Free SMART Goals Template by Risely

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SMART Goals Template

Your framework for turning intent into impact

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By using this SMART Goals Template, you will

• Define clear, measurable goals that drive real progress
• Align individual and team objectives with business outcomes
• Avoid vague or unrealistic goal-setting pitfalls
• Track performance and stay accountable to become the best

More about the Free SMART Goals Template

Setting goals is easy. Setting the right goals? That’s where most teams struggle. Vague ambitions like “improve performance” or “grow the business” sound good—but they rarely lead to meaningful results. That’s where SMART goals come in.

Risely’s free SMART goals template helps you and your team build Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals that actually get done. It’s designed to bring clarity and structure to your planning process—whether you’re working on quarterly OKRs, annual performance targets, or personal development plans.

With this template, you can:

• Break down broad ambitions into focused, trackable objectives
• Encourage better ownership and alignment within teams
• Use prompts and real examples to guide goal creation
• Easily revisit and refine goals over time with built-in checkpoints
• Differentiate between good and bad SMART goals 
• Avoid common traps like setting goals that are too abstract, too big, or too disconnected from actual work

We also include ready-to-use examples for you to practice building SMART goals.

Whether you’re starting your year, kicking off a new project, or leading a performance conversation, this SMART Goals Template is your go-to tool for goal-setting that sticks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a SMART goal?

To write a SMART goal, follow this 5-part formula:

• Specific – Clearly define what you want to achieve. Example: “Improve onboarding” → “Reduce onboarding time for new hires”
• Measurable – Add numbers or criteria for success, like “Reduce onboarding time by 20%”
• Achievable – Make sure it’s realistic given time and resources. You need to set a target that stretches you, but is doable
• Relevant – Align it with larger team or business priorities. Why does this goal matter right now?
• Time-bound – Set a deadline like “…within the next 3 months”

Final SMART goal example:

“Reduce new hire onboarding time by 20% within the next 3 months by streamlining training modules and automating paperwork.”

Why are SMART goals important?

SMART goals help teams and individuals set goals that actually get done. Instead of vague intentions like “be better at communication,” SMART goals provide structure, clarity, and accountability. 

They:

• Turn ambition into actionable steps
• Make progress measurable
• Help align work with broader outcomes
• Support performance tracking and feedback

Without this structure, goals often drift or get forgotten.

Is there an AI for SMART goals?

Yes! AI tools are increasingly being used to help draft, refine, and track SMART goals. These tools can:

• Suggest goal phrasing based on your role or objectives
• Help align goals with team or company priorities
• Recommend KPIs or success metrics
• Provide real-time feedback or reminders

Some L&D platforms (like Risely’s Merlin 😉), performance management software, or custom AI assistants offer built-in support for SMART goal-setting.

Are there any alternatives to SMART goals?

SMART is great, but it’s not the only game in town. Depending on your use case, you might also explore:

• OKRs (Objectives and Key Results): Popular in fast-growing companies; combines ambitious goals with measurable outcomes
• FAST goals: Focused, Aligned, Specific, Transparent
• CLEAR goals: Collaborative, Limited, Emotional, Appreciable, Refinable
• WOOP: Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan (useful for mindset/behavior change)

Each goal setting framework has its strengths. The best one is the one that fits your team’s rhythm and culture.

Get started with your Free SMART Goals Template.

Download now