Planex
Download for iOS
All tips

SMART Goals Examples With Clear Action Plans

These five SMART goal examples include a measurable result, a deadline, and a short action plan. Adjust the targets to your time and starting point.

Check your goal against SMART

The CDC’s SMART framework uses these five checks:

Specific
What exactly will you finish or change?
Measurable
What evidence will show it is done?
Achievable
Does it fit your starting point and available resources?
Relevant
Why does this result matter to you?
Time-bound
When will you finish or review it?

Use this template:

By [date], I will [result], measured by [evidence]. I can give it [time or resources] because [reason it matters]. My first action is [task].

Check the time estimate after your first session. If the work is larger than expected, change the scope or deadline. For a more detailed worked plan, see how to break down big goals into small steps.

1. Work: build a portfolio

Goal: In six weeks, publish two case studies from completed projects, with a clear problem, process, and result for each. Spend three hours a week to prepare for a job search.

Action plan:

  1. Week 1: choose the projects and collect supporting images and notes.
  2. Weeks 2–4: draft both case studies and request feedback.
  3. Weeks 5–6: revise, check the pages, and publish.

Track: case studies drafted and published. Start today: list the evidence you have for your first project.

2. Study: finish an assignment

Goal: Submit a 2,000-word history essay with six relevant sources by the deadline four weeks from now. Reserve two 45-minute sessions each week and follow the assignment rubric.

Action plan:

  1. Week 1: confirm the question and find the first sources.
  2. Weeks 2–3: outline the argument and write the draft.
  3. Week 4: check the evidence, citations, and rubric before submitting.

Track: sections drafted and sources checked. Start today: read the rubric and write the question your essay will answer. If your course requires more research, adjust the time budget.

3. Business: test an offer

Goal: Within four weeks, complete five conversations with potential customers about a product idea and use their feedback to choose one problem to address. Allow two hours a week.

Action plan:

  1. Week 1: define the intended customer and write five open questions about their current experience.
  2. Weeks 2–3: invite suitable people, hold the conversations, and record their answers.
  3. Week 4: group repeated problems and decide what to test next.

Track: completed conversations and repeated problems. Start today: identify three people to invite. Conversations help you learn; they do not prove people will buy.

4. Learning: use a new skill

Goal: In eight weeks, create a personal expense spreadsheet using formulas for category totals and a chart. Spend two 30-minute practice sessions a week so you can organize your own records.

Action plan:

  1. Weeks 1–2: learn basic cell references and formulas using sample data.
  2. Weeks 3–6: build the sheet and category totals.
  3. Weeks 7–8: add the chart and check the totals against a manual calculation.

Track: working features and errors fixed. Start today: create a sheet with date, category, and amount columns.

5. Personal project: finish a photo book

Goal: Within six weeks, create and order a 20-page photo book from last year’s photos, within a budget you set before choosing a printer. Work on it for one hour each weekend.

Action plan:

  1. Weeks 1–2: check prices, choose a format, and shortlist photos.
  2. Weeks 3–4: arrange the pages and add captions.
  3. Weeks 5–6: proofread, check image quality and cost, and place the order.

Track: pages completed and remaining edits. Start today: choose the budget and make a folder for shortlisted photos.