Fitness professional Sam Kappel writes that the first thing he coaches someone in is developing their mindset around their goal. This helps them overcome the obstacles that can get in the way of these goals by committing them to their goal. Accomplishing goals, whether fitness or otherwise, is a journey to be taken in baby steps. Part of developing the right mindset for a goal is to create mini-goals or benchmarks to be met along the way. Applying an award system to whatever mini-goals or benchmarks are set, as well as to the final goal, helps prevent discouragement and adds extra incentive.