Set goals based on something that is very important to you!
State goals positively. “I will study every night for two hours before doing other tasks” is more positive than “I won’t do other tasks in the evening before studying.”
Be as specific as possible. A goal should tell you what you will achieve, describe the conditions, and provide a time frame.
Set your goals high enough to be challenging but reasonable enough to achieve.
State your goals in writing and keep them out where you can see to remind and motivate you. Telling others about your goals can also help.
Focus on personal performance verses strictly outcomes. Outcomes can ultimately be affected by circumstances that are beyond your control, but performance is all up to you. For example, a fitness goal to go to the gym five times per week is more productive than a goal to lose five pounds per week. You can control your performance but not necessarily how quickly your body will react.