20 best goal-setting books
Last updated: September 2, 2025
Write It Down, Make It Happen
What is Write It Down, Make It Happen about?
Reaching the goals charts the course of our lives, unlocks our potential, and turns dreams into reality. However, merely wishing for something vague won’t motivate us to take action. Make today’s choices shape your future, and let “Write It Down, Make It Happen” by Henriette Anne Klauser demonstrate that even the most ambitious dreams can be reached with the right mindset.
Goals!
What is Goals! about?
“Goals!” by Brian Tracy describes the factors that will help you achieve your goals quickly and effectively. It gives you tips on how to set goals, how to learn from setbacks, and how to increase your productivity. You will find out more about the release of negative emotions, prioritization, and time management.
Goals
What is Goals about?
“Goals: How to Get the Most Out of Your Life” explains what obstacles may arise on the way to your objective. It also reveals the secrets of success when achieving goals. Zig Ziglar, the author, invites you to delve into the process of working on yourself. You will understand why such character traits as diligence, perseverance, and determination fundamentally affect your attitude to challenges.
Atomic Habits
What is Atomic Habits about?
"Atomic Habits" by James Clear is one of the most valuable sources for changing your habits as it reveals the very nature of habit formation. The literary work suggests following continuous sequences of cues, cravings, responses, and rewards to achieve objectives. The author has been researching habits and decision-making for many years, and his book has sold millions of copies in over 50 languages.
Measure What Matters
What is Measure What Matters about?
The book “Measure What Matters” by John Doerr explores the concept of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) as a strategic and measurable approach to goal-setting. It delves into the components of OKRs, emphasizing clarity, accountability, and adaptability within organizations. You can learn to prioritize success with clear and crucial goals and embrace challenging things with a balanced approach.
The ONE Thing
What is The ONE Thing about?
The question of success has always preoccupied people’s minds. How can you do less but get more, and is it even possible? Gary Keller and Jay Papasan believe it is; you just need to identify your “ONE thing”.
Your Best Year Ever
What is Your Best Year Ever about?
Are you tired of being stuck in a rut and not seeing any progress? "Your Best Year Ever" by Michael Hyatt is the perfect book to guide you in setting and realizing your goals. You will learn how to break free from stagnation, increase your chances of success, and how to make next year the best so far.
Desire Map
What is Desire Map about?
Did you know that the way we think about goals and achievements is inherently wrong? We suppose that achieving a goal will bring us ultimate happiness, while the reality is far from it. In her book "Desire Map," Danielle Laporte will teach you how to reach your goals without expectations, feel pleasure from your achievements, and generate the feelings you desire.
Succeed
What is Succeed about?
Why does it seem that for some people, success comes easily? Dr. Heidi Grant Halvorson answers this and many other questions in her book "Succeed." This is a must-read if you want to pursue goals even in challenging situations, avoid the harmful positive thinking, and build willpower.
All It Takes Is a Goal
What is All It Takes Is a Goal about?
Do you dream of a happy marriage, a thriving community, and a successful job? Read Jon Acuff's "All It Takes Is a Goal" to find out why getting these is not so difficult. This book will teach you to focus on the positive aspects of life, navigate the three performance zones, and enjoy not only the results but the process itself.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
What is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People about?
Stephen R. Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" challenges readers to change their worldviews by focusing on self-improvement. The book provides seven tips for self-improvement, effective teamwork, and success. Covey encourages introspection to identify core beliefs that guide actions and goals. His teachings, based on fairness, integrity, honesty, and dignity, make it a valuable guide for personal and professional effectiveness.
Essentialism
What is Essentialism about?
Essentialism is not just a strategy but a mindset, urging us to declutter our lives by focusing on what truly matters. Through discerning “yes or no” choices, setting intentional boundaries, and valuing small progressions, we carve out a path to a purposeful existence. Dive into these chapters to understand the transformative power of living by design, not by default.
The 4 Disciplines of Execution
What is The 4 Disciplines of Execution about?
Changes in organizations are inevitable, but to make them meaningful as a leader, you need some help. "The Four Disciplines of Execution" is a must-read for leaders to achieve strategic goals. So, if you're looking for advice to achieve breakthrough advice, let this be a sign that it's time to take up a new approach.
The Goal
What is The Goal about?
Books about management thinking are hardly new on the market. But what if you can read something unique and learn about the Theory of Constraints as well as valuable tips for managers? "The Goal's" story follows Alex Rogo, a stressed factory manager facing the potential closure of his plant and the breakdown of his marriage. Will Alex save the plant, and, crucially, which methods will he use?
Living Forward
What is Living Forward about?
“Living Forward” lays out a strategy for defining your life priorities and implementing them into reality. This book explains the importance of the Life Plan and why you should create it as soon as possible. It also helps you realize your most important goals.
The 10X Rule
What is The 10X Rule about?
Do you ever wonder what determines whether we succeed or fail? Grant Cardone has the answer – the 10X Rule. Many of us fear taking risks and thinking big, thus choosing mediocrity. “The 10X Rule” reveals the principle of "massive action" to eliminate the fear of failure, help you define your boldest goals, and achieve them.
What Do You Do With an Idea?
What is What Do You Do With an Idea? about?
Ever had a big idea? If yes, this book should be on your reading list. This is a heartwarming and inspiring story of a child who brings an idea into the real world. It will teach you to embrace any idea, however big, odd, or impossible it seems, and allow it to become reality.
Eat That Frog!
What is Eat That Frog! about?
“Eat That Frog!” offers a new way of planning and organizing your day's work in order to achieve the desired result. Using the methods laid out in this book, you will be able to fulfill many long-planned tasks successfully. It's an essential read for anyone looking to break the cycle of procrastination and make significant progress in their personal and professional life.
First Things First
What is First Things First about?
In a world constantly vying for our attention, “First Things First” offers a transformative approach to life management, advocating for a shift from the clock to the compass. It invites us to realign our actions with deeply held values, ensuring that we focus not just on the urgent but on the truly important.
How to Set Goals with Kaizen & Ikigai
What is How to Set Goals with Kaizen & Ikigai about?
How to Set Goals with Kaizen & Ikigai by Antony Raymond blends philosophy and practical advice to help readers in setting and accomplishing their goals. This book introduces Japanese and Chinese concepts for seeking direction in life – lingchi (death by a thousand cuts), hansei (honest self-reflection), ikigai (finding your purpose), and kaizen (continuous improvement). Raymond breaks down these concepts, providing easy-to-use methods to improve our lives. Learn how to overcome procrastination and reach a state of peak performance.
The Compound Effect
What is The Compound Effect about?
Surely, you have dreamed of great success at least once. Luckily, Darren Hardy knows exactly what you should do to make these dreams a reality. Hardy talks about the power of the Compound Effect and how mastering it can open a new world of outstanding achievements.
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