The key is to plan a course for how we want to achieve our goals. I enjoy reading the biographies of these folks, not so much for the literary value as what I may learn about the person, and gain strength in seeing all they had to overcome. When we can follow our hearts passion we in turn make it easier on ourselves with regards to achieving things. Aligning our goals with our passions only makes sense. A simple rule of thumb is to do the things that you'd do if you weren't getting paid for it.
Achievement takes effort.
Often it means going above and beyond the call of duty. At times your efforts may appear to go unnoticed. I assure you this isn't the case. Others always notice. What I mean is going a step further then actually recording your goals.