan?

Action plans aren’t just for project managers — they’re handy for all sorts of professionals and individuals tackling personal or business projects. Action plans can also be used alone or with a team. When working with a team, the leader puts together the action plan with everyone’s input.

Developing an action plan helps individuals, managers, and organizations finish their projects more successfully. They’re great for getting started, keeping track of what needs to be done, and maintaining progress on any project. Remember to check off tasks as they are done, update the plans, and communicate with your team as your project progresses.

A variation of a traditional action plan is a corrective action plan. Project managers and individuals use corrective action plans when they need to fix recurring problems or deviations in a project, process, or organization, so they don’t happen again in the future.

An example of an action plan 

Action plans are quick and easy to create. It’s all about putting down what you need to accomplish your goal or project. 

Here’s a simple action plan example for a marketing team working on a new campaign:

Action plan objective: Increase brand awareness and boost product sales by 30% by the end of Q4 2023 through a localized multimedia marketing campaign.

Other action plan examples in project management include:

• Launching a new product
• Organizing an event
• Improving customer service
• Enhancing employee training
• Expanding into new markets
• Increasing your social media following

Maximizing efficiency with action plan templates

A project action plan template is a preformatted document providing a framework to outline, execute, and track the tasks and specific actions needed to accomplish your larger goal. It streamlines the action planning process by providing a ready-to-use format you can quickly fill out to create a robust action plan. This way, you don’t waste time making one from scratch using Excel, Google Docs, or Microsoft Word. 

Wrike’s simple action plan template manages projects and goals with an intuitive interface designed to help plan and launch projects with teams of any size. This template’s features enable real-time collaboration, easy task assignments, time tracking, and reporting.

Common issues like a lack of visibility on remote workers’ assignments and confusing project priorities are mitigated with functionalities such as: 

• Organizing tasks by departments into folders, making the journey from “To Do” to “In Progress” to “Completed” smooth
• Identifying dependencies and defining the priority of tasks to determine which tasks need to be done first
• Providing a snapshot of the tasks due now and in the coming weeks, ensuring the project schedule is adhered to
• Securing sensitive data from unauthorized personnel with permissions offering various levels of access and visibility for collaborators and stakeholders

How to create an action plan with Wrike

Using project management tools helps to organize your business action plan visually and make it feel more achievable. With project management software like Wrike , you get a free action plan template included with your subscription — so you can easily input your project resources, requirements, and timelines, and track your progress throughout the project. 

As outlined above, the best way to jump-start your action plan is to use our prebuilt plan of action and milestones template . It helps you take control of your task management by providing sample folders to organize tasks, a calendar for project scheduling, and prebuilt dashboards for monitoring progress. All you have to do is add your tasks and due dates to get a complete overview of all project work. 

Our template works for all different types of action plans. You can use it as:

• A personal action plan template for personal projects
• A business action plan template to simplify project management
• A corrective action plan template to fix issues with an existing project

If you’re ready to develop action plans and track your progress while better managing your projects, you need Wrike. We make it easy to plan, execute, and ensure success, even when you’re on the go.

Click here to start your free two-week trial and kick off your action plan today.

Kelechi Udoagwu

Kelechi is a freelance writer and founder of Week of Saturdays, a platform for digital freelancers and remote workers living in Africa.

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Blog What is an Action Plan & How to Write One [With Examples]

What is an Action Plan & How to Write One [With Examples]

Written by: Danesh Ramuthi Oct 26, 2023

An action plan is a meticulously structured strategy that pinpoints specific steps, tasks and resources vital to turning a goal into reality. It is extremely useful in any project management. 

Crafting an action plan is like plotting a route for a cross-country journey. It’s the strategic map that outlines every step, decision and pitstop needed to reach your ultimate destination.

With a well-thought-out action plan, you’re not just shooting in the dark; you’re making informed, purposeful strides towards your goals. Dive deep with our guide and witness real-world examples that will inspire and guide you.

Need a tool to kickstart your planning? Try out the Venngage business plan maker and explore their extensive collection of action plan templates .

Click to jump ahead: 

What is the purpose of an action plan?

When to develop an action plan, 7 components of a actions plan, 15 action plan examples.

• How to Write an action plan?

Final thoughts

An action plan serves as a strategic tool designed to outline specific steps, tasks and goals necessary to achieve a particular objective.

Its primary purpose is to provide a clear roadmap and direction for individuals, teams or organizations to follow in order to efficiently and effectively accomplish their goals. 

Action plans break down complex projects into manageable, actionable components, making it easier to track progress and stay on course.

Moreover, action plans play a crucial role in fostering accountability and coordination among team members. By assigning responsibilities and deadlines for each task or milestone, they ensure that everyone involved is aware of their roles and the overall timeline, reducing confusion and enhancing teamwork. 

Additionally, action plans help in resource allocation, budgeting and risk management by enabling stakeholders to identify potential challenges and plan for contingencies. 

Overall, the purpose of an action plan is to transform abstract goals into concrete actions, making them more achievable and measurable while ensuring that the resources and efforts are aligned with the desired outcomes.

Developing an action plan is crucial when you’re looking to achieve a specific goal or outcome. Here are instances when you should consider developing an action plan:

• Start of an organization : Ideally, an action plan should be developed within the first six months to one year of the start of an organization. This initial plan lays the groundwork for the future direction and growth of the entity.
• Project initiation : At the start of any project, an action plan helps to clearly define the tasks, responsibilities, and timelines.
• Goal setting : Whenever you or your organization sets a new goal. Action plans transform these goals from abstract ideas into concrete steps.
• Strategic planning : For long-term visions and missions, action plans break down the journey into manageable pieces, each with its timeline and responsible parties.
• Performance improvement : If there are areas where performance is lacking, whether it’s personal or organizational, an action plan can outline the steps needed to elevate performance.

An action plan is a detailed outline that breaks down the steps necessary to achieve a specific goal. Here are the typical components of an action plan.

1. Objective or Goal

The cornerstone of your action plan is the objective or goal. This should be a clear and concise statement outlining the desired outcome or result. Having a well-defined objective provides a direction and purpose to the entire plan, ensuring all tasks and actions are aligned towards achieving this singular aim.

2. Tasks or Actions

Once the objective is set, the next step is to list down the specific tasks or actions required to achieve this goal. These tasks should be broken down into detailed steps, ensuring no essential activity is overlooked. The granularity of these tasks can vary based on the complexity of the goal.

3. Set deadline

For each task or action, set a realistic and achievable deadline. This timeline ensures that the plan stays on track and that momentum is maintained throughout the execution. It also allows for monitoring progress and identifying potential delays early.

4. Resources needed to complete the project

It’s crucial to recognize and list the resources you’ll need to complete the tasks. This can encompass financial resources, human resources, equipment, technological tools or any other assets. Identifying these early ensures that there are no bottlenecks during execution due to a lack of necessary resources.

5. Person responsible

Assign a person or a team for each task. This designation ensures accountability and clarity. When individuals are aware of their responsibilities, it reduces overlap, confusion and ensures that every task has someone overseeing its completion.

6. Potential barriers or challenges

Every plan will face challenges. By anticipating potential barriers or obstacles, you can be better prepared to address them. This proactive approach ensures smoother execution and less reactionary problem-solving.

7. Measurement of key performance indicators (KPIs)

Determine how you’ll measure the success of each task or the plan overall. KPIs are tangible metrics that allow you to gauge progress and determine whether you’re moving closer to your goals and objectives. They offer a quantifiable means to evaluate success.

Action plans serve as blueprints, guiding the steps and resources needed to achieve a specific goal. 

They come in various formats, tailored to different scenarios and objectives. Here, we present a range of action plan examples that cater to diverse purposes and situations. 

From business strategies to simple task lists, these examples illustrate the versatility and importance of well-structured planning.

Business action plan example

A business action plan is essentially a strategy roadmap, meticulously tailored for realizing broader business objectives. By crafting a solid action plan, businesses can channel their resources, manpower and strategies in a direction that harmonizes with their larger vision.

Key to this plan is the identification and alignment of steps that resonate with the company’s comprehensive strategy, ambitions of growth and aspirations for operational enhancements. 

While this might entail a myriad of specific steps based on unique business goals, some common elements include setting clear key performance indicators (KPIs), undertaking a thorough SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to grasp the current business landscape and establishing a timeline to keep track of progress.

Furthermore, allocating responsibilities to team members or individuals ensures that every aspect of the strategy has a dedicated focus. Budgeting, essential to the success of the action plan, ensures that every initiative is financially viable and sustainable. 

Regular reviews and iterations based on feedback and changing market dynamics keep the action plan agile and relevant.

Related: 5 Steps to Create an Actionable Employee Development Plan [with Templates & Examples]

Company action plan example

A comprehensive company action plan serves as the strategic linchpin, ensuring a coherent and coordinated approach to realizing organizational goals. Central to this plan is the incorporation of rigorous market research and analysis, which provides insights into consumer behaviors, market trends and potential opportunities. 

Equally vital is the focus on product development and procurement, ensuring that the offerings align with market demands and stand out in terms of quality and relevance. 

Alongside, adept legal and financial management safeguards the company’s interests, ensuring compliance with regulations and prudent fiscal oversight.

Moreover, the essence of any successful company action plan lies in its sales and marketing strategies. These define how the products or services are positioned and promoted in the market, ensuring visibility and engagement with the target audience. 

However, while acquisition is crucial, retention plays an equally significant role. Hence, impeccable customer service and nurturing relationships become indispensable components, fostering loyalty and ensuring that clients remain ambassadors for the brand long after the initial transaction.

Related: 30+ Project Plan Examples to Visualize Your Strategy (2023)

Sales action plan example

A well-structured sales action plan serves as the backbone for systematic and efficient progress. Central to this plan is the identification and utilization of the most effective sales channels, whether they are direct, online or through third-party avenues. 

Clarity on the products and services on offer, combined with their unique selling propositions, facilitates tailored and resonant sales pitches. 

Budget considerations ensure that resources are judiciously allocated, balancing the act between expenditures and potential returns. This financial prudence is complemented by setting realistic sales projections, which act as both a motivational target and a yardstick for success.

Timelines, or proposed deadlines, infuse the process with a sense of urgency, ensuring that the momentum of the sales drive is maintained. 

However, the true measure of the action plan’s efficacy lies in its key performance indicators (KPIs). These metrics, be it lead conversion rates or customer retention figures, serve as tangible markers, highlighting the plan’s strengths and signaling areas that might require recalibration to increase sales.

Corrective action plan example

The essence of a corrective action plan lies in its meticulous structure, tailored to address and rectify deviations or inefficiencies identified within an organization. At its core, each action item serves as a focal point, detailing specific areas or processes that require intervention. 

Accompanying each action item is a clear description that provides a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand. 

However, merely identifying a problem isn’t enough; delving deep into its origins through root cause analysis ensures that solutions target the fundamental issues, rather than just addressing superficial symptoms. 

This analysis then paves the way for defining the corrective action, a tangible step or series of steps designed to mitigate the identified problem and prevent its recurrence.

Besides, to ensure the plan’s effectiveness, assigning a responsible person to each action item is paramount. This individual or team is entrusted with the task’s execution, ensuring accountability and focus. 

The status of each action keeps stakeholders informed about the progress, be it in the planning phase, ongoing, or completed. 

Lastly, setting a due date for each corrective action introduces a sense of urgency and purpose, ensuring that issues are addressed in a timely manner, minimizing disruptions and maximizing operational efficiency.

Simple action plan example

A simple action plan strips away the layers of complexity, offering a concise and direct approach to achieving a goal or addressing an issue. This type of plan is characterized by its straightforward structure, devoid of extraneous details, yet powerfully effective in its clarity. 

It is specifically designed for tasks or objectives that don’t necessitate elaborate strategies or multi-layered approaches.

The core components of a simple action plan usually include a clear statement of the task or objective at hand, followed by a sequence of actions or steps to be taken. 

Each step is described succinctly, ensuring that anyone involved has a clear understanding of what is expected. Responsibilities are defined clearly, with each task allocated to an individual or a team, ensuring accountability. Timelines might be integrated, providing a clear framework for completion, even if they’re just broad milestones. 

Regular check-ins or assessments, although minimal, might be incorporated to monitor progress. 

The beauty of a simple action plan lies in its agility and adaptability, making it particularly suited for individual projects, short-term tasks or situations where a rapid response is required.

How to write an action plan?

Creating an effective action plan is a foundational step towards turning aspirations into tangible results. It provides a clear roadmap, ensuring that each step taken aligns with the overall objective.

Whether you’re aiming to enhance a business process or achieve a personal goal, a well-drafted action plan can be your guiding light. Here’s key steps on how you can craft one:

• Step 1: Establish SMART goals: Initiating with a goal that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound ensures you have a clear and focused endpoint in sight. Smart goals serves as the cornerstone for your entire strategic blueprint.
• Step 2: Determine necessary tasks: Decompose your overarching objective into smaller, actionable tasks. This modular approach not only makes the mission less daunting but also provides a sequential pathway to goal attainment.
• Step 3: Assign essential resources: Depending on the tasks at hand, designate necessary resources, be they human, financial or technological. This ensures that every activity has the backing it needs for successful execution.
• Step 4: Prioritize tasks by importance: Not all tasks hold equal weight. Determine the hierarchy of tasks based on their impact on the goal and their time sensitivity. This allows for a systematic progression.
• Step 5: Outline timelines and key markers: With tasks in hand, set clear deadlines for each. Introduce milestones, which act as periodic check-ins, ensuring you’re on track and allowing for celebrations of smaller victories.
• Step 6: Oversee and modify your strategy blueprint: As you progress, there will invariably be learnings and challenges. Regularly review your plan to make necessary adjustments, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness.
• Step 7: Consider ready-to-use templates: If starting from scratch feels overwhelming, lean on structured templates to guide your planning. There’s plenty of business plan softwares and platforms such as  Venngage that offer a plethora of action plan templates , tailored to various needs, which can significantly streamline the process.

An action plan is more than just an action steps, it’s a strategic blueprint that bridges the gap between aspirations and realizations. 

Through this comprehensive guide, I’ve walked you through the purpose, ideal timings, core components, and practical examples of action plans across various domains. 

Leveraging tools of project management , you can track progress, assign tasks and ensure every team member stays on the same page. 

It’s not just about setting goals, but about strategically planning every step, ensuring tasks completed align with the larger project goals. 

Remember, success isn’t just about having goals but about charting the right course to achieve them

And if you’re looking to supercharge your planning efforts, don’t miss out on the Venngage business plan maker. 

Dive into their extensive collection of action plan templates and make your strategic planning both efficient and effective. 

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Free Microsoft Word Project Management Templates: Project Plans, Charters, Schedules & More

By Kate Eby | June 9, 2023

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Project management templates help you organize information, outline essential components, and enhance operations. We’ve gathered the top project management templates in Microsoft Word for project managers, project sponsors, and team members.

Microsoft Word project management templates save project managers time and effort by providing frameworks for project plans, charters, schedules, timelines, and status reports. They provide a reliable blueprint, ensuring that important project elements are included and organized effectively, while also offering customization options for unique project requirements. Additionally, these templates facilitate collaboration and communication with team members and stakeholders, streamlining the project management process and enhancing project efficiency. 

Included on this page, you’ll find an advanced Microsoft Word project plan template , a simple Microsoft Word project charter template , a Microsoft Word project proposal template , a simple Microsoft Word project status report templat e, and more.

Simple Microsoft Word Project Plan Template 

Download the Simple Project Plan Template for Microsoft Word  

Use this simple Microsoft Word project plan template to clearly organize project details, tasks, and timelines. The template streamlines the project-planning process, providing space to clearly define and document important aspects such as tasks, goals, milestones, risks, and resource allocation. This customizable template helps you track overall project progress and facilitates easy collaboration with team members and stakeholders in one shareable, centrally located document. 

To learn more about optimizing your project plans, see this collection of free Microsoft Word project plan templates .

Advanced Microsoft Word Project Plan Template

Download the Advanced Project Plan Template With Example Data for Microsoft Word  Download the Blank Advanced Project Plan Template for Microsoft Word

Exceed project expectations with this advanced Microsoft Word project plan template. The template enables you to detail your project’s scope, deliverables, and work breakdown structure (WBS). Additionally, it facilitates stakeholder analysis by setting a schedule baseline, listing milestones, creating communications and resource-management plans, ensuring quality, managing risks, and more. Use this template for comprehensive project planning, effective communication, and seamless collaboration to increase the likelihood of project success. Download the template with pre-filled example data for additional guidance, or build your project plan from scratch using a blank template.

Simple Microsoft Word Project Charter Template

Download the Simple Project Charter Template for Microsoft Word

A project charter serves as a crucial document that defines your project's objectives, scope, stakeholders, and key constraints. It acts as a foundational document that authorizes the project and provides a roadmap for successful project planning and execution. Use this simple Microsoft Word project charter template to create a concise and comprehensive project charter. The template enables you to provide a clear project overview by outlining the problem or issue that your project aims to address, as well as its purpose, business case, goals, metrics (such as KPIs), expected deliverables, scope, and tentative schedule. Customize the sections with project-specific information to ensure that you address all key project elements, resulting in efficient project initiation and stakeholder alignment. 

For more resources and detailed information, see this useful collection of Microsoft Word project charter templates .

Advanced Microsoft Word Project Charter Template

Download the Advanced Project Charter Template With Example Data for Microsoft Word Download the Blank Advanced Project Charter Template for Microsoft Word  

Optimize your project planning process with this advanced Microsoft Word project charter template. Unlike basic models, this template offers several advantages, including plenty of space to outline project scope, schedule, resources, costs, benefits, customers, risks, constraints, and assumptions. This template is available in both blank and sample-text versions and can be easily edited to fit your project needs, saving valuable time in your project documentation.

Microsoft Word Project Proposal Template

Download the Project Proposal Template for Microsoft Word

For a persuasive and well-organized project proposal, look no further than this Microsoft Word project proposal template. The template simplifies the presentation of project ideas, objectives, phases, deliverables, timeline, budget details, and measurements of success. This dynamic template is a crucial tool for effectively communicating the value of your proposed project to stakeholders or potential clients.

Simple Microsoft Word Project Status Report Template

Download the Simple Project Status Report Template for Microsoft Word

Effectively communicate your project’s status to project stakeholders and team members by using this streamlined Microsoft Word project status report template. This single-page template offers a clear and concise format for summarizing your project, reporting project progress, listing tasks, and highlighting key project risks and issues. With a visually rich timeline and user-friendly design, this template enables efficient updates and customization, ensuring consistent generation and timely sharing of project status reports.

Advanced Microsoft Word Project Status Report Template

Download the Advanced Project Status Report Template for Microsoft Word

Enhance your project reporting with this advanced Microsoft Word project status report template. It provides a comprehensive and visually appealing format to showcase project progress, milestones, and challenges. The template's advanced features, including an interactive project timeline and project report card, enable active stakeholder engagement and effective communication with team members and project sponsors. Additionally, with customizable sections and pre-designed elements, this template saves time and ensures consistency and professionalism in documenting project statuses.

Microsoft Word Gantt Chart Template

Download the Gantt Chart Template for Microsoft Word

Use this Microsoft Word Gantt chart template to visually represent project tasks, timelines, assignees, and progress in a clear, organized manner. This template simplifies project planning and tracking by allowing users to easily input and modify project tasks, durations, and milestones. Using phase-by-phase swimlanes, you and your team can effectively monitor project progress and easily share the Gantt chart with stakeholders.

Download one of these free Gantt chart templates in Microsoft Word to help ensure that your project is on track.

Microsoft Word Project Timeline Planning Template

Download the Project Timeline Planning Template for Microsoft Word

Use this Microsoft Word project timeline planning template to create a time-based framework for visualizing and organizing project tasks, priorities, statuses, and deadlines in chronological order. The template offers easy customization and editing options, enabling users to tailor the timeline to their specific project needs. By utilizing this template, project managers can effectively plan and communicate project schedules, track progress, and ensure timely completion of tasks, facilitating efficient project management.

Try one of these free Microsoft Word project timeline templates to help your project team accomplish tasks, reach key milestones, and complete deliverables.

Microsoft Word Project Scope Template

Download the Project Scope Template for Microsoft Word

Easily capture your project’s scope with this comprehensive Microsoft Word project scope template. The template offers a standardized format for defining and documenting project scope, including objectives, deliverables, tasks, out-of-scope items, assumptions, and constraints. Use this template to promote clarity and consensus among project stakeholders, mitigating the risk of scope creep and misunderstandings. 

For additional tips and resources, including templates available in other formats, see this comprehensive collection of free project scope-of-work templates for Microsoft Word .

Microsoft Word Project Schedule Template

Download the Project Schedule Template for Microsoft Word

Keep your stakeholders informed about your project’s schedule and progress with this Microsoft Word project schedule template. The template provides a structured format for planning, organizing, and tracking project tasks and timelines. It also aids project managers in visualizing task statuses, project dependencies, resource allocation, and effective timeline management. Additionally, users can easily customize the template to fit specific project requirements, resulting in a well-organized and efficient project schedule.

Microsoft Word Project Brief Template

Download the Project Brief Template for Microsoft Word

Use this Microsoft Word project brief template to establish clear project objectives, scope, deliverables, and stakeholders in a standardized layout. The template facilitates concise communication of key project details and helps align stakeholders on project expectations. It also helps teams clarify their project’s purposes, goals, audience, story, team, budget, and timeframe. Finally, this template is fully editable, allowing for easy tailoring to specific project requirements, which saves time and ensures consistency in documenting project briefs.

Microsoft Word Project Approval Form Template

Download the Project Approval Form Template for Microsoft Word

Streamline the approval process for your project proposals with this Microsoft Word project approval form template. It provides a structured format to capture key project information, such as desired outcomes, actions for completion, project benefits, projected schedule, budget, and resource requirements. Utilizing this template ensures the accurate and efficient capture of all necessary information so that project sponsors and other stakeholders are more likely to accept your project proposal.

Microsoft Word Project Initiation Template

Download the Project Initiation Template for Microsoft Word

Ensure clear project direction and alignment among team members and stakeholders with this Microsoft Word project initiation template. To kick-start your project, simply fill in the template’s sections, including Program Objectives, Establish Project Selection Criteria, Measure Project Performance, Enable Project Delivery, Build the Project Management Discipline, and Facilitate Communication . This customizable template allows for easy customization to fit specific project requirements, saving time and effort during the project initiation phase.

Take Hold of Your Project Plans With Real-Time Work Management in Smartsheet

From simple task management and project planning to complex resource and portfolio management, Smartsheet helps you improve collaboration and increase work velocity -- empowering you to get more done. 

The Smartsheet platform makes it easy to plan, capture, manage, and report on work from anywhere, helping your team be more effective and get more done. Report on key metrics and get real-time visibility into work as it happens with roll-up reports, dashboards, and automated workflows built to keep your team connected and informed.

When teams have clarity into the work getting done, there’s no telling how much more they can accomplish in the same amount of time. Try Smartsheet for free, today.

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