Many people go through life without a clear plan. They just go with the flow, and their goals, if they have any, often change without much thought. It’s like life is happening to them, and they’re not actively steering their own ship.
But successful people are different. They know the power of setting clear goals. When you have a clear idea of what you want and how to get there, it’s like having a road map to your dreams. It’s exciting, and it keeps you motivated.
However, setting good goals isn’t as easy as it sounds. It’s not just about picking something you want and going for it. It requires careful thinking and sometimes a little help.
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to make goals because everyone’s life is different. If you’re not sure how to start or if you’re stuck, don’t worry. There are some really helpful books that can show you how to set and achieve your goals.
We’re going to look at the top 7 of the best goal setting books, and they’ll give you great advice on making the right goals for yourself. Let’s get going!
- 1. Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want - Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible
- 2. The Desire Map: A Guide to Creating Goals with Soul
- 3. How to Begin: Start Doing Something That Matters
- 4. Hard Goals : The Secret to Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
- 5. Creating Your Best Life: The Ultimate Life List Guide
- 6. All It Takes Is a Goal: The 3-Step Plan to Ditch Regret and Tap Into Your Massive Potential
- 7. Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals
- Wrapping it Up:
1. Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want – Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible
By Brian Tracy
In this timeless classic, Tracy shares the secret to achieving remarkable success: setting clear and meaningful goals.
Tracy’s core message is simple yet profound: if you know exactly what you want and create a plan to get there, you can achieve anything you desire. He teaches readers how to turn their vague desires into crystal-clear objectives, making them more achievable.
In his book he gives you practical steps to set your goals, making it easy for anyone to follow. He says it’s essential to have both short-term and long-term goals, like small steps that lead to your big dreams.
Tracy focuses on seven essential elements of goal setting and outlines 12 steps to help you set and reach your goals, no matter how big or small. He uses simple language and real-life stories to explain how to figure out your strengths, values, and what you truly want in life.
In a nutshell, “Goals” is a book that can be your guide to a happier life. It inspires you to dream big, take action, and not give up, no matter what challenges you face.
2. The Desire Map: A Guide to Creating Goals with Soul
By Danielle LaPorte
At the heart of “The Desire Map” is the idea that it’s not enough to chase external achievements and material possessions. True fulfillment and happiness come from understanding what truly matters to you on a soul level.
The author, Danielle LaPorte, wants you to explore your feelings and desires in a deep way. She believes you should think about how you want to feel in different parts of your life.
The most important part of the book is something called “Core Desired Feelings.” These are the feelings you really want to have all the time because they’re true to who you are. For example, you might want to feel “happy,” “free,” “loved,” or “peaceful.” Instead of setting goals to get stuff, LaPorte suggests setting goals that will make you feel these core desired feelings.
LaPorte’s book isn’t just about ideas; it gives you practical exercises and journaling activities to help you figure out your core desired feelings and turn them into real-life goals. This helps you create a life that’s meaningful and true to who you are.
What’s special about “The Desire Map” is that it’s not just about making lists of goals. It’s about thinking deeply about what truly makes you happy and fulfilled. The book encourages you to take a pause and think about what really excites you, what brings you joy, and what makes your heart sing. It’s about going beyond what society expects and finding a path that truly matches your deepest desires.
In summary, this book is all about connecting your goals with your innermost desires. It helps you make your journey through life more meaningful and genuine.
3. How to Begin: Start Doing Something That Matters
By Michael Bungay Stanier
“How to Begin: Start Doing Something That Matters” by Michael Bungay Stanier is a book that encourages you to take action and make a positive impact on your life and the world.
This book is for anyone who:
- Has big dreams but feels uncertain about chasing them.
- Wants to leave a lasting legacy.
- Is unhappy with the way things are and wants to make a change.
- Is a coach or wants to help others succeed.
- Is starting adulthood with enthusiasm.
The main message here is that you don’t have to wait for the “perfect” moment to start. You can begin right now. It’s about conquering the fear of starting and gaining momentum.
The book suggests setting small, achievable goals that lead to significant changes over time. Even the tiniest step in the right direction can make a big difference.
“What to Begin” is filled with stories of regular people who took action and achieved amazing results. It’s a reminder that everyone has the potential to create positive change when they start something that truly matters to them.
Overall, this book is about taking action, making your dreams a reality, and leaving a meaningful mark on the world. It’s a guide to help you start something important and live a more fulfilling life.
4. Hard Goals : The Secret to Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
By Mark Murphy
The book tells us that some goals are special. These are the ones that excite your heart, are driven by a clear vision, have a sense of urgency, and are quite challenging. Murphy calls these “Hard Goals.”
Here’s the essence:
Heartfelt Goals: These goals are not just things you want; they are deeply connected to your emotions and what truly matters to you.
Animated Goals: These goals are like movies in your mind. They keep you motivated and moving forward.
Required Goals: These goals feel urgent, like you must start working on them right now. There’s no waiting.
Difficult Goals: The big achievements often come from tough challenges. These goals might be hard, but they make you stronger, smarter, and happier.
The book reveals that people who chase Hard Goals find up to 75 percent more fulfillment compared to those who go after easy goals.
In a world where many set goals but struggle to achieve them, “Hard Goals” gives you both science and practical advice to beat procrastination and tap into your brain’s potential.
In simple terms, this book is an invitation to aim high and work hard. It shows you how to make your big dreams come true in your career, business, and life. It’s like a roadmap to reaching your goals and finding real happiness.
5. Creating Your Best Life: The Ultimate Life List Guide
By Caroline Adams Miller
“Creating Your Best Life” is like your personal guide to living a truly happy and fulfilling life. It’s all about helping you discover what matters most to you and making those dreams come true.
At the heart of this book is a special concept called a “Life List.” It’s not your typical to-do list. It’s a powerful collection of your biggest dreams and goals. Caroline Adams Miller, the author, encourages you to dig deep into your heart and mind to find out what truly, truly matters to you. She wants you to set goals that align perfectly with your core values and desires.
What makes this book stand out is that it goes beyond the usual way of setting goals. It’s not just about making SMART goals. Caroline Miller brings in research from different areas of science, especially positive psychology. This means she looks at the science of being happy and successful to help you set and achieve your goals in a much more meaningful way.
One of the key messages here is that working towards your goals can actually make you feel better and more satisfied with your life. It’s like following a secret recipe for happiness.
Another amazing thing about this book is the focus on being resilient. This means not giving up when things get tough. Caroline Miller shares real-life stories of people who faced big challenges but didn’t let that stop them. They bounced back and became even stronger. This shows that setbacks can actually be opportunities to grow.
And the book also reminds us how important it is to have people who support us and hold us accountable for our goals. These could be mentors, coaches, or just friends who cheer us on.
So, in simple words, “Creating Your Best Life” is like a friendly guide that helps you find what truly matters to you and shows you how to make it all happen. It’s like having a secret recipe for a happy and meaningful life by setting and achieving the right goals, backed by science and positive psychology.
6. All It Takes Is a Goal: The 3-Step Plan to Ditch Regret and Tap Into Your Massive Potential
By Jon Acuff
“All It Takes Is a Goal” by Jon Acuff is a truly transformative book that holds the promise of helping you achieve a fulfilling career, a thriving marriage, strong friendships, and rewarding hobbies—all while being in the best shape of your life. Imagine a life where each day is better than the one before, where reaching your full potential is not as difficult as you might have thought.
Jon Acuff is a famous author, and in this book, he shares a practical and inspiring way to achieve your goals. It’s like a journey where you plan goals that you can definitely reach. You focus on your best moments, understand the three zones of performance, and find ways to follow your passions—all while enjoying the ride.
Now, you might be thinking, “Is this too good to be true?” Jon Acuff once thought so too, until it became a reality for him and hundreds of real people who participated in his research project. Whether your goals are personal, relational, or career-driven, this book holds the key to a better future, and that key is closer than you think.
At its core, the book’s three-step plan—Get Clear, Get Free, and Get Going—guides you toward a life that’s intentional, purposeful, and free of regrets. It empowers you to overcome fear, doubt, and self-sabotage and to take decisive action toward achieving your dreams.
What makes this book truly inspiring are the real-life stories of individuals who have followed Jon Acuff’s guidance to conquer obstacles, conquer self-doubt, and achieve remarkable success. These stories serve as a source of motivation, showing that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
Also, “All It Takes Is a Goal” says that failing is okay. Mistakes can be lessons on the way to success. So, don’t give up if things don’t go perfectly.
In essence, “All It Takes Is a Goal” is your roadmap to a life that is both fulfilling and successful. It empowers you to tap into your massive potential by setting meaningful goals and taking purposeful steps toward their realization.
Jon Acuff’s practical and motivational approach inspires you to break free from the limitations of fear and doubt, providing you with the tools and mindset needed to achieve your dreams and live a life you love.
7. Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals
By Michael Hyatt
We all want to live a life that feels important, and we want to be the best version of ourselves. But sometimes, our daily responsibilities make us forget about our biggest dreams. Michael Hyatt, a bestselling author, believes it doesn’t have to be this way. He thinks this year can be the one where we make our dreams come true.
In his book, “Your Best Year Ever,” Hyatt shares a powerful system for setting and achieving our goals. Here’s what you’ll find:
Boost Your Chances: Hyatt shares three simple methods to significantly increase your chances of achieving your goals. These are like secret tricks to help you succeed.
No More Quitting: Have you ever started a goal and then given up? Hyatt has insights on how to stick with your goals and not quit. This means you’ll stay committed and follow through.
Beat Stuck Moments: We all have times when we feel stuck or don’t know what to do next. Hyatt gives advice on what to do when you face these challenges. It helps you keep going.
This book is full of wisdom that applies to different parts of life: growing personally, learning new things, succeeding in your job, improving relationships, and reaching financial goals.
If you’re tired of feeling like you’re not making progress in any of these areas, “Your Best Year Ever” is the guide to unlock your potential and make your dreams real.
Wrapping it Up:
Think of life as a grand adventure, and success as the treasure waiting at the end. But here’s the secret: success isn’t luck; it’s a roadmap, and the key is setting clear goals. Successful people use this roadmap to find their way.
Books are your guideline. The ones we’ve talked about in this article are like special magic books. They’re packed with wisdom and stories to help you understand how to set the right goals and keep going when things get tough.
So, if you’re ready for an amazing adventure, start with these books. They’re more than just books; they’re your companions on the journey to success. Open one, and let the adventure begin!
As the famous author and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once said,
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
So, decide to be successful, and let these books be your guide on that journey. Happy reading!
