How to Set Goals
1) Describe the objective or task.
2) Specify the measurements to be used.
3) Set the target.
4) Create a deadline or performance period.
5) Priority rank multiple goals.
6) Rate difficulty and importance of goals. (optional)
7) Determine who else needs to be involved.
Strongly suggested: Get someone else to monitor your performance.
Goal Setting: A Motivational Technique That Works!
Edwin A. Locke and Gary P. Latham
See also Managing Yourself with Specific Measurable Results, on this blog.
Probably implied in #4, and important enough to highlight, I would add:
– schedule an event, or series of events in your calendar (nothing gets done unless you make time for it)