I think its easier when you are a newbie because your teacher says, "this is the goal." When you get some experience you realize that you need to be setting your own goals.
How do you folks set goals in martial arts? I find it exceedingly difficult. According to a book I read in order for goals to carry any weight they need to be measurable, have a dealine, be action-oriented and only be dependent on you.
It seems that we all have a general idea that we'd like to be a "master" but what does master mean? Is martial arts part of some larger goal for you? How do know you've reached your goal?