At the beginning of each new year there is often a flurry of discussion about resolutions and goals. For some people this can be wonderfully motivating, however for others this can feel like immense pressure. You may have proclaimed a sweeping resolution to quit sugar or learn 3 new languages without considering the reality of how this will look in your daily life. It’s not uncommon for a lot of resolutions to discarded around this time of year. Let’s look at how you can set goals which are meaningful and achievable (even on those tough days).
To begin with, it is important to consider which areas of life you want to set your goals for. This could be related to your career, relationships or friendships, health and fitness or personal development just to name a few. Having narrowed down which area of your life you want to focus on, it can be helpful to set S.M.A.R.T goals to help you achieve them.
S.M.A.R.T is an acronym for:
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Achievable
R – Relevant
T – Timely
- Specific:
It is important to set a goal which is specific and clear. If a goal is too vague, it can be challenging to achieve because there aren’t enough details to work with and too many avenues to go down. Rather than having a goal to “be healthier” a more specific goal could be “eating more fruits and vegetables”.
Questions you can ask yourself: What do I want to achieve? Why is this goal important? What is involved with achieving this goal?
- Measurable:
Making something measurable allows you to track your progress. Using our example above, an element of making it measurable could be including at least 2 vegetables in lunch and dinner meals and having 1 piece of fruit per day.
Questions to help with this: How will I keep track of my progress? How will I know when I have achieved my goal?
- Achievable:
Ensuring that your goal is achievable will set you up for success. If you typically don’t eat many fruits and vegetables, it might not be realistic to expect that you’ll be eating 5 different vegetables in every single meal right from the start.
Questions to ask yourself: How can I achieve this goal? Who can support me with this goal? Are there any barriers which could get in my way?
- Relevant:
It is helpful to consider how important this goal is to you and what your motivation is to achieve it. If a goal doesn’t feel relevant to other aspects of your life, there will be less reason to follow through with achieving it.
Questions to ask yourself: Is this the right time? Does this match my other efforts/goals in my life?
- Timely:
Setting a timeframe gives you something to work towards when trying to achieve your goal. Without a deadline, it can feel like you are never reaching the end point.
Questions to consider: When do you want to achieve your goal by? Where do I want to be in 3- or 6-months time? Are there milestones which I can mark or one solid deadline?
By creating S.M.A.R.T goals, you are setting yourself up with a better chance of success for achieving your goal. If you would like any support with setting goals in your life, get in touch with Capability Psychology to make an appointment to speak with one of our practitioners
Why Early Support Matters
Research shows that strong emotional regulation skills are linked to:
- Better mental health outcomes
- Improved learning and attention
- Stronger peer relationships
Supporting regulation early helps children build resilience for life.
External reference:
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), sensory integration and regulation are foundational skills that impact participation in everyday activities like learning, play, and relationships.
🔗 https://www.aota.org/
Supporting Your Child Beyond the Therapy Room
As a multidisciplinary clinic, we take a holistic approach to child wellbeing. That means our team doesn’t just focus We work closely with parents and caregivers because progress doesn’t stop when sessions end. You’ll receive:
- Practical strategies you can use at home
- School-friendly regulation tools
- Clear explanations (no jargon, promise)
- Ongoing support and check-ins
You can also explore helpful resources via our Freebies & Guides page:
Internal link: https://capabilitypsychology.com.au/freebies/
Why Families Choose The Capability Psychology & Wellness
Located in South Brisbane, our clinic offers a truly holistic approach to child wellbeing. Our experienced team supports children, teens, and families with warmth, respect, and evidence-based care.
Meet our caring therapists here:
Internal link: https://capabilitypsychology.com.au/team/
We believe every child deserves to feel calm, capable, and confident — exactly as they are.
Ready to Support Your Child’s Regulation Journey?
If you’re noticing signs that your child is struggling with sensory overload or emotional regulation, we’re here to help.
📍 South Brisbane
📞 Warm, supportive care for children 12+
💬 No referral needed
👉 Get in touch with our team today:
Internal link: https://capabilitypsychology.com.au/contact/
Free Resources
We believe everyone deserves access to helpful tools and guidance.
Download free worksheets and guides here: Free Resources
Where to Get Help
If you’re in crisis or need immediate support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (available 24/7).
At The Capability Psychology & Wellness, we offer confidential counselling for men of all ages. Whether you’re dealing with stress, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck, we’re here to help you move forward.
Taking the First Step: How Capability Psychology Can Help
At Capability Psychology, we understand the courage it takes to seek help. Our team of experienced psychologists offers a range of services tailored to individual needs:
- Individual Therapy: Personalized sessions focusing on anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.
- Couples Therapy: Helping partners navigate challenges and strengthen their relationships.
- NDIS Support: Assisting individuals with disabilities to achieve their goals and improve well-being.
Helpful Resources
Access to early intervention and reliable support services, like those recommended by Beyond Blue, can significantly improve long-term mental health outcomes.
Leave a Reply