Goals are a great way to give yourself something to focus on and work towards. However, it’s important to recognise that your goals may change over time, whether that’s because your focus has shifted or because you’ve achieved a goal that you previously set. Regularly reflecting on your goals is a great way to ensure that your goals align with your wants and needs – and what better time of year to do a bit of reflecting than at the beginning of a new year.
Why are goals important?
Goals are important because they show the NDIA what your personal aims and desires are, the things you want to work towards in the short and long-term. They also help to inform the NDIA what funding you may need in your NDIS plan. Although the NDIA doesn’t directly fund your goals, they can fund supports and services that can help you to achieve your goals.
Your goals may include:
Building your capacity for more independence
Working towards finding a job or studying
Participating in social and recreation activities
Connecting with family, friends, and your community
When you attend your planning meeting or plan review meeting, it’s important to have a clear idea of what your short and long-term goals are so you can discuss them with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIA planner.
Reflect first, review second
Before reviewing your goals, you should reflect on what you have already achieved. When we say “achieved” we don’t necessarily mean a goal that you have completed. Goals take time, sometimes they are ongoing indefinitely, and that’s okay. The key to reflecting on what you’ve achieved, is to take the time to recognise the wins – big or small.
It’s important to acknowledge:
Any barriers or challenges that you experienced
How you overcame those barriers
Whether you are still overcoming those barriers
What wins or successes you have experienced
How your current goals are progressing
What you enjoyed and what you didn’t
Once you have reflected on your current goals, then you can think about whether those goals are still a focus for you, or if you would like to make an adjustment to one or more of your goals. An adjustment could be something small like restructuring a goal you already have or maybe you have a whole new goal that you want to work towards.
How to know if your goals are working for you
If you’re unsure how to review your current goals to know if they are still working for you, you can ask yourself these questions:
Are my goals still relevant to my current aspirations?
Are there any changes in my circumstances or priorities?
What steps have I taken that have helped me to work towards or achieve my goals?
Are my goals better suited as a short-term goals or long-term goals?
Am I over or underspending on my NDIS funding?
How can I use my NDIS funding better?
Who can help me achieve my goals?
Goal Setting Top Tips
When setting your goals, it’s a good idea to:
Write down your goals and have them in an easy access location
Write your goals in a way that means that funding can be used flexibly
Choose goals that are relevant to you or that you are passionate about
Make sure your goals are achievable
Set as many goals as you feel comfortable (the NDIA suggests 3-5 short term goals and 2-3 long-term goals, however that is just a guide)
Think about whether your goals cover these areas: home, work, health and wellbeing, relationships, choice and control, daily living, lifelong learning, and social and community participation
Give yourself a realistic timeframe for achieving each goal
Turn your goals into a habit
Share your goals with a friend, family member or even someone who can be a goal buddy so you can encourage each other to keep working towards your respective goals and share your wins
If you need help with your goals, you can discuss them with your LAC or Support Coordinator.
Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.