I tend to have an ultimate goal that I try not to think about. Then break it down into small increments that I can deal with (and achieve).
An example, I needed to loose at least 100 #s. Seems unthinkable when starting out. But I set my sights on 10 # increments. My goal right now is to get into the 250s, then 240s, then 230s... Etc. When I've reached a goal I feel good about myself (big or small).
I've been stuck in the 260s for too long now. That's OK because I've relied on increased exercise to loose weight, which worked for the first 30ish #s (3 goals met). Now I need to step up my game with diet. I've cut out alcohol (which is a good thing!) and the numbers are moving south again.
If I was only focused on the 100# goal, I would consider myself a failure, and go back to sitting on my arse, eating and drinking myself to death.
I can't wait to see 250s in the next couple of weeks. My other goal is to be in the 240s by the end of may because I have an annual physical.