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In this guide, we’ll break down how to set goals (personal and professional) in a way that works for you, share practical tools to help you stay on track, and explore ways to keep moving forward, even when things don’t go to plan.
Why goals matter
Goals can help you focus your energy, stay motivated, and find purpose - even during uncertain times.
When we break goals into smaller actions, we give ourselves space to learn, adapt and celebrate each step, even if the end point changes along the way. The value isn’t just in ‘achieving’ the goal, but in the effort, growth and confidence that builds as you work towards it.
Not every goal needs to be a big dream or career milestone - taking one small step is a huge achievement. What matters is having goals that reflect what’s important to you right now.
Setting personal goals
Personal goals involve areas of your life outside of work or study - like your health, relationships, interests or your general wellbeing.
A helpful way to get started is by asking yourself:
• What do I want more of in my life?
• What do I want less of?
• When do I feel most like myself?
It can also help to think about your values and strengths. What’s important to you? What comes naturally? When your goals are shaped by these things, they’re more likely to feel motivating and meaningful.
Goal setting isn’t always a solo process. For many people, it’s influenced by the encouragement, values or aspirations of family, friends, Elders or community. Talking through your ideas with others can help clarify what matters most and how you want to move forward.
Setting professional goals
Professional goals can help guide your next steps when it comes to work, study or career planning. Whether you’re just starting out, or already in a role, thinking about where you’d like to go and how to get there can give you a sense of direction and purpose. You might ask yourself:
• What kind of work feels meaningful or exciting to me?
• Where do I see myself heading, and what would I like to learn or experience along the way?
• What do I enjoy about my work or study right now?
• What skills, experience or connections could help me take that first step?
Big goals can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. Shifting your focus to the next small step, like creating a portfolio, exploring study options, or reaching out to someone in the field, can help build confidence and move you one step closer to that bigger goal.
It can also help to reflect on how your personal and professional goals connect. For many young people, these goals may be shaped by culture or a desire to support family. If learning new things, supporting others or making a difference in your community are things you value, look for study or work opportunities that align with those values.
Using the SMART framework
The SMART framework is a popular tool for setting goals, especially if you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to start. It stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. This method is about giving your goal clarity so that you know what you’re working towards and have a rough idea of how to get there.
Here are some examples of using the SMART framework, and how it can help turn a broad idea into something more specific and doable:
- General idea: I want to get a job.
SMART approach: I’ll update my resume this week and apply for three jobs by the end of the month. After that, I’ll review what worked well and what didn’t and adjust my approach if I need to. - General idea: I want to feel more confident in social settings.
SMART approach: I’ll start by going to one social event each fortnight and take a moment afterwards to recognise what went well and what felt challenging, so I can build confidence in a way that works for me.
Some people find this structure helpful when they’re trying to clarify what they want to achieve and how to track their progress.
There’s no single ‘right way’ to set goals. The most important thing is that they make sense to you – reflecting where you’re at now, and where you want to go.
Tools and resources for goal setting
You don’t need anything fancy to set or track goals, but the right tools can help you stay focused and motivated. Some people prefer using a notebook or planner to reflect on what’s working and where to focus next, while others might find a simple to-do list helps them track progress day by day.
If you prefer digital tools:
- Google Keep is a free, easy to use app for checklists and reminders - ideal for short-term goals or daily tasks.
- Habitica is a more structured platform that turns your goals into a role-playing game, helping you build habits, earn rewards, and stay accountable.
- Most smartphones come with built-in notes, reminders or calendar apps - useful for setting goals and staying on track without needing to download extra apps.
Other tools like vision boards, habit trackers or weekly reflection apps can also help keep you stay focused on your goals. You could also check out the headspace Work & Study Action plan or self-guided goal-setting activity.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach - it totally depends on what will help you stay connected to the things that matter to you.
Moving through challenges and staying on track
Everyone hits a few bumps when working towards a goal. Things won’t always go to plan, and that’s okay. What can help is finding small ways to move forward in a way that works for you.
Sometimes, it’s internal pressures that get in the way. You might feel like you’re not doing enough or worry about failing. Maybe you compare yourself to others or feel stuck when progress doesn’t look how you expected. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. These thoughts are common, especially when you care about what you’re working towards and others may be counting on you. External challenges like juggling a heavy workload, looming deadlines, or not knowing where to start can also throw you off.
For some young people, there can be added pressures like meeting family expectations, managing responsibilities at home, or additional carer duties. These pressures are real and can make progress feel slower or harder.
It’s easy to feel discouraged if a goal feels too big or too rigid. Life changes, priorities shift and sometimes what made sense a few months ago might not make sense now. Giving yourself permission to shift your goals can help you stay motivated and in control of your own path.
Try focusing on what’s possible right now. You don’t need the perfect plan, just a starting point. Ask yourself, ‘What’s one thing I feel ready to do today?’ Even a tiny step forward is still progress.
Progress often moves in loops, not lines. There might be stops, restarts, or changes in direction. You might try something and realise it’s not quite right - and that’s okay. What matters is giving yourself the space to reflect, adjust, and keep moving in a way that honours both your goals and your circumstances.
Goal setting looks different for everyone, and there’s no single way to do it. It can be shaped by your values, your family, your culture and your experiences. Whether you’re aiming for something big or just figuring out your next step, staying connected to what matters to you can help you keep moving forward.
If things ever feel uncertain or you’re feeling overwhelmed, support is available. You can access eheadspace for support with your mental health online or over the phone, or find your nearest headspace centre. Talking to someone you trust, taking care of your wellbeing, or just pausing to reset can help you find your next step with more clarity and confidence.
Get support
If you're aged 15 – 25, headspace Work & Study programs are tailored to your needs and can support you in developing the skills and confidence to reach your work or study goals.
They’re totally free and we have options for you to participate online via webchat, video chat or phone, as well as in-person at over 50 of our headspace centres.
Find out more to help you decide which headspace Work & Study program best suits your needs. If you’re not sure and would like to discuss your options, give us a call on 1800 810 794.
The headspace Content Reference Group oversee and approve resources made available on this website.
Last reviewed July 2025.
LifeChanger. (n.d). How to help kids set and smash their 2025 goals. https://www.lifechanger.org.au/helping-kids-set-goals
Raising Children. (2024, July 8). Resilience: pre-teens and teenagers. https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/development/social-emotional-development/resilience-in-teens
SEEK. (2024, February 14). Setting and achieving professional goals (with examples). https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/article/setting-and-achieving-professional-goals-with-examples
Tasmanian Government Department of Health. (2025, March 20). Goal setting and young people - why it is important. https://www.health.tas.gov.au/news/blog-posts/goal-setting-and-young-people-why-it-important
Williams, B. (n.d). Setting SMART goals: A practical guide for teens with Brent Williams. EmpowerU. https://empoweru.com.au/mag/setting-smart-goals-a-practical-guide-for-teens-with-brent-williams/
YCareers. (2025, February 4). The importance of goal setting for young workers (and how it helps you retain them). https://ycareers.org.au/insights-and-events/the-importance-of-goal-setting-for-young-workers-and-how-it-helps-you-retain-them/
Youth AOD Toolbox. (n.d). Motivation & Goal Setting Part 2. https://www.youthaodtoolbox.org.au/motivation-goal-setting-part-2
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