How to set NDIS Goals that actually move you forward

Still unsure how to set your goals when working towards independence?

Your NDIS goals shape everything: the funding you receive, the supports you can access, and the direction your plan takes. Yet many participants feel unsure about how to write goals that actually work for them.

Maybe you've been told to "just write down what you want." Maybe you've looked at example goals online and felt they don't quite fit your life. Or maybe you're preparing for your first planning meeting and want to get it right.

We're here to help. And we have written this guide to help you write NDIS goals that are clear, personal, and practical goals that genuinely move you forward.

Why your NDIS Goals matter so much

Your goals are the bridge between what you want in life and what the NDIS will fund. The NDIA doesn't fund supports in isolation. They fund supports that help you pursue your goals.

That means if your goals are vague, your funding might be limited. If they're too narrow, you might miss out on supports that could help. And if they don't reflect what actually matters to you, you could end up with a plan that doesn't serve your real needs.

Well-written goals give the NDIA a clear picture of what you want to achieve, open the door to a wider range of supports, help your support team understand your priorities, and provide a benchmark for measuring progress.

What makes a good NDIS Goal?

Let's start with what a good goal is not. A good NDIS goal is not a description of a service ("I want occupational therapy"), so broad it could mean anything ("I want to be happy"), so specific it locks you into one approach ("I want to walk 5km unassisted"), or written by someone else about you.

A good NDIS goal focuses on the outcome you want, not the service. It's broad enough that multiple supports can contribute. It reflects your priorities. It can be broken into smaller steps. And it has a realistic timeframe.

The "Outcome First" approach

Here's the most important shift: write about what you want to achieve, not what service you think you need.

The outcome-focused versions are more powerful because they open doors. 

If your goal is about communicating confidently, that could be funded through speech therapy, communication devices, social skills programs, or support worker assistance.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Goal

Aim for a mix of the two goals. Two to three short-term goals and two to three medium-to-long-term goals is a good balance.

• Short-term goals (within the next 12 months) are things you want to start working on soon. They give you momentum and quick wins.
• Medium-to-long-term goals (over the next 2-3 years) are broader aspirations. They might take more than one plan to achieve. They give you a sense of direction.

Real NDIS Goal examples

For practical skill-building milestones, see our article Crucial Skills for Supported Independent Living.

A Simple Framework (without the corporate speak)

You've probably heard of SMART goals. It's a useful framework, but it can feel clinical. Here's a more natural way to think about it:

1. What do I want? Be clear about the outcome.
2. Why does it matter? Connect it to something real in your life.
3. How will I know I'm getting there? Think about what progress looks like.
4. Is it realistic for me right now? Not too easy, not overwhelming.
5. When do I want to achieve it by? Give yourself a timeframe.

Common Goal-Setting mistakes to avoid

Writing goals for someone else

If you're a parent, carer, or support coordinator, the goals should come from the participant. Your role is to support them to express what they want. Ask open questions. Listen. Give them time.

Copying goals from the internet

Example goals are great for inspiration but copying them word-for-word usually results in goals that don't fit. Use the structure but make the content yours.

Being too specific

"I want to go swimming every Tuesday at the local pool" is too narrow. "I want to participate in regular physical activity that I enjoy" is broader and more flexible.

Focusing on the service, not the outcome

This is the most common mistake. Describe what you want to achieve, not what you think you need to buy.

Setting too many goals

Five to six goals is plenty. More than that and you'll spread your funding and energy too thin.

Preparing for your NDIS Plan Meeting

Before the meeting

Write down your goals, think about what supports might help, gather any reports from therapists, and talk to people who know you well.

During the meeting

Be honest about what you can and can't do right now. Explain what each goal means to you. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification. If you disagree with something, say so.

After the meeting

Review your NDIS plan carefully when it arrives. Check that your goals are worded the way you want. If something doesn't look right, you can request a review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need help with your NDIS Goals?

At PACC, we're here to help you navigate your NDIS journey. Our team can help you explore your support options, prepare for your planning meeting, and write goals that reflect what matters most to you.

Talk to our team to plan your next steps and setting your NDIS Goals.

Note: This article is intended as general information and does not constitute NDIS advice. Your individual plan, funding, and eligibility are determined by the NDIA. For specific guidance, speak with your support coordinator or contact the NDIA directly.