I really benefit from stating my goals. For instance, earlier this year I decided I was going to lose weight. And I didn't just talk about it, I shared the ups and downs, my approach, and more. I hit a plateau two months ago, one in which I'm just holding steady at this one weight. I still talk about it, I mention my plateau and continue to work at it.
At the beginning of November I set a tiny little goal of earning $1 per day on my writing. By the end of the month I had earned almost quadruple that amount and I'm on my way into the month of December to possibly quadruple November's income. I talk about it incessantly, and folks are really supportive. It helps me to see so many people rooting for me.