Understand the difference between short- and long-term goals and the importance of both to your academic career. Writing research papers and doing well on tests are short-term goals; graduating from college is a long-term goal.
Think about what you want to achieve in the short term and the long term. Write these goals in a journal or write a letter to yourself outlining these goals. This will help you to hold yourself accountable to the plan.
Create a to-do list that contains the steps you need to take to accomplish your goals. List the steps in the order in which you will accomplish them.
Indicate exactly when each step of your plan will be completed. Track the progress you are making during these time periods and see if you need to adjust your deadlines.
Keep track of how you are spending your time. Create a log on which you jot down your activities and the people you spend time with along with the steps you are taking to meet your goals. This will help you to deal with distractions, because you will be aware of how much work is still needed to reach the goal.
Maintain a positive attitude toward what needs to be done to accomplish the goals. Don't waste time complaining about assignments that may seem senseless or additional work that may be assigned.
Have a reward system in place for celebrating goals when you complete them. Plan rewards such as going to the movies or going out for a special dinner.