12 FREE Goal Setting Templates (Download: Excel, Word, PDF)

Using goal setting templates is a great way to standardize the way goals are set in your organization. That is why we created 9 goal setting templates you can download for free! We also regularly update this article to make sure all the goal sheets on this list are still perfectly relevant and useful.

Whether you are setting short or long-term goals for individuals, or mapping out your organizational strategy for the new period, having a structured goal-setting process through goal setting templates is the right way to go.

Setting goals effectively doesn’t just include using goal setting worksheets, Excel templates, or Word documents. It also includes making sure your goals follow the SMART criteria, being specific, measurable achievable, relevant, and time-bound. 

This article will not only provide you with goal setting templates in Word, Excel, and PDF forms that you can download for free but also discuss some key tips and tricks on how you can make sure goals and OKRs in your organization are always aligned.

👇 Scroll Down to Download Free Goal Setting Templates for Word, Excel, and PDF!👇 

Integrate Goal Setting Templates into Microsoft Teams & Outlook!

While Excel goal setting templates are great and incredibly useful, the best way to ensure goals stay visible is to integrate your goal setting templates into central communication and collaboration hubs like Microsoft Teams or Outlook!

You can try the best goal setting tool for both of those platforms, Teamflect, for absolutely free by clicking the button below to start integrating and digitizing your goal-setting templates!

👇You will find 9 Free Downloadable Goal-setting Templates for Word, Excel and PDF 👇 

Excel Goal Setting Templates  

Below you will find three goal setting templates for Excel! When it comes to goal setting templates Excel is a great platform since it allows employees to log and navigate large amounts of data with ease.

While all three goal sheets below are SMART goals templates for Excel, the third template is designed to help you implement a cascading goals structure. It can easily be used as a department goals template, letting you set goals at organizational, departmental, team, and individual levels.

1- Smart Goals Template Excel

This particular SMART goals template for Excel doesn’t just provide you with an easy goal setting template you can use in Excel but also comes fully loaded with built-in criteria for your goals. 

If this is your first time with the SMART goals methodology, this Excel goal-setting template is perfect for you!

2- Smart Goals Sheet Excel

Arguably one of our favorites on this list, goal setting template helps leaders not just determine goals but also include some key information about the goal, going beyond a description and a deadline.

This particular goal sheet has a lot of room for the goal owner as well as the goal setter to discuss both the purpose of the goals being set, as well as some challenges that may be encountered along the way. 

It also pulls double duty and functions as a SMART goals checklist since it has a section that lets users check if their goals actually fit the criteria.

3- Smart Goal Worksheet Template for Excel

Going beyond being a regular goal setting template, this particular Excel template helps you set cascading goals, letting you align individual goals with larger-scale organizational ones. It includes sections devoted to:

• Individual Goals
• Team Goals
• Department Goals
• Division Goals
• Organization Goals

As expected, this goal setting template also has specific sections for you to explain how the goal you set is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and of course, time-bound. It is the perfect goal sheet to help align everyone’s goals and objectives

Pros and Cons of Using Excel Goal Setting Templates

Pros of Excel Goal Templates:

Cost-Effective: Excel is often already available as part of Microsoft Office, so there’s no need for additional software purchases. Free goal-setting templates are also widely available online.

Customizable: Excel allows users to tailor templates to fit specific needs. You can modify layouts, add or remove columns, and create custom formulas to track progress.

Familiarity: Many people are already familiar with Excel, making it easier to get started without a steep learning curve. The familiarity that comes with Excel goal setting templates can lead to quicker adoption and usage.

Flexibility: Excel is highly versatile, allowing for complex calculations, conditional formatting, and integration with other data sources. You can use it for both simple and complex goal-tracking needs.

Cons of Excel Goal Templates:

Limited Collaboration: While Excel files can be shared, real-time collaboration is limited unless using Excel Online or other collaborative tools. Multiple users working on the same file can lead to version control issues and confusion.

Manual Updates: Excel templates require manual input and updating, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. This can make it difficult to maintain accurate and up-to-date records, especially for larger teams.

Scalability Issues: As the complexity and number of goals increase, managing them in Excel can become cumbersome. It’s not designed to handle large datasets or complex workflows without significant customization.

Lack of Automation:Unlike specialized goal-setting or project management software, Excel lacks built-in automation features like reminders, progress tracking, and reporting. Users need to manually create and update these features, which can be inefficient.

Limited Visualization: While Excel has some charting capabilities, it’s not as visually dynamic as dedicated tools. Creating visually appealing and easily interpretable goal-tracking dashboards may require advanced Excel skills.

Word Goal Setting Templates

Below you will find three Word goal setting templates that follow the SMART goals method. While all three templates follow pretty similar structures, one is more focused on discussions while the other two goal setting templates for Word are focused on regular updates and revisiting of goals at later dates.

Word goal setting templates while not as detailed as their Excel counterparts provide a simple goal setting and tracking experience inside an easy-to-navigate layout. 

While Excel is the better alternative if you are setting goals in bulk, Word goal setting templates are better as individual goal setting templates.

4- Smart Goals Template Word

With a section devoted to checking-in on the goal in 6 months, this is the perfect Word goal setting template for setting goals at the beginning of the year and following up on them during mid-year reviews.

Relatively straightforward, this goals template for employees can easily be used to set annual goals for employees.

5- Career Goal Setting Template Word

While all the other goal setting templates on this list were focused more heavily on goal setting for employees, this Word template is designed for personal goal setting purposes. 

Setting career goals is an amazing way to visualize your career path and map out development areas for yourself.

This career goal setting template for Microsoft Word has three core sections:

• Short-term Career Goals
• Mid-term Career Goals
• Long-term Career Goals

We hope you will find it helpful as both a goal setting template and a career management tool!

6- Word Goal Setting Template

The last goal setting template we have on our list was designed in a way to foster communication between goal setters and goal owners. With dedicated “Response” sections next to each action step for the goal, this goal sheet is perfect for collaborative use. 

Using this goal template through Word Online would be a far better than using it as an offline goal-setting tool.

Pros and Cons of Using Word Goal Setting Templates

Pros of Word Goal Templates:

User-Friendly: Word is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical skill. Setting up and editing a goal-setting template in Word is often straightforward.

Familiarity: Many people are already accustomed to using Word for documents, which means there’s typically little to no learning curve involved in using Word templates for goal setting.

Customizable Layouts: Word allows users to customize the layout and design of goal-setting templates. You can add text boxes, images, tables, and other elements to create a personalized format that suits your needs.

Clear and Structured Presentation: Word is well-suited for creating clear and structured documents. This can be beneficial for goal setting, as it allows for a neatly organized presentation of goals, objectives, and action plans.

Cons of Word Goal Templates:

Limited Functionality for Tracking:Word is primarily a word processing tool, not a spreadsheet or database. This makes it less suitable for tracking progress over time, as it lacks features like automatic calculations, conditional formatting, and real-time data updates.

Manual Updates and Maintenance: As with Excel, Word templates require manual updates, which can be time-consuming and susceptible to errors. Keeping track of changes and progress might become tedious, especially for larger projects or teams.

Collaboration Challenges: While Word documents can be shared, real-time collaboration is limited unless using Word Online or a similar platform. Multiple users editing the same document can lead to version conflicts and confusion.

Scalability Limitations: Word is not designed for handling large amounts of data or complex workflows. As the number of goals and related tasks grows, managing them in a Word template can become cumbersome and disorganized.
Lack of Automation: Unlike dedicated goal-setting software, Word does not offer automation features like reminders, progress tracking, or automated reports. Users need to manually manage these aspects, which can be inefficient and prone to oversight.

Printable Goal Sheets for Employees

We are topping this list of goal setting templates with some PDF goal setting worksheets. Each type of goals setting template on this list serves a different purpose. 

While the Word templates were better suited for customizability and individual goals and the Excel templates were best for group goals, PDF goal templates are the way to go if you are making formal presentations or simply printing templates out.

Below you will find three printable goal setting worksheets you can download for free! As usual these templates follow the SMART criteria and even though they may not be as customizable as the templates above, they are perfect as handouts

7- Goal Sheet for Employees: SMART Goal Planning

This is a goal setting worksheet that is meant to be kept around and updated by the goal owner. While it follows a pretty standard goal setting structure with multiple action items, each action item on this goal template not only has a target date but also an actual completion rate.  This in the long term can provide insight into the goal owner’s performance.

8- PDF Goal Setting Worksheet

If there is one goal setting template on this list that strictly upholds the SMART criteria, it is this one.

With an opening section dedicated to “coaching style” questions on the goal being set, it guarantees SMART goals. 

The best part about this template is that there is a section where the goal needs to be explained in a single sentence. 

This simplistic lens is the best way to ensure your the goals you are setting are reasonable and easy to understand.

9- Goals and Objectives Template

The last PDF template on our list is a goals and objectives template that has a unique section dedicated to self-assessment.

It helps the goal owners evaluate whether or not their goals are aligned with larger-scale organizational goals. 

With a simple design, this goals template is very easy to use and works great as a printable goal sheet.

Pros and Cons of Using PDF Goal Setting Templates

Pros of PDF Goal Setting Templates:

Professional Presentation: PDFs are ideal for creating polished, professional-looking documents. They maintain consistent formatting across different devices and operating systems, ensuring that your goal-setting template looks the same for everyone.

Fixed Layout: PDFs preserve the exact layout and design as intended, without the risk of formatting issues that might occur when sharing Word or Excel files. This is particularly beneficial when distributing templates to multiple recipients.

Compatibility: PDF files are universally compatible across devices, platforms, and operating systems. This ensures that anyone can open and view the document without requiring specific software.

Read-Only Format: The read-only nature of PDFs makes them ideal for distributing goal-setting templates that are meant to be filled out or reviewed by others without modification to the original template.

Cons of Goal Setting Templates

Limited Editability: Unlike Word or Excel, PDFs are not easily editable without specialized software like Adobe Acrobat. This makes it difficult to make changes or updates, particularly for those who don’t have access to the necessary tools.

No Real-Time Collaboration: PDFs do not support real-time collaboration. Any updates or changes must be made manually and then shared again, which can be inefficient and lead to version control issues.

Static Content: The static nature of PDFs means that interactive elements, such as automatic calculations, conditional formatting, or dynamic charts, are not possible. This limits the ability to track progress or make adjustments on the fly.

Manual Data Entry: Users typically need to print out the PDF to fill it in by hand or use a PDF editor to input data. This manual process can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially for complex goal-setting activities.

Difficulty in Customization: While PDFs offer a fixed and professional layout, they are difficult to customize once created. Any significant changes require access to the original file or specialized software, limiting flexibility.

Personal Goal Tracking Templates 

Believe it or not, we are not the only resource for goal setting templates on the internet! On top of our list of goal setting templates we wanted to include some personal goal tracking templates created by the amazing people over at Printsbery! 

Unlike the templates we’ve listed above, these goal trackers are designed for personal goals. They can be incredibly helpful in ensuring you stick to the goals you set for yourself. 

10. Personal Goal Tracker Template

11. Weekly Goal Tracker Template

12. Monthly Goal Tracker Template

How to create a goal template?

Define the Purpose of the Template:

Start by identifying the specific purpose of your goal template. Are you creating it for personal use, team collaboration, or organizational planning? Understanding the purpose will help you design a template that meets your needs.

Outline Key Sections:

Decide on the main sections of your template. Common sections include:

• Goal Title: A brief description of the goal.
• Objective: A clear statement of what you want to achieve.
• Action Steps: A list of tasks or steps required to accomplish the goal.
• Deadlines: Specific dates by which each action step or the overall goal should be completed.
• Metrics:: Criteria to measure progress or success.
• Resources Needed: Any tools, people, or materials required to achieve the goal.
• Progress Tracking: A section to record ongoing progress or any updates.

Design the Template Layout:

Choose a layout for your SMART goals template that is clean, easy to read, and logically organized. Depending on your needs, you might use tables, bullet points, or a mix of both. Ensure there’s enough space in each section for detailed entries.

Incorporate Flexibility:

While templates should be structured, they should also allow some flexibility. You need to make sure that users can add or remove sections as needed or make adjustments based on specific goals.

Add Visual Elements:

Consider including visual elements such as color-coded sections, icons, or charts to make the template more engaging and easier to navigate. Using visual elements in your goal setting templates will help goal owners prioritize and visualize their objectives.

Test and Refine:

Before finalizing your template, test it by using it to set a few goals. Giving your goals template a test run will help you identify any areas that need improvement or additional sections. Gather feedback if possible, especially if the template will be used by others.

Save and Distribute:

Once your template is complete, save it in a format that is easily accessible to your intended users, such as PDF, Word, or Excel. If the template is for team use, ensure it is stored in a shared location where everyone can access and use it.

What is the best goal-setting template for personal use?

The best goal-setting template for personal use often depends on individual preferences and the nature of the goals. However, SMART goals templates are widely regarded as one of the best options for personal goal setting. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework ensures that goals are clearly defined and actionable, which can significantly increase the likelihood of achieving them.

Another popular option is a Goal Tracker template, which allows you to break down larger goals into manageable tasks and milestones. These templates often include sections for deadlines, progress tracking, and personal reflections, making them versatile and easy to use for various personal goals.

For those who prefer a more visual approach, bullet journal templates can also be an excellent choice. These templates combine goal setting with creative elements, such as doodles and color coding, which can make the process more engaging and personalized.

What are SMART goals, and how can a template help in setting them?

SMART goals are a widely used framework for setting clear, actionable, and attainable goals. SMART stands for:

• Specific: Clearly defined and focused goals.
• Measurable: Criteria to track progress and success.
• Achievable: Realistic and attainable within the available resources.
• Relevant: Aligned with broader objectives or values.
• Time-bound: Set within a specific timeframe.

A SMART goal-setting template helps by providing a structured format to ensure that each aspect of the SMART criteria is addressed. 

The template typically includes sections for writing out the goal, defining measurable outcomes, setting deadlines, and identifying any necessary resources or support.

 By using a template, you can ensure that all your goals are well-rounded and have a higher chance of being achieved.

Can I customize a goal-setting template to fit my needs?

Yes, most goal-setting templates are customizable to fit your specific needs. Depending on the format (Word, Excel, or digital tools like Teamflect), you can typically modify various aspects of the template:

• Layout and Design: You can adjust the layout, font styles, and colors to make the template more visually appealing or aligned with your personal or organizational branding.
• Sections and Fields: Add or remove sections as needed. For instance, you can include additional fields for resources, potential challenges, or reflections, depending on what is most relevant to your goals.
• Formulas and Automation: In Excel templates, you can incorporate formulas to automate calculations, progress tracking, or deadlines. This can save time and reduce the risk of errors.

Integration with Other Tools: Digital templates can often be integrated with other tools like calendars, project management software, or cloud storage, making it easier to sync your goals with your daily workflow.

Smart Goals Examples

We’ve been over the importance of setting SMART goals so now it is time to provide you with some SMART goal examples. We will first be going over the example itself, and then explaining just why that goal fits the SMART goal criteria.

Example: Increase Monthly Sales by 15% within the Next Quarter

Specific: The goal clearly states what needs to be achieved—increasing sales.

Measurable: The target is quantifiable—15% increase in monthly sales.

Achievable: The goal is realistic and attainable within a three-month period.

Relevant: Increasing sales is directly aligned with the overall business objective.

Time-bound: The goal has a specific time frame—within the next quarter.

Example: Complete a Professional Development Course to Improve Project Management Skills Within the Next Six Months

Specific: The goal specifies what skill needs improvement—project management.

Measurable: Completion of the course is a clear, measurable outcome.

Achievable: It’s realistic to complete a professional development course in six months.

Relevant: Improved project management skills align with career and organizational objectives.

Time-bound: The goal has a defined time frame—within the next six months.

Example: Reduce Customer Support Response Time to 24 hours or Less by Implementing a New Ticketing System Within the Next Month

Specific: The goal clearly defines what needs improvement—customer support response time.

Measurable: The target is specific and measurable—24 hours or less.

Achievable: Implementing a new ticketing system is a concrete step toward achieving the goal.

Relevant: Faster response times contribute to customer satisfaction and retention.

Time-bound: The goal has a specific time frame—within the next month.

Example: Increase Website Traffic by 20% in the Next Two Months Through SEO Optimization and Content Marketing

Specific: The goal identifies the approach for achieving it—SEO optimization and content marketing.

Measurable: The target is quantifiable—20% increase in website traffic.

Achievable: The methods chosen are realistic for improving website traffic in the given time frame.

Relevant: More website traffic aligns with the marketing and business growth objectives.

Time-bound: The goal has a specific time frame—within the next two months.

Example: Achieve a Weight Loss of 10 Pounds in the Next Eight Weeks Through a Combination of Regular Exercise and a Balanced Diet

Specific: The goal specifies what needs to be achieved—weight loss of 10 pounds.

Measurable: The target is clearly defined—10 pounds.

Achievable: A weight loss of 10 pounds in eight weeks is a realistic and healthy goal.

Relevant: Weight loss is aligned with the individual’s health and wellness objectives.

Time-bound: The goal has a specific time frame—within the next eight weeks.

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Using Goal Setting Templates

Whether you’re using an employee goal setting template, a goal setting template in Excel, or a goal setting worksheet, these resources can streamline the process and help you stay on track. However, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes that people often make when utilizing these templates

Neglecting Specificity

One of the most common mistakes when using goal setting templates is failing to be specific enough. Whether you’re setting goals for yourself or your employees, vague objectives like “increase sales” or “improve communication” lack the clarity needed for effective goal achievement.

Use your employee goal setting template or Excel worksheet to articulate SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Overloading with Goals

Another pitfall is setting too many goals at once. While it’s natural to have multiple aspirations, overwhelming yourself or your team with an excessive number of goals can lead to burnout and reduced effectiveness.

Prioritize your goals and focus on a select few that are most crucial. A well-structured goal setting template will help you allocate time and resources wisely.

Ignoring Regular Updates

Goal setting templates are not static documents; they require regular updates and tracking. Many individuals and organizations make the mistake of setting goals and then forgetting about them until the deadline approaches.

To avoid this, use an Excel-based goal setting template to keep track of progress and make necessary adjustments. Regularly review and revise your goals to stay aligned with changing circumstances.

Setting Unrealistic Expectations

Setting overly ambitious goals can lead to frustration and demotivation when they are not achieved. Ensure that your goals, as outlined in your goal setting template, are realistic and attainable based on the resources and time available.

It’s okay to aim high, but make sure your goals are within reach to maintain motivation and confidence.

Neglecting Employee Input

In the context of employee goal setting templates, it’s essential to involve employees in the goal-setting process. One common mistake is top-down goal setting without considering input from those responsible for achieving the goals.

Employees who participate in setting their own objectives are often more motivated and engaged in the achievement process.