Is there a word for tangible progressive action towards a conscious goal?

I suggest

Proactive

Acting in advance to deal with an expected difficulty; anticipatory: proactive steps to prevent terrorism.

[AHD]

That can be called a step

Defined by Macmillan as:

one of a series of actions that you do in order to achieve a particular aim.

This agreement is an important step towards our goal.

You can use the term advancement:

• progression to a higher stage of development

(M-W)