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Achieving a goal depends very much on getting that goal right. "Learning English" is not a goal. More precisely, it is an unattainable goal because it is unspecific.

What does it mean to learn? To learn to do what? To be able to explain myself to a shop assistant or to speak at a psychology conference?

Learn it in how long? To be able to communicate in a shop in six months or to speak at a conference in two months from scratch?

And how will you know if you have reached that goal? On what day and after what event would you say "that's it, I've learned English"?

There is an excellent tool that is used to set goals. The SMART system. You should set a goal taking into account the following 5 factors:

• M (measurable) - measurable. You need to understand how you will measure the goal. For example, you'll know you've achieved your goal when you pass an English exam and get a certificate.
• A (achievable) - achievable. A goal should initially be realistic and achievable in your circumstances. For example, getting from zero to B2 in 2 months is not possible if you are working full time. And such a goal will demotivate you.
• R (relevant) - relevant. The goal has to be relevant and useful for you. That is, if you set a language goal, but do not understand why you want it - the goal will not be achieved.
• T (time-bound) - time-bound. When setting a goal, it is important to calculate the right amount of time needed to achieve the goal, based on point A. A time-bound will help you to stay focused and on track.
• S (specific). Your goal needs to be specific. For example, to reach the upper-intermediate level.

And if you set a goal based on these 5 points, the elephant becomes not frighteningly huge, but very much eatable and within your reach.

Of course, SMART can and should be used not only in language learning, but in setting any goal. From renovating your flat to launching a new product.