🎯 Setting Goals That Matter: How to Make the Most of Your NDIS Plan

The NDIS isn’t just about funding — it’s about you. It’s about your goals, your life, and your vision for the future. Whether you’re new to the NDIS or revisiting your plan, setting meaningful and achievable goals is the foundation for getting the most out of your supports.

So, how do you set great goals for your NDIS plan? Let’s break it down.

💡 What Is an NDIS Goal?

An NDIS goal is something you want to achieve. It could be short-term (something you want to work on right now) or long-term (something bigger that you’ll need more time and support to reach). These goals help guide what supports and funding are included in your plan.

🧭 Why Are Goals So Important?

Your goals help the NDIA understand what's important to you. Every support or service funded through your plan must be connected to your goals — so the clearer and more personal they are, the better.

Goals help your team:

Match services to your actual needs and dreams

Track your progress over time

Celebrate your successes (like David, who saved for an AMP to enjoy his movies and music!)

🛠️ How to Set Goals That Work for You

Here’s a simple process to help you get started:

1. Start With What Matters Most to You

Ask yourself:

What do I want to learn or get better at?

Where do I want more independence?

What would make me feel more connected, confident, or happy?

What’s something I’ve always wanted to try?

Your goals might be things like:

Learning how to cook meals on my own

Joining a local sports or art group

Building confidence to catch public transport

Finding a job I enjoy

Improving my mental health and wellbeing

2. Make Your Goals SMART

A SMART goal is:

Specific – What exactly do I want to do?

Measurable – How will I know I’ve done it?

Achievable – Is it realistic for me?

Relevant – Does it matter to my life and values?

Time-bound – When do I want to achieve it?

👉 Example:

Instead of saying “I want to be healthier,” say:

“I want to go for a 30-minute walk with my support worker twice a week to improve my fitness and mental wellbeing.”

3. Break It Down

Big goals can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller steps that build on each other. For example, if your goal is to move out of home, you might start with learning how to manage your daily routine, then build toward living more independently with Supported Independent Living (SIL).

4. Get Your Team Involved

You don’t have to do this alone. Your support coordinator, LAC (Local Area Coordinator), or trusted support people can help you:

Identify your goals

Connect your goals to the right supports

Review your progress over time

5. Track Your Wins

Every step forward counts — and it’s worth celebrating! Whether you made a new friend at a group activity or cooked your first meal solo, these achievements are evidence that your plan is working.

🌱 Real-Life Example: David’s Goal

When David first started with Real Community Services, he had a simple goal: to buy an AMP so he could enjoy music and movies. He built budgeting skills, gained independence, and eventually bought the AMP himself — and that one goal became a gateway to many more.

His plan also included goals around healthier eating, increased confidence, and living more independently — and with the right supports, David is achieving all of them.

✅ Final Tips for Goal-Setting Success

Keep your goals flexible. Life changes — your goals can too.

Be honest. Your goals are about you, not what others expect of you.

Use plain language. The NDIA doesn’t need big words — they need clear ones.

Review regularly. Check in on your goals before your plan review.

🌟 Your Life, Your Goals, Your Way

You deserve a life that’s full of purpose, connection, and possibility — and your NDIS plan is a tool to help you get there. So dream big, start small, and know that every goal you set is a step toward living your greatness.

Need help setting or reviewing your NDIS goals? Contact the team at Real Community Services — we’re here to support you on your journey every step of the way.