Did you know you can tap into your brain’s natural reward system to fuel career success? Psychological research suggest achievements spur us to strive for more. The trick is to carve steps into the mountain you want to climb. Here’s how:

• Make a move. When you set your first goal, make it challenging, short-term, and satisfying. If your long-term goal is to get a great performance review this year, start with contributing an idea in the next meeting. Accomplish it and you’ll feel your confidence building. Take a few moments to enjoy your success and reflect on what you’ll try next.

• Create a bigger plan. Now you have the motivation to pursue results, so figure out multiple dynamic steps on the path to your larger, more challenging goals. You might add items such as volunteering to lead a project, taking a class, or setting up individual meetings with colleagues. Spread these goals out on a timeline.

• Stay flexible. As time passes, your plans may change. Be sure to revisit your goals, readjusting dates or ideas so you can keep up the cycle of self-motivation.

Identify your first challenging goal and add it to your calendar.