A new year has a way of giving us a fresh start.
It’s a natural time to pause, look back on what you’ve moved through, and think about what you want more of in the year ahead—more confidence, more independence, more connection, more calm, more routine… whatever “a good year” looks like for you.
If you’re an NDIS participant, it’s also a great time to revisit your NDIS goals (or set new ones) to make sure they still match your needs, interests, and hopes for 2026.
At Thrive365, we see goal-setting as more than a box to tick in an NDIS plan. When goals are clear and meaningful, they become a roadmap—helping supports feel more personalised, progress feel more visible, and day-to-day life feel more stable and empowering.
Why NDIS Goals Matter
NDIS goals aren’t just paperwork. They shape your plan, influence how funding is used, and guide the supports that are put in place around you.
When goals reflect what truly matters to you, your plan can better support things like:
- Becoming more independent at home or in the community
- Improving physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing
- Building friendships and social confidence
- Learning life skills and creating routines
- Preparing for employment or study
- Participating in hobbies and activities that bring joy and purpose
The clearer the goal, the easier it is to match the right supports—and to recognise progress along the way.
Reflecting on the Past Year (Without Judgement)
Before jumping into new goals for 2026, it helps to reflect on the year that’s just passed—gently and honestly.
You might ask yourself:
- What goals did I work toward last year?
- What progress did I make (even if it felt small)?
- Which supports helped me most?
- What challenges came up—and what did I learn from them?
- What do I want to focus on differently this year?
And here’s an important reminder: progress doesn’t always look like big milestones. Sometimes progress is fewer tough days, more confidence leaving the house, better sleep, or feeling safer and more settled.
How to Set Meaningful NDIS Goals (That Actually Feel Achievable)
A helpful way to shape your goals is by using the SMART framework:
- Specific – What exactly do I want to achieve?
- Measurable – How will I know I’m making progress?
- Achievable – Is this realistic with the right supports in place?
- Relevant – Does this goal align with what’s important to me?
- Time-bound – When would I like to work toward or achieve this?
Examples of NDIS goals
- “I want to join a local art group to build confidence and meet new people.”
- “I would like to learn how to cook three meals independently by mid-year.”
- “I want to improve my strength and mobility by attending physiotherapy sessions regularly.”
A quick tip that helps
If a goal feels too big, break it into steps. For example:
“Join a social group” might start with “attend once with support,” then “stay for 30 minutes,” then “go weekly.”
If you’re feeling stuck, this NDIS guide can help you identify what matters most and turn it into a goal:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/setting-goals/how-do-you-identify-goals
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/setting-goals/how-do-you-identify-goals
How Thrive365 Supports Goal Tracking and Achievement
At Thrive365, supporting participants to work toward their goals is a core part of what we do—especially for people who need stability, structure, and behaviour-informed support.
We don’t set goals once and forget them until plan review time.
Instead, our team regularly reviews goals alongside daily supports, community participation, skill-building, and progress notes. This helps us:
- Track progress over time
- Identify what’s working well
- Adjust supports when needed
- Capture achievements (big and small)
- Notice new goals as confidence and capacity grow
And when it’s time for an NDIS plan review, this consistent tracking can make a huge difference. It means participants and their support networks have a clearer record of what’s improved, what supports have helped, and what goals are next—so planning meetings feel more prepared, more confident, and more participant-led.
Working Together Toward Your 2026 Goals
Your goals are personal—and no two journeys look the same.
Our role is to listen, support, and help turn goals into realistic steps that feel safe and achievable.
If you’re planning ahead for 2026, now is a great time to speak with your Support Coordinator, planner, or Thrive365 team member about:
- Reviewing your current goals
- Identifying new goals you’d like to work toward
- Making sure your supports align with what you want to achieve
- Preparing early for your next NDIS plan review
Let’s Make 2026 a Year of Progress
Just like New Year’s resolutions, NDIS goals take time, consistency, and the right support around you. Every small step count and it all adds up.
At Thrive365, we’re here to help participants not only set meaningful goals but actively work toward them in a way that feels steady, supportive, and empowering.
If you’d like help reviewing or updating your NDIS goals, reach out to our team. Let’s make 2026 a year of growth, independence, and possibility.
