"There are many paths to the mountaintop" is an ancient quote about reaching the goal of enlightenment. Whatever your goal is - be it lofty or earthly - it has to be clarified and vitalized. Then, as you work your definite plan of action, you may have to adapt to the changing conditions. Having a strong reason why you want to achieve a particular goal will keep you on track and help you get through the more difficult parts of the path. The path can change along the way to continue to support the goal. 

Same with the inner life. Set the self-improvement goals with clarity and with strong reasons why you want to achieve them. Sometimes the steps are difficult to see, but you will always stay on track as long as you keep the goal in sight and the reasons behind it energized. The path will become clear as long as you keep moving toward your goal.