Put your goals and aspirations down on paper, whether it's a list, outline or mind map. Write down the reasons why you want to work toward your goals. For instance, if one of your goals is to get a new job with higher pay some of your reasons may be: "I may be able to retire sooner" or "I could make some double payments on my mortgage." If you don't have clear reasons or purpose for what you want to achieve, it's likely that you'll lose motivation.
Visualize what you want. If you want a new job, visualize yourself in a new job. If your goal is to join a swim class and learn how to swim, visualize yourself swimming. Another technique that involves visualization is constructing a vision board. A vision board is simply a collection of representations of your goals. For instance, if you would like to train to run a marathon or triathlon, include a picture of a triathlete or marathon runner. If you'd like to become a baker, obtain a picture of a baker. Look at these images daily to keep working toward your goals.
Although it's good to set goals, it's also important not to bite of more than you can chew. At first, you can think about where you'd like to be in five, ten, or even 15 years. When you're done looking at the big picture, pace yourself and pare down that time frame to months or even weeks. Tackling goals in smaller increments is more manageable and less overwhelming.
Surround yourself with a solid support group. Although your support group can't achieve your goals for you, they can keep you in check and encourage you when you're losing focus or becoming discouraged. You could ask specific people to call or write you on specific days to give a pep talk.