In their 2012 study, "Masters of the Long Haul," researchers Thomas Bateman and Bruce Barry said that self-regulation is the single most important factor in achieving long-term goals.
People who show initiative or work toward challenging goals often encounter difficulties and setbacks, but those who are able to keep going eventually succeed.
Develop self-regulation by working on persistence and self-discipline. These are traits that keep you working hard, even when you are not "in the mood" and your goals seem out of reach. For example, keeping focused on how you'll feel when you've finished your project might be the best way to avoid procrastinating, or giving up on a difficult project completely.