Have you noticed how some goals stick around while others just vanish? My New Year’s resolutions used to disappear by February because I never tracked them right.
Goals can easily slip away without a reliable tracking system. Those expensive apps and fancy tools might catch your eye, but staying on track doesn’t need to cost anything.
I’ve put countless tracking solutions to the test and discovered five free options that deliver results. These aren’t just simple templates – they’re powerful platforms that keep you focused, motivated and accountable.
Your fitness goals, career dreams, or personal projects need a solid tracking system. These free tracking apps will transform your plans into achievements. Check out my guide on How to Set SMART Goals for 2025 to lay the perfect foundation for your goals.
These free tracking apps will transform your plans into achievements. Let me show you the best tools I’ve discovered that won’t cost you anything.
Google Keep
Image Source: A system brought to life
Google Keep works as a powerhouse for goal tracking behind its simple sticky-note interface. My experience with it since 2014 shows it delivers much more than basic note-taking capabilities.
Google Keep Features for Goal Tracking
The checklist feature stands at the core of Google Keep’s goal tracking power. Each goal gets its own note where I break down bigger objectives into smaller steps using checklists. A color-coding system helps me set priorities:
| Color | Goal Priority |
|---|---|
| Red | High Priority |
| Orange | Medium Priority |
| Yellow | Low Priority |
Time and location-based reminders make this tool even better. My location-specific goals trigger reminders right when I reach the spot where I need them.
Google Keep Integration with Other Tools
Google’s ecosystem integration creates the real magic. My Keep reminders will sync automatically with Google Tasks starting in 2024. This makes my goals visible next to calendar events and emails.
The voice memo feature lets me capture quick goal updates while moving. My goals stay in sync on my phone, tablet, and computer, which helps me stay organised.
Google Keep Best Practices for Goal Setting
Over the last several years of using Keep, I discovered some strategies that work well for goal tracking:
- Category Organisation: My goals split into clear categories – Personal, Work, and Projects. Each category gets its own color, which makes related goals easy to spot.
- Progress Monitoring: Weekly review notes help me track long-term goals. These reviews guide my approach adjustments. The archive feature keeps everything clean while saving completed goals.
Pinning important goals to the top of Keep ranks among my favourite tricks. My key objectives stay visible every time I open the app. The sharing feature helps with group goals – everyone sees updates and completed tasks live.
Google Keep provides all these features without any cost, unlike many goal tracking apps that charge premium fees. This free tool has become my trusted template for tracking both simple and complex objectives.
Trello
Image Source: Trello
Trello has become my favorite digital whiteboard that turns complex goals into manageable tasks. I tried many goal tracking apps, but Trello’s visual approach works best to keep my objectives well-laid-out and achievable.
Trello’s Visual Board System
Trello’s board system is the powerhouse behind its goal tracking capabilities. I use it to create a clear visual map of my goals. Each board shows a major goal, with lists displaying different stages of progress. This layout helps me spot bottlenecks and track completion quickly.
My go-to board structure has:
| List Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Goals | Overall objectives |
| This Month | Current focus areas |
| In Progress | Active tasks |
| Completed | Achieved milestones |
Trello Goal Tracking Templates
Trello stands out because of its goal-specific templates. The Goal Setting Central template is my regular choice. It has dedicated sections for:
- Resource allocation and documentation
- Multiple goal columns for different timeframes
- Progress tracking lists
The OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) template changed everything about handling my larger goals. It breaks down objectives into measurable results and lets me track progress step by step.
Trello Progress Monitoring Features
Trello’s monitoring capabilities changed how I track my progress. Dashboard View shows me how well I distribute tasks and keep balance in pursuing my goals. Calendar View helps me track goal-related deadlines and milestones.
Custom notifications for due dates are a fantastic feature. My reminders are set 48 hours before deadlines to stay on schedule. Dashcards bring all relevant goal information into one place that’s easy to access.
Power-Ups add amazing analytics capabilities. Now I can:
- Generate up-to-the-minute progress charts
- Create custom reports
- Track time spent on different goal-related tasks
Microsoft Teams integration is a great way to get more done with collaborative goals. My team manages resources and conducts meetings without switching apps. This continuous connection helps everyone line up with shared objectives.
Trello’s flexibility to adapt to different goal-tracking needs impresses me most. The visual board system and powerful tracking features maintain my momentum and clarity whether I work on personal development or manage team projects.
Habitica
Image Source: habitica.com
Looking for a goal tracker that doesn’t feel like work? Habitica caught my attention because it turns daily objectives into an engaging role-playing game. The app resonates with my love for gaming and offers a fresh take on traditional goal trackers.
Habitica’s Gamification System
Habitica stands out from other goal tracking apps. It reshapes everyday tasks into a fantasy RPG experience where goals earn you experience points and gold. My custom character grows stronger each time I complete a task, which motivates me more to achieve my goals.
The reward system works on two levels:
- In-game rewards like equipment and pets
- Custom real-life rewards you set for yourself
The reward structure works because it gives instant gratification through in-game items while you work toward bigger goals. You earn gold and experience points for completing tasks, which you can use for character customisation or save for bigger rewards.
Habitica Goal Setting Features
Habitica’s three-tiered task system makes it unique:
| Task Type | Purpose | Reward System |
|---|---|---|
| Habits | Flexible actions | Immediate points |
| Dailies | Regular tasks | Streak bonuses |
| To-Dos | One-time goals | Progressive rewards |
Breaking down larger goals into these categories makes them easier to handle. The app keeps you accountable by applying “damage” to your character if you miss daily tasks. This clever approach helps me stay on track.
Habitica Community Support
Habitica’s social features have changed my approach to goal tracking. Joining “parties” with other users strengthens my commitment to goals. The app builds a supportive environment where users can:
- Join guilds based on shared interests
- Participate in group challenges
- Curb boss monsters together by completing tasks
- Share strategies and motivation
The community’s supportive nature stands out. Users help each other when struggling with goals. This social accountability is vital for keeping momentum, especially during challenging times.
You can customize your experience based on specific needs. The system adapts to personal development, career goals, or health objectives. I break down long-term projects into smaller, manageable tasks with checklists.
Custom rewards have become an essential feature. Setting up both in-game and real-life rewards helps balance work and breaks. Goal tracking feels more like an adventure than a chore with this system.
The gamification elements might seem unnecessary at first glance. Yet they add fun to goal tracking that keeps me engaged. Checking off dailies and watching my character grow stronger each morning has helped build consistent habits better than traditional trackers.
Strides
Image Source: Strides App
Learning about simpler tools led me to find Strides – a goal tracking app that works with any type of goal you can think of. The app’s flexible approach to different tracking styles caught my eye.
Strides Habit Tracking Features
The app’s versatility comes from four different tracker types that are a great way to get different goals done:
| Tracker Type | Best For | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Specific goals | Weight loss by date |
| Habit | Regular actions | Daily meditation |
| Milestones | Project steps | Website launch |
| Average | Ongoing metrics | Monthly budget |
Strides lets me track both good and bad habits, which I really value. The app shows progress bars in red instead of green when I work on breaking a bad habit. This helps me see my improvement clearly.
Strides Progress Analytics
The analytics features have revolutionized my progress monitoring. The app has:
- Progress bars with unique on-track pace indicators
- Success rate calculations
- Streak calendars
- Detailed line charts
Strides stands out because it knows how to generate deeper insights about goals by week, month, year, or all-time periods. Reports can be filtered by life areas or morning routines. This gives me a clear picture of my strengths and areas needing more focus.
Strides Goal Templates
Starting out is easy with over 150 pre-built templates. These templates cover many life areas such as:
Health & Fitness
- Weight tracking
- Exercise routines
- Water intake
Productivity
- Morning routines
- Task management
- Email organization
Personal Development
- Reading goals
- Learning new skills
- Meditation practice
The free version lets me track my three most important goals. This works perfectly when starting out. Strides Plus gives you unlimited tracking options if you need more.
The flexibility to customize templates or create trackers from scratch is what I love most. The app has helpful tips and a free video course about goal setting. This makes setting up effective tracking systems much easier.
The reminder system stands out – it’s unlimited even in the free version. You can set location-based or time-based alerts to stay accountable. The app uses positive sounds and visual progress indicators that keep you motivate.
The app gives detailed progress reports that put goals, projects, and progress in one place. This helps me during monthly reviews and lets me adjust my approach based on real performance data.
Way of Life
Image Source: Idea Usher
Goal tracking apps that combine simplicity with power are common, but Way of Life stands out with its unique colour-coded system. This app works great to build good habits and break bad ones because it has an accessible approach to daily tracking.
Way of Life Tracking System
The app’s brilliance comes from its colour-coded tracking method that needs just seconds to use. My tracking setup uses three simple options:
| Action | Colour | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Good Habits | Green | Successfully completed |
| Bad Habits | Red | Need improvement |
| Skip Days | Gray | Planned breaks |
This system’s special quality lies in its flexibility. Users can track multiple habits at once and keep detailed notes about triggers and progress. The built-in diary function helps me document what guides me to both successes and setbacks.
Way of Life Analytics Dashboard
Live analytics have reshaped how I see my progress. The app’s Charts feature helps me spot trends in different timeframes:
- Weekly patterns
- Monthly progress
- Yearly improvements
Pie charts and bar graphs with trend lines are great tools that help me answer significant questions about my habits:
- Do I exercise as much as planned?
- Have I cut down on fast food?
- Does my sleep schedule show improvement?
The scoreboard feature gives quick weekly and monthly feedback. This goal tracking app stands apart because it shows data in multiple formats, including customisable widgets for iOS 17+.
Way of Life Reminder Features
The reminder system is a vital part of keeping up with my habits. I can set up:
- Flexible scheduling with custom messages
- Powerful notifications that keep me accountable
- Custom streak targets to set realistic goals
Setting different streak lengths for different habits makes this app special. Rather than pushing for perfect streaks, I can set achievable targets – like exercising three times a week or meditating five days straight.
The app has modern features that make tracking more convenient:
- Touch ID and Face ID support for privacy
- Cloud storage backup options
- CSV and Excel export capabilities
Way of Life works because it balances simplicity and depth perfectly. Daily habit logging takes seconds, yet the complete tracking system shows rich insights into behaviour patterns. A colour-blind mode makes it accessible, and customisable tags help organise habits into meaningful groups.
The note-taking feature adds an extra layer to habit tracking. Quick notes about my progress help me understand why I take certain actions and make better adjustments to my routines.
The app’s way of handling chains (their term for streaks) offers a fresh viewpoint on habit formation. Beyond tracking success streaks, it monitors “red chains” – sequences of missed days that help identify tough spots. This dual tracking system helps me spot and fix potential obstacles before they throw me off course.
Comparison Table
| Tool | Key Features | Best For/Main Purpose | Tracking Method | Notable Integration/Social Features | Free Version Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Keep | – Checklist format – Colour coding – Time/location reminders – Voice memos | Task management and organizing everyday goals | Simple checklists with colour-based priorities | – Works with Google Tasks – Syncs across devices – Share with partners for accountability | Everything included free |
| Trello | – Visual board layout – Goal-focused templates – Custom alerts – Dashboard view | Managing complex projects and goals | Cards and lists on boards | – Connects to Microsoft Teams – Power-Ups for data insights | No specific limits mentioned |
| Habitica | – RPG-style rewards – Character growth – Custom reward system | Building habits and daily task completion | Tracks through Habits, Dailies, and To-Dos | – Group challenges – Guilds – Team parties – Boss battles | No specific limits mentioned |
| Strides | – 4 types of trackers – 150+ templates – Progress insights – Smart reminders | Various goal types and habit monitoring | Tracks via Targets, Habits, Milestones, and Averages | Detailed progress reports and insights | Only 3 goals allowed |
| Way of Life | – Colour-based system – Personal diary – Deep insights – Streak counting | Creating and breaking habits | Simple Green, Red, Gray tracking | – Cloud backup – CSV/Excel export – iOS widgets | No specific limits mentioned |
Conclusion
These five free goal tracking tools show that you don’t need expensive software or complicated systems to work. Each tool brings something special to the table. Google Keep shines with quick organization. Trello breaks down complex goals into manageable pieces. Habitica adds a playful twist to daily tasks. Strides fits any tracking style you prefer. Way of Life uses simple color coding to build habits.
Your goal pursuit can revolutionize by starting with just one of these tools. Choose what fits your style best – visual boards, gamification, or simple checklists. Note that the best tool is the one you’ll stick with.
Drop a comment about your favorite goal tracking method – your insights could help someone else find their ideal tool.
Progress tracking lights up the path to your goals. These free tools bridge the gap between you and your objectives. Turning aspirations into achievements has never been easier.
