college goals worksheet

13 SMART Goals Examples for College Students

As college students, we often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities, from academic pursuits to extracurricular activities and part-time jobs.

With so much on our plates, setting goals is key to success. Whether it’s acing that difficult course or landing an internship at a top company, having SMART goals can provide the roadmap to reaching our ambitions.

In this article, we will explore 13 compelling examples of SMART goals tailored to college students. These practical examples will inspire you to create your own tailored goals for a successful college experience.

So grab a pen and paper as we dive into the world of SMART goal setting.

Table of Contents

What is a SMART Goal?

The SMART goal-setting method is valuable for college students aiming to excel academically.

SMART ( specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based ) provides a structured framework for goal setting in an academic context.

Let’s explore each component to understand its importance.

Specificity is crucial. Clearly defined goals increase the likelihood of success. For instance, if you aim to improve your academic performance, avoid vague goals.

Instead, specify actions such as dedicating focused study sessions to particular subjects or seeking additional help. Specificity ensures a clear path to achieving your academic aspirations.

Transforming general objectives into quantifiable ones enhances tracking and evaluation. For example, setting a measurable goal could involve achieving a certain GPA by the end of the semester.

Having a target allows you to monitor your academic progress effectively, clearly indicating your achievements.

Realism is key when developing goals. Ambitious objectives, such as achieving academic excellence, require careful consideration of your time and resources.

It’s important to set attainable goals that align with your capabilities. Being practical in your approach ensures a balanced and sustainable effort toward academic success.

Understanding the relevance of your academic goals is crucial for sustained motivation. Ask yourself why achieving a specific academic milestone matters to you.

Perhaps it’s a step toward securing a desired internship or pursuing a particular career path. Ensuring your goals are relevant not only clarifies your purpose but also fuels your motivation during challenging times.

Setting a specific timeline is essential for academic goal achievement. A defined endpoint creates a sense of urgency, propelling you forward in your student journey.

Without a clear deadline, the risk of losing focus and missing academic milestones increases. Ensure your goals are time-bound, allowing you to stay committed and driven toward academic excellence.

1. Excel in Academics

“I’ll achieve academic excellence by maintaining a GPA of 3.8 or higher throughout the next academic year. That involves dedicating focused study sessions daily and seeking additional help when needed.”

Specific: The SMART goal is clear, focusing on maintaining a specific GPA.

Measurable: Progress will be measured by the GPA achieved each semester.

Attainable: A GPA of 3.8 is challenging but realistic with consistent effort.

Relevant: College students should be focused on achieving academic excellence.

Time-based: The goal is set for accomplishment for the academic year.

2. Manage Time Effectively

“I’ll manage my time by creating a weekly schedule that allocates dedicated time to each academic subject, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments. I aim to follow this schedule consistently over three months.”

Specific: The goal specifies creating a weekly schedule for effective time management.

Measurable: Success is determined by consistent adherence to the weekly schedule.

Attainable: It requires a level of persistence to reach this SMART statement.

Relevant: Time management is vital to academic success and happiness.

Time-based: You have a three-month end date for goal completion.

3. Prioritize Fitness and Well-Being

“For the 6 months ahead, I’ll prioritize my fitness and well-being by engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week and incorporating mindfulness practices daily.”

Specific: The goal outlines specific activities for prioritizing fitness and well-being.

Measurable: Adherence to 150 minutes of exercise and daily mindfulness practices can be quantified.

Attainable: This is attainable with dedication to a consistent exercise routine.

Relevant: College student must stay fit and healthy to focus properly on their studies.

Time-based: Attainment of this statement is expected after 6 months.

4. Secure a Summer Internship

“I’ll secure a summer internship by submitting applications to at least 10 companies within two months. I’ll also actively network with professionals in my field to boost my chances of obtaining a valuable internship opportunity.”

Specific: Apply to 10 companies to find an internship during the summer.

Measurable: You could count the number of applications submitted and networking activities.

Attainable: Applying to 10 companies is reasonable within a two-month deadline.

Relevant: Securing a summer internship aligns with the career aspirations of a college student.

Time-based: Two months are required to accomplish success.

5. Build Professional Networks

“In four months, I want to expand my professional connections and gain valuable insights into my chosen career path. I’ll attend two networking events per month and connect with professionals on LinkedIn.”

Specific: The goal outlines actions, including attending events and using LinkedIn for networking.

Measurable: Count the number of networking events attended and LinkedIn connections made.

Attainable: Attending two events per month and connecting on LinkedIn is absolutely doable.

Relevant: Building professional networks is key to career development.

Time-based: You have four whole months to reach goal achievement.

6. Demonstrate Leadership Skills

“I’m committed to showcasing leadership skills during my college tenure by actively engaging in group projects, leading student organizations, and mentoring fellow students. By the end of my academic program, I aim to be recognized as a reliable leader.”

Specific: The goal outlines explicit actions (group projects and leading organizations) to show leadership skills.

Measurable: Assess recognition as a reliable and effective leader by the end of the academic program.

Attainable: Engaging in group projects and leading organizations is realistic within the college setting.

Relevant: Demonstrating leadership skills is pertinent for personal and professional development.

Time-based: Success is expected by the end of the academic program.

7. Manage Finances Responsibly

“To cultivate responsible financial habits throughout college, I will create and adhere to a monthly budget, limit discretionary spending, and save a specific percentage of my income from part-time work. I’ll establish a solid financial foundation by the end of sophomore year.”

Specific: You plan to budget and save to manage finances responsibly.

Measurable: Following the monthly budget and achieving the set savings percentage are quantifiable indicators.

Attainable: Creating a budget and saving a percentage of income is feasible for a college student.

Relevant: Responsible financial management is crucial for long-term financial health.

Time-based: You have until the end of your second year to meet the goal.

8. Enhance Language Proficiency

“I’ll dedicate 30 minutes daily to language learning apps, participate in language exchange programs, and read one book in the target language each month. I aim to achieve an advanced level of proficiency in two years.”

Specific: You know the overall objective and timeline to boost language proficiency.

Measurable: Progress is measurable through participation in language exchange programs and reaching an advanced proficiency level.

Attainable: Dedicating 30 minutes daily and participating in programs are reasonable steps.

Relevant: Language proficiency enhances communication skills and cultural understanding.

Time-based: You have two years to accomplish long-term excellence.

9. Complete Research Project

“I hope to submit the final project by the end of my junior year. I’ll complete a comprehensive research project by conducting literature reviews and collecting data.”

Specific: Complete a research project by the end of your junior year using literature reviews and data collection.

Measurable: Evaluate the completion and submission of the final research project regularly.

Attainable: Conducting literature reviews and data collection is achievable within the time frame.

Relevant: Completing a research project contributes to your skill development.

Time-based: The SMART goal is set for submission within the junior year.

10. Contribute to the Community

“To actively contribute to my college community, I want to engage in volunteer activities, join community service clubs, and organize at least one community outreach event for 7 months.”

Specific: You have precise actions available—volunteering and organizing events—to contribute to the community.

Measurable: Recognition as a dedicated contributor can be assessed through testimonies from others.

Attainable: Engaging in volunteer activities and organizing events is realistic during college.

Relevant: Contributing to the community fosters a sense of responsibility and community engagement.

Time-based: The statement is set for completion over 7 months.

11. Focus on Personal Development

“I will attend personal growth workshops, engage in reflective journaling, and set and achieve specific personal goals. I hope to enhance my overall well-being and self-awareness over three years.”

Specific: You have activities, like workshops and goal setting, for personal development.

Measurable: Ensure you follow the listed action items to succeed.

Attainable: Attending workshops and setting personal goals is achievable over three years.

Relevant: Personal development contributes to overall happiness and life satisfaction.

Time-based: The goal is set for enhancement over the next three years.

12. Adopt Healthier Habits

“In three months, I’ll adopt healthier habits by incorporating 30 minutes of physical activity into my daily routine, choosing nutritious meals, and getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night.”

Specific: You will create healthier habits, including physical activity, nutritious meals, and sufficient sleep.

Measurable: Progress is measurable through daily adherence to the outlined habits and improvements in wellness.

Attainable: Incorporating 30 minutes of physical activity and prioritizing sleep is achievable within the specified deadline.

Relevant: Adopting healthier habits contributes to long-term health for college students.

Time-based: You should expect goal completion after three months.

13. Strengthen Technology Skills

“I will enroll in online courses, participate in coding challenges, and complete at least two technology-related projects. I aim to demonstrate advanced technology skills within 6 months.”

Specific: Enroll in courses and complete projects to improve your technology skills.

Measurable: Check the completion of online courses, participation in coding challenges, and successful project completion.

Attainable: Proactively follow the action items for skill enhancement.

Relevant: Strengthening technology abilities aligns with career development in a tech-driven world.

Time-based: You have a 6-month window for goal attainment.

Final Thoughts

Setting SMART goals can significantly benefit students by providing a well-defined roadmap for their academic and personal development.

The examples provided in this article demonstrate the effectiveness of the SMART framework in improving study habits, time management, and overall excellence.

By incorporating these examples into their goal-setting process , college students can enhance their motivation and focus while achieving meaningful outcomes.

Students must remember that establishing SMART goals is just the first step; consistent effort and adaptability are key to realizing these objectives.

As they embark on this journey of self-improvement, college students are encouraged to take advantage of the resources available to them and seek support from peers or mentors along the way.

As we navigate COVID-19, College Possible is committed to supporting our staff and students. Get resources and news updates regarding COVID-19 to assist students and their families during this unprecedented time of hardship and crisis. View Resources

A student guide to setting long-term goals

• December 17, 2020

Setting and achieving goals is a crucial skill for college success. Having goals related to academic and career aspirations will help guide you throughout your college journey and degree plan. Setting and attaining goals for yourself doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Follow this guide and complete the associated worksheets to set some excellent goals for yourself.

First, let’s explore some guidelines for drafting a good goal. College Forward recommends using the SMART goal format.

SMART goals

When crafting your goal, you may use the  SMART goals approach to give more clarity to your vision. SMART goals are goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound.

• Specific: Specify how you will accomplish your goal.
• Measurable: Establish requirements for how your goal will be achieved and determine how you can measure your progress.
• Attainable: Ensure that your goal is realistic and action-oriented.
• Relevant: Ensure that your goal is addressing your needs.
• Time-bound: Allow a reasonable amount of time to accomplish the goal and set a deadline; breaking up your goal into smaller tasks and deadlines can increase attainability ( Hint: fill out the table below in detail to complete this section).

After drafting your goal, let’s work on getting it into a format that makes it easier to follow. We’ll use the table below to add some details about our objectives, tasks, timeline, and follow-up steps.

• Objectives: What results will you achieve once you reach your goal?
• Tasks: What steps do you need to take to achieve your goal?
• Timeline: Are there deadlines for each task?
• Follow-Up: Set up “check-in” dates with your CoFo Coach to ensure you are on the road to success! Once you have achieved your goal, use this section to reflect.

Let’s get started — Check out the three steps below to draft a SMART goal, and then use the worksheets to create your own goals.

Step 1: Reformat your goal using the SMART format

Download the SMART goals worksheet here

Draft goal: I want to transfer to  The University of Texas at Austin .

• Specific: Transfer to  UT’s College of Education  after completing transferable coursework from ACC in Child Development.
• Measurable: Maintain at least a 3.5 GPA in my current ACC program to apply as a transfer to UT in 2-3 semesters.
• Attainable: Register for coursework in child development at ACC for 2-3 semesters, with the plan to transfer to UT’s College of Education. Maintain a 3.5 GPA in all coursework. Work on an action plan with my College Possible coach.
• Relevant: Create a coursework plan with my academic advisers to take coursework in child development that will transfer credits to UT’s program for obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Learning and Development.
• Time-bound: Work with my professors, advisers, and College Possible coach to prepare to transfer after 2-3 semesters at ACC.

SMART Goal: I will transfer to UT’s College of Education with a 3.5 GPA from  ACC  to obtain a B.S. in Applied Learning & Development after taking transferable, child development classes at ACC for three semesters.

Step 1: Use the table to simplify your goal into attainable tasks and deadlines

Step 3: Schedule a follow up with your AmeriCorps college coach

Example: I made an action plan to check-in with my College Possible coach about this goal at the beginning and end of each semester while also checking in with my academic advisor about transferable courses and requirements to transfer from ACC to UT. I am starting my first semester with a forward focus!

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10 SMART Goals for College Students (Goal-Setting Tips and Examples)

Content Partnership Specialist

December 18, 2023

College is an exciting time and amazing opportunity, and there are many aspects of college life to look forward to! From extracurricular activities, social events, and campus culture to internships, volunteer opportunities, and research projects—the world is your oyster. 😌👌

But all of those things can also become a little overwhelming: your class schedule, academic goals, campus life, and of course, your future career to think about. That’s why it’s important to set goals–not just any goals, but SMART goals . 

Studies have shown that many college students fail to accomplish their goals due to a lack of planning . Don’t let that happen to you. Start planning your goals the SMART way.

In this post, we’ll give you a crash course on SMART goals and how to use them to make the most of your college education, groom you for graduation day, and help you prepare for your dream job!

What Are SMART Goals for College Students?

Why is setting collegiate goals important.

• 1. Goal-setting app and templates
• 2. Organized class schedule and attendace
• 3. Effective note-taking
• 4. Start time blocking

5. Maintain accountability and a strong GPA

6. collaborate with classmates and professors, 7. practice soft and hard skills, 8. improve budget management skills , 9. start planning career goals , 10. sign up for volunteer work or internships, the smart way to set and achieve your academic goals.

It’s clear why we set goals—to get us to our desired outcome. However, it’s not always clear how to start or how to get there. 

This is where SMART goals come in. 

Using the SMART goal framework gives your college goals a timeline and specific targets to help you create a realistic game plan and a roadmap to success . It’s also effective because it forces you to set measurable goals to help you track your progress.

So what does the acronym SMART stand for? Here you go:

Get in the habit of making specific college goals and note what exactly you’re aiming for, who’s responsible for it, what action items are needed, etc. The more granular you are with your goal, the easier it will be for you to work on it. 

Set quantifiable goals to help you keep track of your progress and give you an idea of what to adjust in your strategy or pace to get you on track to hit your goal. 

Understand where you currently stand regarding your overall goal, and create one that’s attainable but challenging nevertheless because, without a good challenge, there’s no growth. 

Set academic goals that are relevant to your career or education, and make sure your goal is connected to your overarching goals. This way, each step you take will lead you toward your goal and help you progress in the right direction.

Every goal should have a deadline. Assigning a due date for each goal can create a sense of urgency and help you prioritize effectively .

It’s never too early or too late to use the SMART goal-setting method. Start practicing it now to break your goals down into manageable steps and achieve them with less stress. 

As a college student, you’re most likely juggling different parts of your life all at the same time.  Everything from prerequisites to writing papers to getting ready to enter the workforce—it’s definitely a lot to manage. This is exactly why setting college goals is necessary. And learning how to reach them is even more important.

Setting collegiate goals is an effective way to create an overarching vision, and specific action plans to make it all happen.

Additionally, your goals will help you stay focused on what you want and what matters and avoid committing to other things that don’t serve you and your goals. 

So, to help you start on the right foot, you can use a project management tool with a goal-setting and tracking feature to manage your schoolwork, projects, and more and keep track of your goals—all in one place. 

So whether you’re a high school student trying to get into college, a current college student looking for an effective way to manage your goals, or a graduate student working on your capstone project, use these tips and examples to help you create your own SMART goals!

How to Reach your Academic Goals (Tips and Examples)

1. use a goal-setting app and templates to keep track of your smart goals.

It’s time to dive into what your SMART goals should look like. 

Let’s say your professor assigned you a 12-page academic paper on a given topic with multiple sections to cover, and it’s due at the end of the second semester of school, which is usually 15 weeks for most colleges. 

And because it takes a lot of time and effort to write a well-written report, you’ll need to break it down into smaller chunks to help you focus one section at a time (and avoid feeling overwhelmed and…procrastinating). 👀

SMART goal example

Here’s an example of an effective SMART goal to reach your goal of writing a well-researched paper and completing it on time: I will complete one section each week for 12 weeks , then dedicate week 13 and 14 to editing my paper to complete my paper by week 15 (or insert due date).

Now that you have a SMART game plan, you’ll also need a progress-tracking system.

To help you with that, ClickUp offers a free SMART Goals Template to help you create an organized list of your weekly goals, add important details to each task, such as due dates, and more. 

And because ClickUp is completely customizable, you can configure the platform to fit your needs and support your unique goals. 

Create your own Custom Status to give every stage a designated name and make it easier for you to track your progress, add Custom Fields to personalize your view, and so much more. 

2. Create an organized class schedule and show up to class  

Managing both personal and school schedules can feel like a test itself for most college students. You’re in charge of showing up, doing the work, and keeping up with life’s demands all at once. This could lead to burning out if you don’t have an organized plan and schedule! Stay on top of your calendar and ace your way through school by creating a monthly schedule that clearly shows all the tasks, projects, class sessions, and whatever else is on your plate for the month. 

Every 4th week of the month, I will create a monthly calendar that outlines my classes, deadlines, and important activities for the upcoming month.

Pro tip 

Use this free Monthly Schedule Template by ClickUp to help you create an organized monthly schedule and foresee upcoming classes or important activities to prevent accidentally forgetting about them or showing up to class unprepared for a pop quiz. 👀

3. Don’t just take any notes—take effective notes in class

It’s always a good idea to take notes during class lectures, especially when learning something new or complex. College students must learn how to create functional and organized notes to enhance their learning and help them retain information.

Write key words, ideas, and new terms during lectures. And look out for when your professor says something slowly and cleary—they’re trying to hint that it’s important. 😉 Now, as for retaining the information, remember that frequency makes a difference. You should review notes at least 5-7 times to get a higher recall.

I will take notes in each class and review them at the end of each school day to help me retain the information.

Improve your note-taking skills by learning effective strategies that work best with your learning style and using note-taking apps .

Quickly jot down notes on a Notepad or use the ClickUp Docs feature to create detailed and beautifully outlined notes. These features are great for note-taking because of their rich-formatting features, which let you change fonts, add colorful banners to highlight important notes, add nested pages to keep your notes organized, and so much more. 

You can also use the free Ultimate Guide to Using ClickUp Docs to give you a step-by-step guide on using the styling options to create well-organized and formatted notes. 

Best of all, ClickUp is available on the mobile app—take your notes wherever you go, and jot down new notes directly on your smartphone or device. (Just let your professors know you’re taking notes— not playing around with your phone in class. 😉)

4. Block out time for studying each day

As a college student, chances are you’re always busy trying to juggle schoolwork and life outside of school. This makes a great time to learn how to improve your time management skills—an important soft skill you’ll need to master in life!

Bonus: Life planning templates !

I will dedicate and block out three hours a day to studying and schoolwork. 

Get better at managing your hectic schedule by time blocking and tracking time spent on tasks . 

Start blocking time dedicated to studying or working on completing your schoolwork to allocate uninterrupted time to get your work done. Allocating time will help you prioritize your time more effectively and create healthy work habits that’ll stay with you beyond your years in school. 

You can also use this Class Schedule and Time Study Template by ClickUp to give you a framework to start with. It’s free to download and comes with a Start Here Doc to guide you as you create your class schedule and study time calendar. 

A strong GPA indicates that you’re getting good grades and excelling in your classes. 

College and high school students need to maintain a high GPA to show competency in school and to help earn academic honors and scholarships. Moreover, it makes you more competitive in the job market and increases your chances of getting into graduate school.

I will increase my grade point average from 3.0 to 3.5 by the end of the semester.

Score high and keep your grades up by staying organized with your schoolwork. One way to do this is by setting up a task management system to help you easily see what’s on your to-list and when they’re due so you never miss a deadline that could impact your grades!

You can also use this Class Assignment Template by ClickUp to help you keep your current and future assignments front and center and all your notes together in one place.

As you may already know, school isn’t just all about doing individual work. You have to learn how to collaborate with others as well—another soft skill that you need to work on to prepare yourself for future jobs. 

College students must explore collaboration opportunities, join student organizations, and work with their colleagues and professors to expand their knowledge and learn from others. 

I will get involved on campus and join a student group during my first semester.

And to make collaboration as seamless as possible, use project management tools with collaboration features such as Whiteboards and Docs. ClickUp Whiteboards allow you to work with your classmates and professors in the same place simultaneously, making it easier to get group projects done, especially when collaborating remotely.  

Give it a go and use the free Introduction to Whiteboards Template by ClickUp to help you get started!

Soft skills refer to interpersonal qualities such as communication , problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and flexibility. 

Hard skills, on the other hand, are highly specific abilities related to a particular job or industry, such as computer programming or accounting. 

So why is it important to work on these skills?

It’s important to work on both soft and hard skills because they are both essential to having a successful career. Soft skills are necessary for interacting with others and forming relationships, while hard skills give you knowledge and proficiency in a specific area. 

Together, they can be powerful tools to help you reach your short and long-term goals .

I will sign up for a 12-week online creative writing workshop on Coursera by February 14th to improve my writing abilities.

Document your goal, make sure to check the deadline for registration, and use a Personal Development Plan Template by ClickUp to keep track of your personal growth plans, course activities, due dates, and so much more. 

As a young adult, it’s important to learn how to manage your finances effectively to gain control over your financial future. 

Knowing how to budget, save money and plan for the future can help you achieve financial independence. Several tools are available to help you do this, such as creating a budget, setting up savings accounts, and tracking expenses. 

I will categorize my expenses by type and create a budget plan for each month. 

Visualize your spending and plan out your weekly or monthly budget with the Personal Budget Template by ClickUp

This customizable budget template Comes complete with step-by-step instructions on how to optimize your budget with easy-to-use Formula Fields to help you stay on top of your finances. 

Regardless of your chosen industry, creating a career plan will help you see your desired future and any potential blockers and determine what steps you need to take. You can start by identifying what field you’re interested in to get a general idea of what your potential career path could look like. 

Once you figure out which industry or field interests you, do some research to determine the skills and qualifications necessary for success. This could include reading current trends, obtaining certifications, or taking specialized classes. 

I will research a career in computer science by this Friday and create a career pathway by next Sunday to help me visualize my five-year plan.

You can use the Career Path Template by ClickUp to create career plans and pathways that seamlessly integrate your personal career aspirations with organizational objectives—all while demonstrating opportunities for employee growth and learning. 

Volunteer work and internships are great ways to gain valuable professional experience, network with industry professionals, and explore potential career paths.

Not only will this help you become more competitive in the job market, but it can also provide a great chance to gain insight into the work culture in different industries. 

By leveraging the knowledge and experience you gain through volunteer work and internships, you can take the next steps in your career journey with confidence.

Your college career center is likely holding several events, workshops, and career and internship fairs to connect employers to college students like you.  Meeting and engaging with recruiters is a great way to get noticed ahead of submitting an application.  Check with your school’s center for upcoming events and opportunities to engage!

I will choose my top three internship programs and then schedule an informal interview with each of them by the end of the first semester to learn more about their requirements. 

Jumpstart your career and keep track of your internship and job applications by using the Job Search Template by ClickUp . Manage your applications, add notes and due dates to ensure you don’t miss the deadline, and so much more. 

Bonus Template: ClickUp Yearly Goals Template

College is an exciting journey filled with endless possibilities. 

And to help you make the most of your educational experience, you should start setting academic goals the SMART way. You don’t need to wait until the new year to make new goals, you can create them anytime!

Setting SMART goals and using an intuitive goal-tracking tool like ClickUp can help you break down your college, career, and personal goals into smaller and achievable steps—allowing you to focus on one thing at a time while working on the bigger picture. 

You can also take advantage of the free resources like its goal-setting templates to help you jumpstart your academic goals faster and become a more productive student overall.

So remember to take it one day at a time, enjoy the ride, and cherish every moment. Have fun, get involved, network, stay organized and make the most out of your college career!  

You got this! 🎓🎉

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Goal Setting

When you start college, you're excited about the future and determined to succeed. Somewhere along the way, however, you can start to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and lacking in motivation. Setting strong goals can give you direction and help you find motivation and minimize overwhelmed emotions.  

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• Professional Goal Setting Guide  (Duke University) - This is an online course in which you will learn about the goal setting process, find additional resources for setting goals and some samples to help you along the way. 

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10 smart goals for college students (goal-setting tips and examples).

Knowing how to set appropriate goals is a common struggle for most college students. Successful goal setting involves creating SMART Goals – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives.

This enlightening article provides 10 concrete examples of SMART goals tailored specifically for the unique needs of university attendees.

Key Takeaways

• SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives that help college students plan their time and succeed academically.
• Some examples of SMART goals for college students include improving GPA, getting involved in campus activities, securing internships, maintaining healthy habits, making meaningful connections with professors, developing a self-care routine, reading for personal growth, setting long-term career goals, managing time and stress effectively and continuously improving academic skills.
• Setting specific and measurable goals is crucial for college students as it helps them focus on what they want to achieve and track their progress over time.
• By following the SMART goal framework and implementing effective goal-setting strategies like prioritizing tasks and practicing self-care activities regularly,

What are SMART Goals and Why are They Important for College Students?

SMART goals make college life easier. They help students plan their time well. These goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound.

Setting SMART goals lets you know how to use your time. If you want better grades, a SMART goal may be to study two hours each day. This helps you focus on what is important.

Employers like it when students set SMART goals too. It shows that the student can plan well and meet targets in good time.

SMART goals are a road map for success in college and beyond!

10 SMART Goal Examples for College Students

Improve GPA : Set a goal to raise your grade point average by a specific amount, such as achieving a 3.5 or higher.

Get involved in campus activities: Aim to join clubs, organizations, or sports teams to develop new skills and make connections outside of the classroom.

Secure internships : Set a goal to obtain at least one internship in your field of interest to gain practical experience and enhance your resume.

Maintain healthy habits: Establish goals for exercising regularly, eating well-balanced meals, getting enough sleep, and managing stress effectively.

Make meaningful connections with professors: Strive to establish relationships with your professors through active participation in class and attending office hours for guidance and mentorship opportunities.

Develop a self-care routine: Dedicate time each day or week for activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as meditation, journaling, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.

Read for personal growth: Challenge yourself to read a certain number of books on topics that interest you outside of your coursework.

Improve GPA

Getting a better GPA is a good goal. It shows you want to do well in school. You don’t have to fix your GPA all at once. Look at one or two classes where you need help. Then, try new ways of studying for those classes.

You can also ask your teachers for more help if you need it.

A higher GPA makes you stand out from other students when finding jobs after college. Employers like students who do well in their studies because it shows they work hard and can learn new things fast.

So, setting this SMART goal will not just make your time in college successful but also help with career planning after graduation.

Get involved in campus activities

Joining campus activities is a great goal for college students. It helps you meet new friends. You can learn new skills too. There are many clubs and teams to join on most campuses.

Find one that fits your interests. Don’t be shy about trying new things. Being part of these groups can make college more fun! It also looks good on your resume when you start job hunting after school ends.

Secure internships

Securing internships is an important SMART goal for college students. By gaining hands-on experience in their chosen field, students can enhance their skills and knowledge while also building professional networks.

Internships provide valuable opportunities to apply classroom learning to real-world situations and make a positive impression on potential employers. Additionally, internships often lead to job offers or help students decide if a particular career path is the right fit for them.

With the SMART goal framework, college students can set specific objectives such as researching internship opportunities, preparing strong applications, and actively seeking out networking events where they can connect with professionals in their desired industry.

Setting this goal will enable college students to gain practical experience that will benefit their future careers.

Maintain healthy habits

Maintaining healthy habits is crucial for college students to thrive both academically and personally. By prioritizing their physical and mental well-being, students can enhance their focus, productivity, and overall happiness.

Some SMART goals related to maintaining healthy habits include exercising for at least 30 minutes three times a week, eating balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep each night, managing stress through relaxation techniques or hobbies, staying hydrated throughout the day, limiting screen time before bed to improve sleep quality, and taking breaks during study sessions to prevent burnout.

By setting these specific goals and committing to them in a time-bound manner, college students can ensure they are taking care of themselves while pursuing their education.

Make meaningful connections with professors

Building meaningful connections with professors is an important goal for college students. These connections can provide numerous benefits, such as mentorship, guidance, and networking opportunities.

By actively engaging with their professors outside of the classroom, students can gain valuable insights into their fields of study and receive personalized advice on academic and career-related matters.

This goal can be achieved by attending office hours regularly, participating in class discussions, and seeking feedback on assignments. By fostering strong relationships with their professors, college students can enhance their educational experience and set themselves up for success in the future.

Develop a self-care routine

Developing a self-care routine is important for college students to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Taking care of oneself can help reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and enhance overall happiness.

It involves setting aside time for activities that promote relaxation and self-reflection, such as exercise, meditation, or engaging in hobbies. By incorporating self-care into their daily lives, college students can better manage the demands of their academic responsibilities while also prioritizing their own health and well-being.

Read for personal growth

Reading for personal growth is an important SMART goal for college students. By setting aside time to read regularly, students can expand their knowledge, improve their critical thinking skills, and enhance their overall personal development.

Reading books or articles related to their field of study or other areas of interest can provide valuable insights and perspectives that can contribute to both academic success and career planning.

Whether it’s reading about new technology advancements or exploring different cultures through literature, incorporating reading into daily routines can lead to continuous learning and self-improvement.

Set long-term career goals

Setting long-term career goals is essential for college students. By having a clear vision of where they want to go in their future careers, students can make informed decisions and take the necessary steps to achieve their objectives.

Long-term career goals provide direction and motivation, helping students focus on what they need to do in order to succeed professionally. Whether it’s aiming for a specific position or industry, obtaining advanced degrees or certifications, or starting their own business, setting long-term career goals allows students to pave the way for a successful and fulfilling professional life.

Manage time and stress effectively

College can be a busy and stressful time, but with effective time management and stress management skills, you can stay on top of your responsibilities and maintain your well-being.

One SMART goal to help you manage your time effectively is to create a daily schedule or use a planner to prioritize tasks and allocate specific blocks of time for studying, attending classes, completing assignments, and taking breaks.

This will help you stay organized and make the most of your available time. Additionally, setting boundaries around technology usage can also be helpful in managing distractions and staying focused on your priorities.

When it comes to managing stress, one SMART goal could be to incorporate regular self-care activities into your routine. Whether it’s practising mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation, engaging in physical activity such as yoga or going for walks, or carving out leisure time for hobbies or relaxation activities that bring joy and reduce stress levels.

It’s important to recognize when you need a break from academic pressures and give yourself permission to recharge.

Continuously improve academic skills

To excel in college, it’s important for students to continuously improve their academic skills. This means enhancing their abilities in areas like reading, writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

By setting SMART goals focused on academic improvement, college students can develop a growth mindset and take proactive steps towards becoming better learners. Examples of these goals include dedicating specific time each day or week for studying, seeking additional help from professors or tutors when needed, participating actively in classroom discussions, and consistently completing assignments on time.

By actively working to improve their academic skills, students can enhance their learning experience and set themselves up for success both inside and outside the classroom.

Tips for Setting and Achieving SMART Goals

To ensure success in goal-setting, college students should follow these tips: set specific and measurable goals, make sure they are achievable and relevant to their academic and personal growth, and define a time-bound plan for achieving them.

Setting specific goals is crucial for college students because it helps them focus on what they want to achieve. Being vague or general with your goals can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.

By making your goals specific, such as improving your GPA by half a point or getting involved in two campus clubs, you give yourself clear direction and a target to work towards. Specific goals also make it easier to measure progress and determine when you have achieved them.

So, instead of saying “ I want better grades ,” set a specific goal like “I will raise my GPA from 3.0 to 3.5 this semester .” This clarity will keep you motivated and increase your chances of accomplishing your objectives during college life.

Measurable goals are those that can be quantified or tracked in some way. In the context of college students, measurable goals help you to see your progress and determine if you’re on track to achieving your objectives.

For example, setting a goal to improve your GPA by 0.5 points within one semester is a measurable goal because it allows you to track your grades over time and measure how close you are to reaching your target.

When you set measurable goals, it gives you a clear sense of direction and motivates you to stay focused on what needs to be done. By regularly assessing your progress, you can make adjustments or celebrate milestones along the way, which helps keep momentum going towards accomplishing your goals.

Remember that setting achievable metrics for yourself helps build confidence by showing concrete evidence of improvement and growth throughout your college journey. Having specific numbers or benchmarks also provides a sense of accountability as it allows both yourself as well as others (such as professors or advisors) who may be supporting you in achieving these goals an objective measure against which they can evaluate progress and offer guidance when necessary.

One important aspect of setting SMART goals for college students is ensuring that the goals are achievable. This means that the objectives should be realistic and within reach, considering factors such as time constraints, resources available, and personal abilities.

For example, setting a goal to improve GPA by one full letter grade in a single semester may not be feasible. Instead, a more achievable goal could be to increase GPA by 0.2 points over the course of an academic year.

By setting attainable goals, college students can maintain motivation and make steady progress towards their desired outcomes.

Relevant goals are important for college students because they help them stay focused and aligned with their overall objectives. When setting SMART goals, it’s crucial to ensure that they are relevant to your current situation and aspirations.

For example, as a technology student, a relevant goal could be to secure an internship in a tech company to gain hands-on experience in your field of study. This goal not only aligns with your career aspirations but also provides you with practical skills that employers value.

Another relevant goal could be to develop proficiency in a specific programming language or software tool, which can enhance your resume and increase your chances of landing a job in the technology industry.

Setting time-bound goals is crucial for college students because it helps them stay focused and motivated. By establishing deadlines, students can track their progress and ensure that they are making steady advancements towards their objectives.

For example, a time-bound goal could be to improve GPA by the end of the semester or to secure an internship before summer break. These specific timelines provide a sense of urgency and accountability, encouraging students to prioritize their tasks effectively.

Additionally, time-bound goals allow students to manage their workload efficiently by breaking down larger goals into smaller actionable steps with designated deadlines. This approach promotes better planning and organization skills, leading to increased productivity and success in both academic and personal endeavours.

In conclusion, setting SMART goals is crucial for college students to achieve academic success and personal growth. By following the specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound framework, students can improve their GPA, get involved in campus activities, secure internships, and develop essential skills.

With effective goal-setting strategies in place, college students can stay motivated and focused on their long-term career aspirations while managing their time and stress effectively.

Start setting your SMART goals today and take charge of your college journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does smart stand for in smart goals.

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

How can I set a specific goal as a college student?

To set a specific goal, clearly define what you want to achieve and be specific about the details such as the subject or area of focus.

How can I make my goals measurable?

Make your goals measurable by setting criteria that allows you to track progress and determine when the goal has been achieved.

What is an example of an achievable goal for college students?

An achievable goal could be improving time management skills by creating a schedule and sticking to it consistently.

Why is it important to set time-bound goals?

Setting time-bound goals helps create a sense of urgency and motivates you to take action within a specified timeframe, ensuring progress towards your objectives.

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Anisha Jain

Anisha Jain, a dynamic professional in the sports SaaS industry, transitioned from economics to digital marketing, driven by her passion for content writing. Her tenure at TBC Consulting culminated in her role as CEO, where she honed her skills in digital strategy, branding, copywriting, and team management. Anisha's expertise encompasses various aspects of digital marketing, including 360-degree marketing, digital growth consulting, client communication, and business development, making her a versatile asset in the SaaS domain.

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Goal-Setting: 20 Templates & Worksheets for Achieving Goals

We wish to become a painter, to move to a new house, to write a book, to eat healthily, to exercise more, to become less anxious, and to run a marathon.

The list is endless, if ill defined. And yet, how much do we really want each one?

If something is vital to us, we need to make plans.

So, how do we do this?

Goal setting is widely accepted as the most effective way to focus our attention on the right activities, energize us, and increase our commitment (Sheard, 2013).

And yet, unless the goal is well formulated, the strategy appropriate, and the actions directed, it will lack purpose, relevance, direction, and accountability (Ogbeiwi, 2017).

Thankfully, this is an area that has received considerable scientific attention.

Goals are most effective when we use well-formulated frameworks that provide a logical, reliable platform to plan and monitor their completion.

Use the techniques and tools that follow to inspire you and find out what you want to achieve, why, and how you are going to do it.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Goal Achievement Exercises for free . These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or your clients create actionable goals and master techniques to create lasting behavior change.

This Article Contains:

3 ways to set achievable goals, our 5 favorite goal-setting worksheets, what are smart goals a template, goal-setting tools for therapy and coaching, 2 templates for cbt and dbt, worksheets for teachers and students.

• Goal Planning With Children

2 Templates for Businesses and Employees

Worksheets for achieving life goals, a look at daily and weekly goal planners, a take-home message.

There are many types of goals. But ultimately, all goals boil down to one thing:

We need to move from one state to another, from where we are now to where we want to be.

Firstly, what sort of goal do you want to achieve?

• Outcome goal – I want to be the best at X in the world.
• Performance goal — I want to better at X.
• Process goal — I want to train or practice at doing X.
• Delivery-focused goal — I want to deliver a change, such as a business, technology, or construction project.

The type of goal will influence your approach.

Discomfort zone

Goals should be meaningful. They should challenge us, change us, and sometimes lie in the discomfort zone .

In Your Best Year Ever , Michael Hyatt (2019) outlines four steps (modified below) for defining goals that stretch us and help us overcome our built-in resistance.

• Acknowledge the value of moving outside the comfort zone. Accept that comfort may not lead to growth. Recognize and acknowledge that there is value in discomfort.
• Lean in. Take the opportunity to challenge yourself. This may require a change in mindset.
• Recognize your fear. Own the negative emotions that arise. Decide if the rewards outweigh the fear.
• Don’t overthink it. Avoid ‘paralysis by analysis.’ Sometimes you take the next step even when the end goal remains unclear.

Meaningful goals

Humans have a set of innate psychological needs, one of which is to add meaning to life (Ryan & Deci, 2018).

Does this goal align with your overall life goals?

Use the steps below to focus on becoming more aware of the most meaningful things in your life (modified from Ivtzan, Chan, Gardner, & Prashar, 2011; Ivtzan, 2016):

• Sit comfortably, relax.
• Close your eyes.
• Become aware of your breathing.
• Inhale deeply and slowly.
• Concentrate on each breath; observe it.
• Visualize yourself in the future, living a full and meaningful life.
• Connect fully to the experience.
• Try not to dwell on how you got there.
• Shift attention to your body and feel the sensations that arise.
• Breathe into and explore these sensations; let them spread over your whole body.
• When you open your eyes, you should experience the full effect of the meditation.

As you refine your goals, make sure they continue to align with the picture you have created of a meaningful life.

The more vividly they are captured, the more likely you are to accomplish them.

The GROW model (Goals, Reality, Options, and Way Forward) is a simple but highly effective method for setting goals, recognizing where you are now, and identifying what to do next (Whitmore, 2014).

Complete the four worksheets as follows:

Goal setting

• Establish where you want to be.
• Where do you want to get to, and how will you know when you arrive?
• Complete the Goal Setting Worksheet with your answers.

What is your current reality?

• Where are you right now with this goal?
• What are the issues and challenges?
• How far away are you from your goal?
• Complete the Reality Worksheet with your realistic insights.

What options do you have?

• What are the options for overcoming the obstacles in your way?
• How do you get to where you want to be?
• Complete the Options Worksheet with the options available to you.

What is the way forward?

• What will you do?
• Convert the options into actions.
• Complete the Way Forward Worksheet with your completed plan of action.

The Wheel of Success

What abilities do you have or need to deliver your goals?

The Wheel of Success identifies the skills and abilities that promote your very best performance (Whyte, 2015).

• Identify a list of performance attributes required to perform successfully.
• Assign a score (0–4) to each that truthfully represents where you are now.
• Assign another score (0–4) that identifies how good you believe you need to become.

For example, a runner training for a fast marathon time may have the speed but lack endurance.

By scoring where you are now (blue) and where you want to be (green), it is possible to focus time, energy, and resources, on improving areas where you fall short.

Improving your skills

How do you improve the skills you have identified?

Thankfully, we know the answer.

Research has confirmed that deliberate practice results in expertise.

• The task should be neither too easy nor too hard.
• Ongoing feedback is required to optimize performance.
• There must be an opportunity to repeat the task, correct errors, and improve.

The quality and the form the deliberate practice takes are more important than the number of hours devoted to performing the task (Ericsson, 2007; 2012).

What motivates you?

Identify and connect with the motivation behind each goal.

Intrinsic motivation – being driven by internal rewards – increases engagement and the likelihood that you will reach the goal (Ryan & Deci, 2018).

Michael Hyatt (2019) has the following suggestions:

• Connect with your why; identify your key motivations. Why is this goal important? Write down the reasons, prioritize, and connect with them.
• Master your self-motivation ; identify your reward. Identify and anticipate the reward of completing the goal. Recognize what is personal to you, rather than extrinsic rewards such as financial gain.
• Build your team; identify who can help. Your bonds with friends, family, and colleagues can help fuel success through learning, encouragement, accountability, and competition.

Goals that align with your values – personal growth, contributing to the broader community, etc. – are strong intrinsic motivators and increase vitality.

The flow of success

Are you ready to begin setting clear and defined SMART goals?

Follow the steps in the diagram below (adapted from Whyte, 2015):

If you answer ‘no’ to any of the questions, then you must revise the challenge or the environment before setting the goal.

Once you have answered ‘yes’ to all three questions, you are ready to define the goal to meet the challenge head on.

Goal setting not only helps you to complete the task, but also impacts wellbeing, represents your strive to achieve personal change, and enhances your meaning and purpose in life (Sheard, 2013).

To achieve something big, you need to break it down into a set of smaller, manageable tasks. Each time you complete one, you move nearer to the overall goal.

The widely used SMART, or slightly extended SMART ER , template ensures that each goal or sub-goal is realistic, achievable, and time-bound.

Specific – Goals should be clear and concise.

Measurable – What does success look like? How is it measured?

Achievable – The goal or task must be challenging but possible. Gently pushing the limits encourages improvement and growth.

Relevant – Does the goal fit with your overall life goals and core values?

Time-bound – When will you finish?

Exciting – What excites you? The benefits should be worthwhile to maintain commitment.

Reviewable – Circumstances change. Revisit the goals, and revise them if needed.

The SMART Goals Worksheet offers a valuable tool for defining and documenting a SMART goal.

Goals should target the problem to be explored and outline the time available.

Setting new goals in therapy

What do you want to achieve? How do you want things to be different?

The following steps (modified from Wilding, 2015) help you set appropriate therapy goals:

• What is it you really want or wish for? I wish I could find someone special in my life. I wish I had a job that I was passionate about.
• Spend time imagining what it would be like if it happened.
• Change the wording from ‘wish’ to ‘would like.’ I would like to find someone special in my life. I would like a job that I was passionate about.
• These statements feel different. ‘Would like’ is very positive; it suggests doing something about it, rather than sitting back and wishing.

Well done! You are well on the way to having a set of goals.

Prioritize your goals

Some goals are urgent but do not need analysis.

Acting upon them will immediately make your life better.

I would like to get the car fixed. I would like to visit my mother; she is unwell.

Prioritize your goals and tackle the urgent ones first.

Act or think differently

Are the goals achieved through action or a change in the way you think?

Label your goals as either:

• Something that you need to do. (Action) I’m not very confident in giving presentations – Work on it.
• Something that you need to think about differently. I’m not very tall – Learn to accept who you are. (Acceptance)

Labeling each goal will confirm whether you need to work on how you think, behave, or both.

Download 3 Free Goals Exercises (PDF)

These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or your clients create actionable goals and master techniques for lasting behavior change.

Download 3 Free Goals Pack (PDF)

By filling out your name and email address below.

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Coaching needs to be goal driven to maximize its benefits.

The following two worksheets will help:

Coping Styles Formulation

If your coping strategies are not effective against the problems you face, then a set of actions are needed to direct the best way forward.

The Coping Styles Formulation worksheet identifies a list of problems, potential coping strategies, and the advantages and disadvantages of each one.

Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness is often taught as part of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Clients are helped to gain awareness of their thoughts and feelings and eliminate behaviors that interfere with goals (Soler et al., 2012).

Being in the right state of mind and grounding yourself in the present can help you identify and deliver your goals.

The 3-Step Mindfulness Worksheet is deceptively simple but provides a valuable way of practicing mindfulness throughout the day and bringing awareness to the present.

Goal setting is crucial to maximize and direct limited resources in education.

However, the teacher’s and student’s states of mind are equally important.

Motivation to learn

Like all of us, students and teachers need to be motivated to meet their goals.

This Self-Directed Speech Worksheet can help you change your self-directed speech and increase voluntary, or autonomous, motivation, which is linked to goal fulfillment (Ryan & Deci, 2018).

There are four steps to this exercise:

• Name the behavior you would like to change
• Name your inner voice
• List words that motivate you
• List sentences for when things get rough

Changing our inner narrative can be an effective way to motivate ourselves toward achieving personal, exciting goals.

Mindfulness in schools

Focus and attention are hugely important to the completion of goals. The absence of either will lead to an environment of distraction.

The Teaching Kids to Thrive worksheet discusses what mindfulness is and is not.

It helps to provide sufficient distance from disturbing or unwanted thoughts to act and deliver on outcomes.

Goal Planning with Children

Lack of focus, ease of distraction, and failing motivation are all possible challenges to overcome.

And yet, children asked to engage in a goal they value are likely to expend more effort and perform better (Koufoudakis, Erwin, Beighle, & Thornton, 2016).

Meaning and Valued Living

An excellent starting point for setting goals with children is to identify what inspires a sense of meaning in their lives.

Start by downloading and working through the three Meaning and Valued Living Exercises .

Self-awareness

Children need to gain an understanding of their strengths, along with what they find difficult.

The Self Awareness Worksheet is written for young children but is valuable at any age.

Through helping a child understand what they are good at, what they find hard, and what they like and don’t like, it is possible to define a set of goals that mix strengths and weaknesses.

Goals at any age should be challenging to encourage growth, but not beyond the child’s ability to complete, or they may become disillusioned and give up.

SMART for children

SMART goals are an effective way to direct focus in children.

The Student Goal Setting Worksheet is simple to complete, even for young children. Here is an overview of the questions and statements to consider:

• I am good at X.
• I am bad at X.
• What will I improve?
• How will I make these improvements?
• If my plan doesn’t work, what will I do?

Working through each of these will help a child understand which goals are important to them.

Goal setting templates can be a useful base from which to start planning. We share two templates especially applicable to business and employees.

SMART goals for businesses

Many employees are comfortable with the idea of setting SMART goals.

However, despite the familiarity, their value within the work environment is often underestimated.

When taken seriously, SMART goals can motivate employees to succeed beyond their current level of expertise and identify future opportunities for training and development (Clough & Strycharczyk, 2015).

Visualization of your future

Focusing on positive mental images can prepare and protect our minds, help us cope with change, and increase self-belief.

Mentally working through each step in as much detail as possible—imagining sounds, smells, touch, thoughts, emotions, and physical responses—on our way to hitting goals can feel as real to the mind as actually performing the activity (Clough & Strycharczyk, 2015).

• Think of what you want to achieve.
• Imagine completing it successfully.
• How does it feel? How do you react?
• What do others look like?
• How do they react?

Imagine feeling confident, in control, and enjoying the challenge and the moment.

How to design your life (my process for achieving goals) – ModernHealthMonk

What are your dreams? What is important to you? What do you want to accomplish in life?

Document your life goals to provide the focus you need to make hopes and dreams real.

Martin Seligman’s PERMA model helps us to understand the elements of our lives that promote happiness.

Download the PERMA worksheet to understand your five core elements of wellbeing:

P – Positive emotions

E – Engagement

R – Relationships

M – Meaning

A – Accomplishments

Review and change the goals over time, in line with your situation, your feelings, and what you want.

The Create a Legend Life Planner is available from Amazon and provides a high-quality home for your life goals.

The 90 Day Smart Goal Planner Calendar & Journal is also available from Amazon and uses SMART goals to target what you want to complete and change over the next three months.

17 Tools To Increase Motivation and Goal Achievement

These 17 Motivation & Goal Achievement Exercises [PDF] contain all you need to help others set meaningful goals, increase self-drive, and experience greater accomplishment and life satisfaction.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

Imagine acting on the dreams that you keep tucked away, the ones that seem too big or too personal to share.

Make them real. Write them down as goals.

Let them inspire you and transform the world around you. Use goals to become the best possible you.

So, go ahead, take the resources from this article and identify significant goals that excite you. Break them down, define them as SMART goals, and turn them into something realistic and achievable.

By crafting them into something tangible and working through the individual actions, you will grow into the person you need to be to complete them.

Goal setting provides you with a means to navigate through a complex world and will encourage your long-term persistence.

Don’t let your goals remain a list of wishes.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Goal Achievement Exercises for free .

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• Ericsson, K. A. (2012). Training history, deliberate practice, and elite sports performance: An analysis in response to Tucker and Collins review—What makes champions? British Journal of Sports Medicine , 47 (9), 533–535.
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• Sheard, M. (2013). Mental toughness: The mindset behind sporting achievement. Routledge.
• Soler, J., Valdepérez, A., Feliu-Soler, A., Pascual, J. C., Portella, M. J., Martín-Blanco, A., … Pérez, V. (2012). Effects of the dialectical behavioral therapy-mindfulness module on attention in patients with borderline personality disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy , 50 (2), 150–157.
• Whitmore, J. (2014). Coaching for performance: growing human potential and purpose: The principles and practice of coaching and leadership . Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
• Whyte, G. P. (2015). Achieve the impossible: How to overcome challenges and gain success in life, work, and sport . Bantam Press.
• Wilding, C. (2015). Cognitive behavioural therapy: Techniques to improve your life . Hodder.

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This article is well-structured and science-based, with useful templates. Generous, helpful, practical and informative. Thank you Jeremy! (Now I need to put it to use..)

Thank you this is exactly what I was looking for, today I started my journey on facing my obstacles head on and not creating diversions. Your templates will be valuable guides to help me acknowledge, get to the root of, work through and grow from the process of whatever I am seeking to improve. Just along writing this response was a start for me, thank you.

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Exactly what I was looking for in the first search!!! Dr. Sutton summarizes a HUGE amount of literature and proven techniques in one go. That is a huge time saver. I was looking for a template for doing weekly goal-setting as a family. We, as parents, have professional and personal goals and we want the children to begin thinking about goal setting for managing themselves, their schoolwork, sports, etc. This is a wonderful resource.

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How to Set SMART Goals

The trick to achieving your dreams is setting smart goals. , what are smart goals.

SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. These guidelines can help sharpen your focus in the short-term so you can reach your end goal!

• Specific : Your goal is direct and detailed.
• Measurable : Your goal is trackable.
• Attainable : Your goal is challenging but reasonable.
• Realistic : You are capable of achieving your goal.
• Time-bound : Your goal has a deadline.

Step by Step: Critical Milestones That Lead to College Planning Success

My Journey On-Demand Session

It’s no secret — college and career planning can be overwhelming. During this presentation, we’ll pull back the curtain and identify critical milestones that will help students and families plan for success.

The session will highlight 9th and 10th-grade college prep behaviors and break down time sensitive college application advice for 11th and 12th graders. Learn how a counselor helped students explore careers, jobs, and various types of colleges to help them arrive at a balanced college match list that met their needs.

Tips to Staying on Track

Set small goals.  SMART goals can be big goals, but sometimes it helps to break them down even further to understand what you need to do daily to stay motivated.

• Good Goal: Read more. SMART Goal: Read 1 book per month for 1 year.
• Good Goal: Learn piano. SMART Goal: Practice piano 15 minutes a day for 6 months.
• Good Goal: Save money. SMART Goal: Set aside $25 a week for a year.
• Good Goal: Be grateful. SMART Goal: Write 3 things you’re grateful for every day for 1 month.
• Good Goal: Improve mental health. SMART Goal: Meditate for 3 minutes a day for one month.

Track your progress.  Keep a journal, take a photo, download an app, or create a sticker chart to hold yourself accountable. Having tangible evidence of your growth can help you visualize the progress you’re making.

Reward yourself.  Think of a little treat that’s worth working toward. Maybe it’s a new notebook, a movie night, or scoop of ice cream. Whatever it is, make it an item or experience you can enjoy knowing it’s a reward for staying on track.

Forgive yourself.  If you miss a day or small milestone, don’t let it derail your progress entirely.

Ready to tackle your goals? Download the worksheet to help you stay on track!

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College Goals Worksheet 

The Happier Therapy editorial team is made up of Masters and PhD counselling psychologists. Each worksheet is created by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter.  The worksheet then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.

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What is the theory behind the College Goals Worksheet?

Goal setting is important if you are planning towards achieving your educational goals in time. Goal setting in High school or college is as important as it is in any other domain of life. Goals setting helps students identify areas in which they are weak and want to grow during their academic years.

How will this worksheet help you? 

With the help of this worksheet, you can explore the areas that you want to grow and work towards. It will help you in setting specific, measurable, and effective goals for your college. When your goals are specific, and defined then it’s more likely you are motivated to work towards them. This worksheet provides you with the opportunity to define your goals, its positive and negative outcomes so you know in what direction to head towards.

How to use this worksheet? 

This worksheet comprises all of the items that help you in defining your goals, why they are important, and what outcomes they’ll bring. You can think of the most prioritized goals and complete the worksheet accordingly. You can time to time update this worksheet to keep track of your progress. 

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Locke, E.A. and Latham, G.P. (2002). Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey. American Psychologist, 57(9): 705–717

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4 Free SMART Goal Setting Worksheets & Templates [2024 Update]

There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.

Many people fail in their goals.

The big reason why is they fail to have a plan .

I am sure you've heard the quote:

“A goal without a plan is just a dream.”

There is a lot of wisdom in that quote. If you want to have success with your goals, you need to make them specific, measurable and completed with a deadline. And you need to track these efforts with worksheets that track your progress along the way.

That's why we created four free SMART goal setting worksheets .

From a simple goal sheet to a complex sheet designed to track complicated multi-part (and multi-person) goals, you will discover a treasure trove of downloads that can help you along the way.

To get started, we recommend picking the goal worksheet that matches your level of experience and who else you plan on getting involved in the goal setting process.

Let's get to it…

Table of Contents

SMART Goal Setting Worksheets: An Overview

If you want to take immediate action, then here is a simple table that lists each of the four goal setting worksheets and a quick link to where you can download them. Here are four that you can choose from:

RELATED: 21 Examples of SMART Goals

Want to set goals you can actually achieve? Then watch this video that provides a quick overview of SMART goals with 21 examples.

Now, let's go over each of these four worksheets…

#1. SMART Goal Setting Worksheet

Our first goal setting worksheet is the SMART goal setting worksheet. This is the best worksheet to use if you're an individual looking to skyrocket your goal efforts. I feel this is the most important goal setting plan of the bunch. It's extremely versatile and covers multiple areas while still being limited to a single sheet of paper.

SMART goal setting ensures that your goals will actually work. This format should be written in a language that is clear, concise, and actually achievable. Here's how to do it

Now, if you want to learn more about this concept, then I recommend checking out this resource on SMART goal setting .

Moving on….

The following goal setting worksheet is mostly self-explanatory. However, since this worksheet is one of the most complex of all the goal setting worksheets, I do provide a step-by-step guide to filling this worksheet out beneath the bottom of this FREE download.

How to Complete a SMART Goal Setting Sheet

Section 1: what is the goal.

This section is important because it helps you to define, in as simple terms as possible, what you expect from the goal.

Your goal should:

• Be no more than two-three sentences
• Include exactly what needs to be accomplished
• Include a completion date
• Answer: How will you know the goal is done?
• Answer: How will the goal be done?
• Answer: Who is in charge of completing the goal?

Section 2: Why is This Goal Important?

This is a reality check. People often have nebulous goals they desire but are not willing to put the effort in to accomplish. So in this section, you should answer questions like:

• Does this goal really matter?
• Why does it matter to you?
• Is it a personal goal?
• Is it a business goal?
• How will accomplishing the goal affect your life?
• How will it advance you in your business or career?

Share the reasons this goal is important and see if it something you really want to pursue. Having too many goals only ensures that you achieve none of them.

Section 3: SMART Goal Checklist

This is the heart of the SMART process and is what separates the actionable SMART goal setting worksheet from all other goal setting worksheets.

As you go through these steps, review your goal for all the required steps of the SMART process. If the goal you wrote in step one meets criteria on the checklist, click the appropriate box and move on to the next. If it fails to have criteria, revise the goal to include the criteria.

This SMART goal checklist makes sure that your goal is well defined and can be accomplished.

SMART Goal Steps

S: SPECIFIC

Is the goal clearly written, with no ambivalence? Is it clear who needs to accomplish the goal, and any support they might expect?

M: MEASURABLE

Does the goal answer the questions of how many, how much, and/or how often?

A: ACHIEVABLE

Can you get the support needed to achieve the goal by the target date? Do you have all the resources needed to achieve the goal? Are the results expected realistic?

R: RELEVANT

Does the goal make a difference in your career? Is it going to make an improvement in your personal life? Is it going to significantly make a difference to your business?

T: TIME-BOUND

Does the goal state a clear and specific date?

Section 4: Identify Potential Problems or Complications

This is another key section. Many people fail in their goals because they don't take the time to think of what problems they may encounter.

Every goal has a few obstacles that can send you off track. Listing those potential problems, issues, and complications in this block keeps them fresh in your mind so you can avoid or mitigate any issues.

If you acknowledge potential issues before they happen, you can make an “if-then” statement in your head . Then act on the “if-then” statement if the potential obstacles occur. This helps keep you on track to complete your goals.

Let me give you an example…

When dieting people often have a day where they may indulge in food that is not on their “list” of approved food. Think donuts. So they screw up and eat a doughnut in the morning.

Such a misstep often sends dieters into a tailspin. They make more bad food choices because they feel bad about the first, and are slowly working their way off the diet. However, with an if-then statement of “If I make a bad food choice, then I will immediately get back on track with no recrimination,” you have planned for this eventuality.

(Or you can create an if-then statement to drink this healthy green drink each morning.)

You may go slightly off track, but realizing potential problems keeps the deviation acceptable and keeps the entire goal from failing.

Section 5: Completion Date of Goal

This is just a second area to recognize your targeted completion date for this goal. By filling in this completion date, you are re-affirming the goal (and its deadline in your mind).

Section 6: Create a List of Goal Action Items

Some goals are simple and won’t need action items. Other goals are more complex, and you may need some control over moving parts. Specifically, parts of your overall goal delegated to others. That is where these action items come in.

Consider each action item as a mini-goal. Each is a task that needs to be completed by a specific person, on a specific date to ensure that the overall goal is completed on time.

#2. Goal Execution Plan

The goal execution plan helps you handle multiple goals that may require multiple people — such as goals at work or business, where different people may be in charge of different steps.

This goal worksheet has room for three goals with up to six different steps each . Each “action item” step can be assigned to different people, have different start and end dates, and require their own specific metrics and budgets.

This is a complex goal worksheet that is for complex goals. Not something you would want to use if your only concern is a simple, personal goal.

How to Use the Free Goal Execution Plan

This worksheet includesaction items that need to be tracked. This is the goal you want to use of part or all of these goal worksheet action items that need to be completed by other people.

If you have big, hairy goals, with multiple moving parts, this simple one-page document is the things for you.

This goal setting worksheet has space for 3 goals, which is the most goals you really want to be actively working on at any given time. It also has room under each goal to track up to 6 different action items needed to complete each goal.

I would still recommend using the SMART goals setting worksheet to create your goals. There is only room on this chart to create your goals. So there is no way to measure if the goal itself has any inherent errors that may make it impossible to complete.

What does FREE Goal Execution Plan Include?

#3. child’s goal setting worksheet.

A simple worksheet, this form is for a student, or child at home to encourage their goal setting efforts. These goals should be simple and include whatever the child thinks they need to work on. Not tasks assigned by adults.

The Student or Child’s Goal Planning Worksheet is a simple form made for students at school, or a child at home to get them started planning and implementing their own goals.

The first two sections of the form have the child analyze their strengths and weaknesses to decide on an area they need to improve.

The next section has them commit to a specific improvement.

The fourth section of this goal worksheet has the child layout, in their own words a specific plan for improvement.

Finally, the child is taught “if-then” thinking by deciding what to do if the plan they have made is not successful.

#4. A Simple Goal Setting Worksheet

The power of this goal setting form is in the title. It is simple and basic, yet it still covers some areas that could cause a goal to fail.

There are a few important parts to help accomplish your goals.

The first part is a specific start and completion date. When you do not tie goals to specific dates, you are doomed for your goals to fail.

The next helpful part is the steps to reaching your goal. This makes you think logically about what the goal entails and helps you break it down into smaller and easier parts.

Finally, the two things that help you reach your goal will make you think about things that may help you succeed. For instance, many personal goals are helped by accountability, where you tell others about your goal for encouragement and support.

The Importance of Goal Setting

Setting short-term and long-term goals are important when it comes to improving your focus . One of the many benefits of setting goals is that it helps to propel you forward because it gives you written, step by step instructions on how to achieve your goals while also allowing you to set a date for accomplishment.

Goal planning provides you with the reminder you need to do continue doing what you have to do and allows you to stay in that growth mindset as you work on achieving your goals.

The SMART goals template we have provided above is a good place to start because you are setting realistic goals that are achievable. These worksheets also allow you to identify your priorities while setting milestones as you work toward your listed goals and objectives.

Setting a goal also helps us to believe in ourselves and what we can achieve. Goal setting isn't just about the plan we put in place; it is about finding the inspiration we need while aiming for what we didn't think was possible.

What's Your Favorite Goal Setting Worksheet?

Are you a fan of the SMART Goal setting worksheet? Or do you prefer a bit simpler goals sheet? Maybe the SMART Goal sheet doesn't cover enough for your needs, and you want something a bit more robust and functional?

Whatever your feeling, please let me know in the comments below.

Mainly: How do you like these goals? What could we do to improve these goals printable? If you want more goal printables, what would they be?

The only way we can improve the content of this page, and give you more free downloadable stuff is to have a better idea of what you want.

Also if you'd like to discover additional information on this topic, then I suggest you check out the following articles:

• 87 Action Verbs for SMART Goals
• 10 SMART Goals Examples for Students of All Ages
• The Difference Between Process and Outcome Goals
• 27 Examples of Short-Term Goals
• 25 Examples of Long-Term Goals
• 30 Affirmations for Achieving Goals
• A TED Talk by Tim Ferriss on Why “Fear Setting” is More Important Than Goal Setting
• 7 Proven Alternatives to SMART Goals

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 .

5 thoughts on “4 Free SMART Goal Setting Worksheets & Templates [2024 Update]”

Thanks. I found the worksheet very useful for interns.

excellent information – am starting this month to set goals and I am 75 just learning this. thanks

For planning my goals, I use the iSmart.Life app. Last year I completed most of my goals and I can say that good planning is the key to success. I recommend this app because it is very this is a very simple and free web app. You can see the demo and decide whether it suits you or not…

Really great info and helpful ideas for a newbie! Versatile options for planning goals and lots of helpful info and tips! Thank you for providing these worksheets and walking through the process in a clear, easy to follow way! Fabulous!!

Thank you for the information above. I download SMART worksheet. This particular worksheet was easy to use and helpful. Once again thanks for sharing your knowledge and worksheets.

Comments are closed.

5 thoughts for new college grads seeking to find the right balance between meaningful work and making money

Professor of Ethics and Business Law, University of St. Thomas

Professor of Management, Babson College

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The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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The Class of 2024 had a college experience like no other, starting its first year during peak pandemic and graduating amid protests of the war in Gaza. Many of its graduates will be joining a working world that holds their future in its hands and that was transformed by technological advancements and changing attitudes about work while they were in school. What can they expect from the world of work today?

As a philosopher and a psychologist who began our careers in management consulting – and now teach ethics and leadership and study why people work – we have five thoughts for new college graduates to consider as they head out into the “real world.”

1. The good news: Overall, people are satisfied at work

The 2024 report from The Conference Board , a nonprofit organization that studies workforce and other trends, shows that almost two-thirds of employees report being satisfied with their jobs. Overall satisfaction at work is at its highest point since the survey started in 1987, rising every year since the pandemic, although women report far lower satisfaction than men.

The factors influencing satisfaction increases have included flexibility and work-life balance, especially among employees who have remained with their employers for more than three years. This suggests that some of the changes in work location and hours implemented by employers during COVID-19 are still valued higher than simply switching gigs for a better deal.

Employees still want COVID-19-era levels of autonomy, for example prioritizing Wednesdays over Fridays in the office. Facing a shortage of workers , some employers are seeking to deliver such perks to keep them.

2. The bad news: Employees are not engaged

Despite this record-level satisfaction, work engagement is at a 10-year low , continuing a downward trend. Employees may be compensating for a pandemic that led many people to work more hours , with at least half seeking to “ quiet quit ” – that is, doing the bare minimum required in their job descriptions and leaving work at work at the end of the day. Workers who are not engaged are not necessarily working fewer hours overall, but they may be less willing to bring their work home with them, literally or figuratively, or even to give their best effort during regular working hours.

Employers, meanwhile – recognizing that engaged employees generally perform better – are stuck paying more for satisfied employees who produce less. In a real-life game of “Would You Rather…?” workers should consider how they would prefer to spend the largest portion of their waking hours: being satisfied or engaged?

3. Seeking work with a purpose is a noble and understandable goal

Today’s graduates are famously considered part of the “ Purpose Generation ,” committed to solving the problems that prior generations have created.

Studies show that workers just entering the labor market care a lot about making a difference through their work. We have studied what it means when people view their work as a calling or have a sense that work is meaningful, all-consuming and may make the world a better place. Those with a strong calling will be more engaged and satisfied with their work and will be happier in their lives as well.

Workers should think about what problem they most want to solve, are best qualified to solve, and that they might be able to get paid to solve. There is a lot of talk about a future world without work , but the world today needs workers who are committed to a better future.

4. It is also understandable to care about money

As much as new entrants to the labor market care about meaningful work and life, data shows that they care even more about high pay and financial security . Material rewards have increased in importance over time, compared with the priorities of prior generations .

With the state of the world that graduates are entering, including soaring home prices , student debt and the threat of inflation , it is not only materially unsurprising but also morally justifiable that many workers are seeking financial stability. Although seeking money at the expense of other goals can take a toll on workers’ well-being, workers need to be cautious of employers who may attempt to exploit their passion for their work by paying less for more effort .

5. It is rare, but not impossible, to find meaningful work that pays

Although COVID led society to recognize the importance of “essential work,” such as health care and critical infrastructure, work that arguably does the most good in society , such as social service and education, is often paid the least.

Few graduates will find the perfect combination of meaning and money in the same job right out of college, but that does not mean that they cannot aspire to find both over the course of their careers – and, when they are in a position to do so someday, to pay their own employees what they are worth. As for the present, if new workforce entrants feel as though they must accept a lower than desired salary to do work that benefits society, it cannot hurt for them to ask for what they think they deserve.

Even meaningful work can lose its luster when workers feel underappreciated. At its best, however, work can make a meaningful contribution to the lives of workers and a world in need of repair.

• Job satisfaction
• Satisfaction
• employee engagement
• Higher ed attainment

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