In order to succeed in reaching your goals you must determine what you realistically want to achieve. There is a difference between a goal that merely sounds like a nice idea, and one that you are willing make a commitment to work toward.
Basketball coach Stephen A. Brennan said, "Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success."
Ask yourself whether your goal is achievable in the time frame you have allotted, or whether it is necessary to break the goal into smaller, more manageable, steps.
Believe in what you're working toward. Do not set a goal that you don't believe in, as that is the surest way to fail. You must believe it to achieve it.
Consider whether your goal is a stepping-stone toward a larger achievement, and if so, determine your long-term objectives. Ask yourself if you are taking the most efficient route toward your desired outcome.
If possible, discuss your ideas with an expert in the field or with someone who has achieved a similar goal. Ask him what worked well for him, or what he would have done differently.
Create your own network of support in order to establish a system for success. Ask close friends or family members if they will work with you as accountability partners. Break your larger goal into daily and weekly goals and share them with your accountability partner or team. Report regularly to share your success and challenges, and to ask for support when you need it.
Offer to be an accountability partner for your teammates in return for their support of your goal, and encourage them in their goal achievement. By supporting each other you are able to create a system of inspiration and encouragement which makes it easier to stay the course of goal achievement.
Pay attention to your progress. Keep track of your efforts and celebrate every step that brings you closer to your goal.
If you get off course or lose sight of your goal, don't beat yourself up. Rather than focusing on what you haven't accomplished, set your mind on how to get on course and keep moving forward.
Be consistent. The most important thing you can do to achieve your goal is to stay focused on what you want and move toward it. Pace yourself. Don't try to work so quickly that you burn out, or so slowly that you forget what you're working toward. Work consistently toward the achievement of your objective and you will succeed.