• Set goals at regular intervals and give yourself enough time.
• When you think you might not meet a goal, take a step back to asses the situation.
• Be transparent: let your manager and team know as soon as you've slid off-track. They're there to help.

Be pragmatic, but don’t be afraid to take risks.

Try to make your goals ambitious but achievable. Even if you don’t meet your goal in the time you devote to them, you can re-evaluate and try again.

Some people love to set super-ambitious goals, thinking that even if they don't make those goals, they'll still achieve more than if they set lower goals. Other people get a buzz with stretch goals. Give them more incentives, and they'll achieve more.

But over-stretched goals ...