I've tried making a mini-goal list.. (not posted)... but I've found that there are a lot of mini-goals that I reach that I didn't realize I had before (ie, subconscious?). Has anyone else experienced this? For instance, I didn't realize that running a mile in 12 minutes was a goal until I did it.... today I feel awesome that I did it and am so proud, as if I have accomplished something (a goal!).
I guess I just don't know how to set mini-goals before I acheive them? I think part of this is the trepidation I feel behind the possibility of NOT meeting them. :-P Any ideas/suggestions?

Maybe generalize your goals a bit more? Maybe you didn't anticipate running a mile in under 12 minutes, but I'm sure you were trying to go faster...so why not something like "improve my running speed" or "better endurance?" That way you're giving yourself guidelines that you can hold yourself accountable with, but the degree to which you do so is entirely up to you. Bonus: if you don't have specific numbers, it can be a continuous goal until you're satisfied with a final result. If you find you're doing better than anticipated, it becomes a continuous challenge to see how far you can go.

I have a list of specific mini goals, but if I didn't already have them in mind, this would probably be the way I'd go.

My mini goals are things like
- run a 5K with no walk breaks by September 1.
- complete sprint triathlon in August
- complete sprint duathlon in October.

Maybe sign up for some races and try to beat your own time in each one?

Thanks ladies! I appreciate it.
@Hotaruchan - that is a good idea to generalize things!
@seagirl - I am doing my first 5K in July, so excited!
So I guess I will try to work towards both your tips. thanks!

most impt thing is to make them realistic and attainable