Pinpoint your exact goal. Define your goal as specifically and realistically as possible. Write down as many details as you can. Top Achievement website suggests you ask yourself the 'W' questions: who, what, where, why and when. For example, your goal may be to retire early. Decide the year you want to retire. Determine how much money you want in the bank and how much debt you want paid off before you can retire. What will be an acceptable retirement lifestyle and yearly income? Where will you retire?
Break down your overall goal into small, measurable steps. Make a list of associated conditions that must be met before you achieve your overall goal. Decide what you need to do in order to make your goal happen, such as how much money you need to save yearly, monthly, weekly to meet your early retirement goal.
Create an action plan. Write down when and exactly how you will go about fulfilling your goal. Start small and immediate. Decide what you will do tomorrow to start fulfilling your goal, then what you will do the first month and the proceeding months. Determine where you need to be at the half-way point. Set dates and actions to make yourself accountable.
Revisit your progress. Hang your goal where you can see it daily. Make appointments with yourself to check your progress and keep on track. Attaining the smaller goals that fulfill the overall goal are satisfying and motivational.