Goal Setting for 2026: A SMART Framework

As we head into 2026, reflection and planning tend to happen side by side. Individuals are taking stock of the year that was, while teams begin mapping priorities and performance goals for the year ahead.

In this context, goal setting can quickly become overwhelming. Paralysis is common — especially when people are already operating at capacity. Therefore, effective goal setting focuses on creating the conditions that make progress both possible and sustainable in the long-term.

Goal setting starts with mental fitness

Traditional goal setting tends to focus on outcomes, like improving performance at work, being more productive, and building healthier habits that lead to ‘perfect’ results.

When the basic foundations for wellbeing and performance aren’t in place, it’s hard to keep pushing toward bigger outcomes, whether that’s a promotion at work or a personal goal like improving your fitness. No amount of motivation can make up for low energy, constant stress, or mental overload.

At Better Learning, we view goal setting as a core component of strong mental fitness. High performance — at work and in life, is built on small, daily habits.

That’s where our mental fitness plays come in. These simple, practical tools help build the mindset and capacity needed to move toward your goals, without burning out along the way:

• Gratitude in Your Attitude – shifting focus to what’s working, not just what’s missing

• Fuel Your Mood – supporting energy through nutrition and hydration

• I Like to Move It – using movement to regulate stress and focus

• A Mindful Moment – creating space to pause and reset

• Sweet Dreams – prioritising sleep to support clarity and resilience

The Most Effective Step in Smart Goal Setting: Break It Down

One of the most overlooked, yet powerful elements of a smart framework for goal setting is breaking goals into smaller, actionable steps.

Let’s look at a simple goal setting example.

Goal Setting Example: Cleaning the Kitchen

Rather than tackling the entire task at once, break it down:

• Clean the dishes in the sink, dry and put away

• Throw out expired food in the fridge and pantry

• Wipe out the fridge

• Vacuum or wipe down pantry shelves

• Wipe down benchtops

Think of the smaller steps that will help you reach this goal. Once you get the ball rolling with one small task, it becomes easier build momentum and achieve larger goals.

How This Fits Within a Smart Framework for Goal Setting

You may already be familiar with SMART goal setting — goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Breaking goals down strengthens every part of the SMART framework:

• Specific: Clear, defined actions

• Measurable: Progress you can see

• Achievable: Tasks that match your capacity

• Relevant: Goals aligned with what matters

• Time-bound: Actions that fit into real life

When combined with the foundational mental fitness plays — like movement, sleep, gratitude, and mindfulness, smart goal setting becomes sustainable, not stressful.

Applying Goal Setting at Work

In the workplace, sustainable goal setting is about helping people set goals that are realistic, supported, and achievable. Using a SMART framework for goal setting, mental fitness plays can help leaders translate intention into action.

S — Specific

Clear goals reduce uncertainty and mental load.

Rather than broad expectations like “improve wellbeing” or “be more productive”, managers can support specific goals that focus on simple behaviours — such as encouraging regular breaks, movement between meetings, or short moments to reset.

Mental fitness plays like A Mindful Moment or I Like to Move It provide clear, specific actions employees can actually take during the workday.

M — Measurable

Progress feels more achievable when it can be noticed and acknowledged.

In a workplace setting, this doesn’t mean tracking wellbeing metrics obsessively. It can be as simple as checking in during one-on-ones, noticing small behaviour changes, or reflecting on what’s helping people feel more focused or energised.

Plays like Gratitude in Your Attitude help teams recognise progress; reinforcing positive habits rather than only focusing on outcomes.

A — Achievable

Managers play a key role in helping employees set goals that are achievable alongside existing workloads. This might involve adjusting timelines, prioritising fewer goals at once, or encouraging smaller steps rather than all-or-nothing expectations.

Mental fitness plays such as Fuel Your Mood and Sweet Dreams support the energy and recovery people need to realistically follow through on goals.

R — Relevant

Workplace goals should connect to what matters — both to the organisation and the individual. When employees understand why a goal matters, and how it supports their wellbeing or performance, engagement naturally increases.

T — Time-bound

Boundaries support sustainability.

Time-bound goals don’t need to add pressure. They can simply create structure.

This might look like setting a short timeframe to trial a new habit, or revisiting goals regularly rather than setting them once and forgetting them.

Why This Matters for Leaders and Teams

When leaders take the time to think about how goals are pursued (rather than just the final outcome), goal setting starts to feel more realistic for everyone involved. It acknowledges that focus, energy, and capacity fluctuate, especially during busy or demanding periods.

For employees, this kind of leadership creates space to build habits that support steady progress: enough rest, moments to reset, and simple routines that help them stay engaged rather than overwhelmed. Across teams, it encourages a more sustainable pace — where goals are revisited, adjusted, and worked towards over time.

As organisations look ahead to 2026, there’s value in setting these foundations early. Programs like 25 Days 25 Plays can help leaders introduce practical mental fitness plays into everyday work, supporting teams to build the habits that make sustainable performance possible.