Goals

Hi,

I'm a 21 year old student studying science. I'm not quite sure where to begin. I have always been a very ambitious person, and I'm extremely motivated, but I can't seem to put my goals into action. I'm a strong believer that I can do anything I want and that I can change my habits, but I feel like I'm stuck now. I know I need to change something - my strategy, paradigm, or habits - to start achieving my goals. Right now I simply feel stagnant and lazy, and I don't know what to do to break free. I tend to go through phases of productivity followed by phases of stagnancy.

My goals and my future in general always excite me. In fact, I feel like I'm living for the future. I can't wait to achieve my goals. I've had the same goals for years now. I know I can reach them; I'm a fast learner and things seem to come easy to me.

However, I'm impatient and a perfectionist, and I think these qualities are holding me back. I find it difficult, boring, and just mentally painful to take small steps each day towards my goals. I want to do everything at once, and even though I know the gradual approach is the only one that works, I still feel like I'm "wimping out" if I don't put in as much effort as I can.

My main goals are:
-improve my fitness and body (run a marathon in October)
-get into medical school
-expand my scientific knowledge
-become very well-spoken
-become more social
-improve my squash game
-become a better pianist
-become a better salsa dancer

As you can see, I have many goals, and I aspire to become "perfect." I realize that my beliefs may be self-defeating, but I'm not convinced, and I feel some of these beliefs were drilled into me very thoroughly through the way I was brought up.

I notice the overachievers and "successful" people around me have certain common characteristics, particularly the "just do it" mentality and a positive attitude. They seem to have inherited these traits from their parents and/or the people they grew up with. I'm wondering if I can change my personality and habits to become one of these people.

Can you tell me how you went about achieving your goals? Was there a turning point in your life, or were you brought up to exhibit positive character traits and habits? What are some of the lessons you learned or the beliefs/habits you had to change in order to get where you are today?

I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give me.
Thanks in advance for your time!