This post is part of a 30-day series called the 30 Steps Program to Financial Independence.

I love setting goals because they keep me energized and motivated. I don’t always achieve every goal, but even when I fail, I either pick myself up and try again or pivot to a new objective. When it comes to finances, I enjoy making projections to see where I might be in a year, and then comparing my actual situation to those projections.

Having a goal with a deadline can be a great motivator. For some, the aim might be to retire by 40, 45, or 50 years old. Others might aim to have a million dollars in the bank. My personal goal is to reach a stage where my passive income can cover all my living expenses. I believe I can achieve this before I turn 35, which is three years from now. I started early by saving extensively, investing wisely, and living a simple lifestyle. These habits have brought me closer to my goal.

While I might still do some work, I wouldn’t need to set foot in an office unless I genuinely wanted to. Talking about my goals in public helps me stay accountable because people will later ask about my progress.

I also like breaking down my main goal into smaller, manageable mini-goals. For instance, if you’re paying off debt, aim to repay $100 at a time. For every $100 you clear, tick a box or celebrate with friends. This approach makes a $3,000 debt feel less overwhelming because it’s just thirty smaller goals of $100 each!

It’s important to review your goals at least yearly or even every semester. Assess your progress to see if you’re ahead or falling behind. Don’t give up if things aren’t going as planned. Instead, adjust your goals, whether that means setting a lower, more achievable target or a higher one if you’re doing well.