It can be frustrating at times to work toward a big financial goal, especially when it feels like you’re not making fast enough progress . You look at how much is left to go, and it seems like you’re never going to get anywhere. But that’s not the case — so long as you don’t give up.

Don’t lose sight

When you hit a wall like that, remember that it’s natural to get tired or discouraged when you’re doing a long slog. But that doesn’t mean you aren’t going to get the job done. Remember that incremental progress is still progress .

And in some cases, incremental progress leaves a bigger and more permanent change in its wake. Just think of the Colorado river creating the Grand Canyon.  No one would argue with those spectacular results, but the river didn’t do it overnight. It took time and effort.

Focus on the right things

So when you start to feel discouraged with big jobs like paying off debt or saving up for a down payment, remember that it’s because you’re looking at how much is left instead of how far you’ve come already. Focus on the right things instead — things like:

• the fact that you’re making a permanent change in your behavior that will have a lasting impact
• the fact that you are making progress, even taking possible set backs into account
• how far you’ve come already, compared to what things were like before you started
• and how great it will be when you do reach your goal

Regroup

Recharge, regroup, and redirect your energy on a regular basis, and you’ll find it easier to stay motivated. Talk with others who are working on a similar goal, but measure your progress against your own situation. Keep going, and the day you can celebrate complete success will get closer and closer.

Stick with your financial goal, and you will succeed.