One of the best ways to ensure you continuously grow as an individual is to constantly educate yourself about subjects that truly matter. I believe that one of these subjects is goal setting and achieving. Goals are among the best ways to improve ourselves and create roadmaps to the lives we want to live. So, today I’m going to share my favorite goal setting books to help you find your next meaningful page-turner.
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Project Planning Freebie
Hold up! Before we dive straight into the top goal setting books, be sure to grab this great project planning freebie. Why? Well, as discussed in my Ultimate Guide to Goal Setting, goals can be turned into either: habits, tasks, or projects.
A project is a list of tasks that are all related to one main goal or outcome. This free project planner will help you organize your thoughts, create a detailed task list, and draft an actionable plan to see it through.
12 Goal Setting Books to Add to Your Reading List
Okay, now that you have your freebie in hand, let’s check out the best goal setting books to add to your reading list!
Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals by Michael Hyatt
As the title suggests, this book covers a phenomenal 5-step plan that guarantees you set and reach the most important goals in your life. It covers tips that help you when you get stuck, how to quit-proof your goals, and so much more. As an added bonus, it is a quick and easy read!
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
If you haven’t read this book you are seriously missing out. It is a complete game-changer and should be sitting on everyone’s shelf. This Wall Street Journal and New York Times Bestseller covers the powerful yet surprisingly simple principle that little everyday decisions will either help you achieve greatness or end up in disaster. It also walks you through the process of steering everyday decisions in the right direction. It covers how to win at everything, abolish bad habits, maintain motivation and more. It is an absolute must read!
Measure What Matters by John Doerr
This New York Times Bestseller explores the secrets of the famous and wildly successful goal-setting system of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) that has been proven time and time again to be effective. This system ensures you maintain focus and stay on track until your goals are being met!
Goals! How to Get Everything You Want – Faster Than You Thought Possible by Brian Tracy
This is a fantastic book that helps distinguish the people who reach their goals from those that just dream of having a better life. It then dives into a simple yet powerful goal setting method that is incredibly effective. Tracy also focuses on specific goals in different areas in life such as finances, health, and family. A fantastic read!
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Habits are a major contributor to meeting your goals. In this New York Times #1 bestseller, you will learn a proven system to building amazing and life-changing habits and finally break your bad habits. This book is truly a comprehensive guide that will make a huge impact in your life.
Creating Your Best Life by Caroline Miller, MAAP and Dr. Michael B. Frisch
This book is completely research-based, focusing on Positive Psychology, goals, and happiness. It includes a step-by-step guide to goal setting with interactive exercises to help you get the ball rolling. By the end of the book, you should be prepared to coach yourself and set goals in 16 different areas of your life.
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
In his bestselling book, David Goggins retells his life story, including how he was able to completely change his life. Through hard work and self-discipline, he was able to change himself from overweight and depressed to one of the world’s top athletes, being the only person to complete Navy SEAL, Air Force Tactical Air Controller, and Army Ranger training. He also reveals his “40% Rule,” and many other secrets to success.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This classic best-selling book continues to be a go-to resource for countless famous and successful people. In it, you will learn how to use psychology to get people to like you, how to win debates, and how to change others without building resentment. Perfect for anyone who works on a team, in a leadership position, or anyone pursuing a major goal in life.
The Magic Lamp by Keith Ellis
This book is known for its power in helping people who don’t like or have trouble setting goals. It includes a secret formula to achieve anything within your personal or professional life by turning the goal setting process into an exciting adventure.
9 Things Successful People Do Differently by Heidi Grant Halvorson
This book describes the 9 powerful things successful people do differently than others. Each one is backed by research and makes the largest impact on goal-achieving. Overall, this book explains the major importance of what you do, rather than who you are.
Hard Goals by Mark Murphy
In his book, Mark Murphy helps you pinpoint what goals you should be pursing, and how to both set and achieve the hardest goals in life to ensure the most success possible. As he explains, these goals must be heartfelt, animated, required, and difficult. In this formula, these goals allow people to be over 75% more fulfilled in life.
The 4 Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling
Last, but certainly not least on my top goal setting books list is The 4 Disciplines of Execution. This best selling book offers readers four ways to achieve success as a group. It is aimed at helping people in leadership positions who manage teams, or run their own business.
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Goal Setting Resources:
As a bonus, here are some other great goal setting resources to help you on your journey to living your dream life! In fact, this is my entire goal-setting series 🙂
- How to Create a Personal Mission Statement and Why It’s So Important
- Discover How to Create a Motivational Bucket List (+50 Ideas to Get You Started)
- The Ultimate Guide to Long-Term Goal Planning
- How to Create Short Term Goals in 12 Easy Steps: An Ultimate Guide
- Create the Perfect Vision Board in These Simple Steps
- How to Complete a Monthly Goal Review
- Steps for a Successful Quarterly and Yearly Goal Review
- 12 Secrets to Ensure You Reach Your Goals This Year
- The Ultimate Guide to Goal Setting and Achieving
Other Book Lists:
In addition, here are some other great book lists that might interest you!
- 21 Life-Changing Books for 20-Somethings
- This Year’s Book List
- Top Books on Planning and Organization
There you have it! My 12 top goal setting books to help you enhance your personal development and education. I hope you were able to pick out your next read. Also, be sure to grab your free project planner to help you conquer your next major goal-related project. Happy goal-getting!
Looking for more assistance in reaching your goals? Be sure to grab your very own Undated Goal Printable Planner! It includes worksheets, calendars, goal planners, and everything else you need to brainstorm, plan, reflect, and reach each and every goal! Grab yours today.
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