Be specific. Don't generalize your educational goals. Instead of saying that you want to graduate from college in 3 years, say how you will graduate in 3 years. This makes it easier to follow steps and know where you should be at any given time during those 3 years.
Make your goals achievable. Don’t make your goals account for more time than you actually have. If you have to work full time to support your family and you have small children, it may not be achievable to set a goal of graduating in 3 years. However, if you set a goal of 4 years for graduation, it’s likely that you may achieve that goal.
Set goals that are realistic in nature. It may not be a good idea to say that you want to be an astronaut if you hate math and science. Make sure your goals are in line with your capabilities or what you are willing to do. If you are not willing to do what it takes to achieve your goals then you probably will not accomplish them. If you want to be a doctor, realize that it will take you quite a long time to complete your education versus if you wanted to be a teacher. Knowing this ahead of time will save you from having to neglect your goals or from falling off track.
Write your goals down. Don’t just keep them in your head because you’ll end up changing or forgetting them every five minutes. Put them in a visible place so that you are constantly reminded of what you are supposed to be accomplishing--post them on your wall, on the refrigerator or in a planner.
Tell someone else your goals. This way you always have someone riding your back asking you how is [your goal here] going. With someone else familiar with your educational goals, you will feel compelled to complete them as you previously stated.
Research your educational goals before you set forth on your journey. If you want to be a teacher but the college you intend to go to is the worst in the state for primary and secondary education, it may be a good idea to change what school you want to attend.