''I want to be in the 22 and playing week in and week out,'' he said.
''There will be a tussle for the 10 jersey.''
Sopoaga (22) knows he has stiff competition from Hayden Parker and Willie Ripia for the starting spot at first five-eighth.
''I want to nail it and put some performances on the paddock that I'm happy with,'' he said.
''This is my fourth year in the team and I've got to throw the kitchen sink at it.''
It has been a difficult first three years of Super rugby for Sopoaga, who has been plagued by injuries.
He has learned valuable lessons that he intends to apply this year.
''It's a long competition and you have to take care of your body. You need to do your homework, be prepared as best as you can each week and find a routine that works for you.''
Sopoaga has enjoyed super rugby, and the friendships he has made through it.
''It's always been my dream to play professionally and not many people can work at a job they enjoy doing. I love playing sport and playing footy. Doing this is fun.
''I have met a lot of good guys who have become some of my best mates. I like the camaraderie and competitiveness in games and on the training paddock. It is special.
''I have a few mates in other franchises who I have a bit of banter with off and on the field.''
Sopoaga was a key player in the Wellington team that finished runner-up to Canterbury in the ITM Cup last year.
''We fell over at the last hurdle to a very classy Canterbury team. They don't win six championships on the trot for nothing.''
He played in every game and got through the season without any injuries.
Sopoaga did not drink any alcohol during the ITM Cup season last year and feels that it helped to keep him injury-free.
''I will try and do the same during the Super rugby season,'' he said.
''I made sure I had eaten well and did all the little things right during the season to give myself a chance.''
Sopoaga demonstrated his new approach this week by having a thorough stretching session before team training.
His bad luck with the Highlanders continued last year and he was out of action for 10 weeks with a high ankle sprain.
''I've had more than my fair share of injuries. I'd desperately like to play a full Super season.''
He has had a miserable time with injuries over the last three years and has played only 16 games for the Highlanders.
In 2011, he missed eight games after injuring his right shoulder against the Chiefs.
A year later, he fractured his left shoulder against the Waratahs and had permanent plates and screws put in. He was out of action for six months.
''It's been a bit weird to get injured during Super rugby and come right when I go home to Wellington,'' he said.
Sopoaga is confidant he will not be plagued with injuries during this year's campaign.
''I'm in the best condition I've been in for a while,'' he said.
''I don't have any niggles at the moment. Fingers crossed I stay injury-free.''
Sopoaga relaxed in Wellington during his break from rugby.
''I spent time with family and friends and played golf with my good mate Shaun Treeby,'' he said.
''I'm not very good at golf but I just went out and had some fun. I don't have a handicap.''
Lima Sopoaga
The facts
Age: 22.
Position: First five-eighth.
Provincial debut: Wellington v Manawatu, 2010.
Super rugby debut: Highlanders v Hurricanes, 2011.