Create Measurable Steps to Achieve Your Goal

You’ve crafted your goal statement—great! Now, what’s next? As we discussed in Goals and Outcomes Explained, goals define the desired outcomes but don’t outline the specific action steps needed to achieve them.

In the sections below, you'll learn how to create clear action steps that show you exactly what steps you can take to make your goal a reality.

S.M.A.R.T. Brainstorming

Use the table below to think about the pieces of S.M.A.R.T. action steps of your goal.

S.M.A.R.T Goal
Specific	Includes both "who" and "what". Uses only one action verb to avoid issues with measurement success.
Measurable	How much change is expected? It must be possible to count or otherwise quantify an activity or its results. Includes a method for data collection. Measure at the beginning and end to document change.
Achievable	Outcomes reflect the time frame, are attainable, and realistic given resources (i.e., financial, staffing, technology, etc.)
Relevant	Are the outcomes related to the goal? Are the steps measurable and lead to achieving the final outcome? Are the decisions and outcomes reasonable and necessary to reach the goal?
Time-bound	Provide a time frame indicating when the outcome will be measured (e.g., weekly, monthly, quarterly). Decide when the final outcomes should be achieved.

Your Action Steps

Now that you’ve thought more deeply about your outcomes, you are ready to formulate a S.M.A.R.T. and concise action steps. Some example formats could include:

Example goal statement: Increase family involvement by hosting family events.
- Example action steps focused on increased family involvement

Action, Measurement, Change, Time
[ACTION VERB]	[MEASUREMENT]	[BEHAVIOR/CONDITION CHANGE]	[TIME FRAME]
Schedule	three (3)	family events	within the next six (6) months.

Time, Action, Measure, Change
[TIME FRAME]	[ACTION VERB]	[MEASUREMENT]	[BEHAVIOR/CONDITION CHANGE]
Within the next two (2) weeks,	recruit	25% of families	to help plan family events.

Example goal statement: Demonstrate my knowledge and experience by earning a CDA.
- Example action steps focused on earning a CDA.

Action, Measure, Change, Time
[ACTION VERB]	[MEASUREMENT]	[BEHAVIOR/CONDITION CHANGE]	[TIME FRAME]
Complete	120 clock hours	of professional development training	within nine (9) months.

Time, Action, Measure, Change
[TIME FRAME]	[ACTION VERB]	[MEASUREMENT]	[BEHAVIOR/CONDITION CHANGE]
By October 2023,	complete	50%	of my professional portfolio.

Example goal statement: Build a more natural outdoor play area so children have the opportunity for nature play and exploration.
- Example action steps focused on providing children the opportunity for nature play and exploration.

Action, Measure, Time, Change
[ACTION VERB]	[MEASUREMENT]	[TIME FRAME]	[BEHAVIOR/CONDITION CHANGE]
Create	a budget plan	by November 15th	using an online budget tool.

S.M.A.R.T. Action Steps Worksheet

Need help organizing your thoughts?

Visit the IPDP Template Options page to choose an IPDP template and complete an action steps worksheet.

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