9 Best Goal Setting Books to Read for Motivation and Growth

The Importance of Setting Goals

Setting goals can give our lives direction, purpose and meaning. When we have something specific to work towards, we tend to feel more motivated and focused. Goals help provide a roadmap to get us to where we want to be in life.

Why Read Books on Goal Setting?

Books provide a wealth of wisdom and practical advice on goal setting. The authors have often spent years researching and testing theories to find out what works best. Reading goal setting books allows us to leverage their knowledge and experience so that we can set goals more effectively.

9 Highly Recommended Goal Setting Books

The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
This book explains how small, consistent actions repeated over time can lead to major results. It encourages readers to set positive habits and rituals.
Mini Habits by Stephen Guise
The author proposes an alternative strategy to traditional goal setting. Instead of big, bold goals, the book advocates starting very small and building consistency first.
Goals! by Brian Tracy
A classic book on goal setting that provides a clear blueprint for translating big dreams into achievable steps. It’s filled with practical tips and tools.
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
While not solely focused on goal setting, this book contains a wealth of wisdom on unleashing one’s potential and achieving any goal.
12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran
This book provides a structured system for planning out goals and metrics in 12 week cycles to increase focus and accountability.
Living Forward by Michael Hyatt
An interactive workbook to help readers define their values, vision and goals while overcoming common obstacles that hold people back.
Go for No! by Richard Fenton
Focuses on pushing one’s comfort zone and failing forward to achieve bigger goals rather than playing it safe.
The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz
A motivational book on setting and achieving ambitious life goals by harnessing positivity, visualization and enthusiasm.
Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins
Powerful mindset shifts and neuro-linguistic programming techniques for uncovering and breaking through mental barriers to achieve any desired goal.

5 Key Benefits of Goal Setting

Provides direction and focus
Increases motivation and self-discipline
Builds self-confidence through progress
Enhances happiness and life satisfaction
Helps attain dreams and create the future we envision

How to Make the Most of Goal Setting

Here are 5 key best practices for goal setting from top experts:

Set S.M.A.R.T. goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
Write goals down to crystallize them
Set a mix of short and long term goals
Build habits and systems that support your goals
Review and adjust your goals regularly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is setting goals important?

Setting goals provides direction, boosts motivation and self-confidence, enhances life satisfaction and happiness, and helps people attain their dreams by creating a blueprint to get there.

What should I include in my goals?

Effective goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant to what you want to achieve, and time-bound with a deadline. They should stretch you but still be realistic.

How often should I review my goals?

Review your goals at least every 1-3 months. Adjust them regularly based on progress, changing priorities or timeline shifts to keep yourself accountable.

What else can I do to achieve my goals?

In addition to setting S.M.A.R.T. goals, writing them down and reviewing them regularly, build habits, plans and systems into your life that facilitate taking consistent action towards your most important goals.

How do I stay motivated?

Break big goals down into smaller milestone goals to experience progress wins. Have someone hold you accountable. Reward progress. Remind yourself regularly of why the goal matters to fuel motivation. Cultivate habits that move you forward automatically.