SMART Goals Worksheet

What are SMART goals?

As a healthcare professional or life coach, you know it’s one thing for a patient to say, “I want to get better” but it’s another to figure out how to get there. That’s where SMART goals come in. They help you turn those big, broad aims into clear, actionable steps you can track and measure.

SMART method is a familiar self-help trend; it dates back to the early 1980s when George T. Doran presented the SMART criteria as a management and project planning tool.

Here are the categories in detail:

• Specific: Goals should be well-defined and clear, providing a precise path toward accomplishment.
• Measurable: It's crucial to establish tangible criteria for tracking the progress and success of your client's goals.
• Achievable: No matter how ambitious, goals should always be within attainability to maintain motivation.
• Relevant: Goals should align with personal values and long-term objectives to ensure they are meaningful and fulfilling.
• Time-bound: Implementing a deadline helps to create a sense of urgency and commitment, fostering accountability and encouraging timely completion.

Instead of goals feeling overwhelming or hard to define, you can direct clients in using SMART goals to make sure they’re specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This lets you and your patients stay on the same page, celebrate progress, and adjust your approach if things aren’t going as expected. SMART goals are a simple way to bring structure and direction to your care plans.

How do you use the SMART Goals Worksheet?

The SMART Goals Worksheet enhances goal-setting clarity, focus, and efficiency. Follow these steps to maximize the advantages of this worksheet. 

Step 1: Save the SMART Goals Worksheet template

Click "Download" to get the PDF copy of the SMART Goals Worksheet on this page, or click "Use template" to edit it within the Carepatron platform before printing or sending it to clients.

Step 2: Discuss the method with the client

Explain to the client the SMART Goals framework. It’s divided into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This will guide you and your clients through a clear path forward.

Step 3: Start by defining a specific goal

Work with your client to be clear and direct about what they want to achieve. Ask them: What exactly do you want to happen, and why is it important?

Then, identify a way you can track their progress and check whether the set goals and action steps are realistic. Look at resources, potential obstacles, and how to work around them if they come up.

Step 4: Set a deadline

Consider whether the goal fits their values and long-term plans. Why does this matter to them, and how will it help them move forward?

Finally, help them put a time frame around their goals. Establish a deadline and small milestones to celebrate their progress and keep them motivated.

When would you use this SMART Goals Worksheet?

This worksheet is a practical tool you can pull out in different client situations to bring structure and clarity to goal-setting across health and life domains.

Here are four specific moments when it’s especially helpful:

When starting treatment or coaching with unclear goals

Early on, clients might come in with broad or conflicting desires like “feel less anxious” or “get my life together.” Use the worksheet to help them articulate precise goals, creating a clear foundation for your work together and avoiding aimless sessions.

When creating personalized action plans for complex conditions

For clients managing chronic illness, mental health issues, or lifestyle changes, you can use the worksheet to break down overwhelming challenges into bite-sized, realistic steps. This approach prevents burnout and makes progress manageable and measurable.

When clients hit a plateau or struggle with follow-through

If a client’s progress stalls or they express frustration with slow results, revisiting the worksheet helps you reassess goal feasibility and timelines. Adjusting goals together renews focus, reignites motivation, and clarifies next steps.

When preparing for transitions or major life changes

Whether your client is recovering from illness, starting a new job, or adapting to a lifestyle change, the worksheet guides setting flexible, relevant goals that fit their evolving priorities. This helps clients stay grounded and proactive during uncertain times.

What are the benefits of using this SMART Goals Worksheet?

The SMART goals offer a transformative goal-setting experience. Here are the benefits of this  SMART Goals Worksheet PDF:

Makes progress measurable

With measurable goals, you can track progress in real time, whether it's lowered blood pressure, reduced symptoms of anxiety, or meeting a physical activity target. It lets you celebrate small health victories together and adjust your approach if progress stalls.

Keeps goals realistic and achievable

Using this framework, you can help your clients set health goals that are realistic for their lifestyle and health conditions. It prevents overwhelm and makes progress more manageable.

Aligns goals with values and long-term plans

Using the relevant piece of the framework, you can connect goals back to what matters most to your clients. It helps keep their goals purposeful and in harmony with their values and future ambitions.

Boosts motivation and confidence

As you track progress, you’re helping your clients stay motivated and grow more assured in their ability to make progress. That confidence can become a powerful momentum for future goals.