In the quest for success, one timeless tool remains indispensable: goal setting. Navigating the labyrinth of life’s challenges requires a roadmap, and the top 10 best goal setting books in this article offer just that.
These books encapsulate strategies, insights, and wisdom from renowned thought leaders and experts, serving as your compass toward achieving personal and professional milestones. From boosting productivity to fostering personal growth, these books cover a vast array of topics designed to align your objectives with action plans.
A pro tip when choosing your next goal setting book: opt for one that resonates with your specific needs and learning style. After all, goal setting is not a one-size-fits-all process.
Now, let’s explore these handpicked titles that promise to transform your aspirations into achievements.
What are the Best Goal Setting Books?
Your Lifestyle Business 90 Day Goal Setting Planner
Unlock Your Potential with the 90-Day Goal Planner Journal
Transform your life and achieve your dreams with our 90-Day Goal Planner Journal, the ultimate tool for setting and tracking your personal and professional goals.
With the YLB 90 Day Goal Planner Journal, you can:
- Plan & track your goals & dreams through a comprehensive 90-day framework
- Align your personal and business goals with your core values, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling journey
- Break through limiting beliefs and unlock your full potential by addressing the obstacles that hold you back
- Benefit from regular reflection and adjustment, enabling continuous growth and improvement in your entrepreneurial pursuits
- Strengthen your commitment and accountability by tracking your progress and celebrating your achievements along the way
- Dare yourself to dream bigger and reach new heights in your personal and professional life
Grab the planner now and get $100 OFF my brand new video course 'The Solopreneur Success Formula' plus free downloadable printables, partner offers and lots more!
1. Goals: How to Get the Most Out of Your Life

Legendary speaker and author, Zig Ziglar’s “Goals: How to Get the Most Out of Your Life” is your handbook for turning dreams into reality. It’s an inspiring guide designed to help you break free from being a “wandering generality” and become a “meaningful specific.”
Ziglar lays bare the reasons why many people never set goals, leaving them confused and mistaking mere activity for real achievement. However, he contends that anyone can strive and accomplish more. Ziglar’s primary argument is clear – a goal properly set is halfway reached.
In this transformative guide, Ziglar outlines the nine necessary steps for effective goal setting, followed by a practical guide to putting those steps into action. He emphasizes the importance of having a target – after all, you can’t hit a target you don’t have.
In a resonant quote from Oliver Wendall Holmes that Ziglar shares, “Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out.” This quote encapsulates the urgency Ziglar places on setting and chasing goals.
The book goes beyond the theory, with Ziglar identifying 13 key variables in the formula to reach your goals. He provides a day-by-day action plan that, when followed, ensures the accomplishment of what you set out to do. His goal is to change readers from individuals always preparing to live into those who seize the day and make the most out of their lives.
Filled with Ziglar’s folksy anecdotes, motivating one-liners, and an abundance of practical advice, “Goals: How to Get the Most Out of Your Life” is a revelation, whether you’re a long-time Ziglar follower or a first-time reader. Prepare to be inspired and equipped to stop simply existing and start living your dreams.
2. Goals! How to Get Everything You Want — Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible

In this classic bestseller by renowned author and motivational speaker Brian Tracy, readers are guided on the journey from frustration to fulfillment through the effective setting and achievement of personal goals. Having already transformed the lives of over a million individuals, Tracy’s powerful and practical system for success has a proven track record in helping people achieve extraordinary things.
“Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want — Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible” outlines twenty-one strategies that can be applied to any goal, regardless of its size. These strategies guide you in identifying your strengths, determining your true values, and understanding your deepest desires. With these insights, you can shape your personal and professional ambitions for the years to come.
Brian Tracy not only helps you set your objectives but also equips you with tools to tackle obstacles, overcome challenges, and build your self-esteem and self-confidence. His approach enables you to respond effectively to difficulties and to keep moving forward, no matter what.
But beyond simply helping you achieve specific goals, Tracy’s methods instill in you a system for continual achievement that will serve you throughout your life. By tapping into this reservoir of potential within, you can indeed get everything you want, faster than you ever thought possible.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to achieve more, this book will provide you with the roadmap you need to chart your course toward success.
3. Your Best Year Ever

Living a life that matters and reaching our full potential is the dream we all share. But, all too often, daily life distracts us, and our big dreams and ambitions get pushed to the side or forgotten entirely. It’s time to change that with “Your Best Year Ever” by Michael Hyatt- one of the must-have goal setting books in your arsenal.
This book provides a powerful, proven, and research-driven system to set and achieve your goals. Hyatt’s 5-step plan helps you discover what’s currently holding you back and how to conquer past setbacks that might still be hindering your progress.
“Your Best Year Ever” enlightens readers on the seven attributes of effective goals and the essential techniques to quit-proof your objectives. It elucidates the significant role that habits play in personal achievement, and provides strategies for what to do when you’re feeling stuck.
This book is perfect for those tired of seeing their personal, intellectual, business, relational, or financial goals stagnating or forgotten. Hyatt’s system breaks down the process of goal-setting and attainment into manageable steps, using real-life examples and practical advice.
Your journey to having your best year ever starts here. Let Michael Hyatt guide you through a transformative year where your reality and dreams finally converge.
4. The Art Of Setting Smart Goals

Do you dream of making significant changes in your life but feel overwhelmed by the process? In “The Art of Setting Smart Goals,” Anisa Marku provides a practical, step-by-step guide to transform your dreams into reality.
- Identify Your Goals: In this stage, you’ll learn how to visualize the big picture and articulate your deepest aspirations. Putting pen to paper, you’ll clarify your dreams, identifying what you genuinely want to achieve.
- Uncover Your WHY: Discover the power of intrinsic motivation. By finding your WHY, you’ll be energized to work consistently towards your goals, fostering resilience and determination.
- Master S.M.A.R.T Goals: Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Relevant. Timely. This simple framework will be your key to creating meaningful goals that set you up for success.
- Break it Down: Understand how to divide your goals into manageable tasks and timeframes. By breaking your goals down, the path to achieving them becomes less daunting and more actionable.
- Maintain Accountability: Learn the power of accountability. By having an accountability buddy and taking personal responsibility for your life, you’ll foster a sense of ownership that propels you towards your goals.
- Reward Yourself: Recognize your progress. Even small steps towards your goals should be celebrated, keeping your momentum and enthusiasm high.
- Habit Formation: Make the goal-setting process a habitual part of your life. Habits are key to long-term achievement, and this guide will show you how to make goal-achievement a lasting part of your lifestyle.
“The Art of Setting Smart Goals” is a road map that leads to a life full of abundance, success, and achievement. Get ready to live the life you’ve always dreamed of.
5. Intentionally Setting and Achieving Goals

Personal growth doesn’t happen by accident — it requires intention, goal setting, and a roadmap to get there. “Intentionally Setting and Achieving Goals” by Jason G. Richards is an all-inclusive guide to help you map out your journey and successfully reach your desired destination.
In this ultimate guide to personal success, Richards shares his wisdom on using your unique talents and experiences to chart your path and offers a multitude of tips to make better decisions along the way.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
- The significance of Meaningful Goals: Understand the difference between arbitrary targets and meaningful goals that align with your values and vision.
- Techniques to Achieve Your Goals Faster: Master the art of setting clear, attainable goals and devise strategies to reach them more swiftly and effectively.
- How to Cultivate Positivity: Garner 11 practical tips to foster a more positive outlook, aiding you in overcoming obstacles and maintaining motivation.
- Strategies for a Constructive Mindset: Explore seven dos and five don’ts to nurture a mindset that supports your growth and propels you towards your goals.
- Steps to Take Control of Your Life: Learn how to retain your personal power and not yield control to others.
- Overcoming Doubts: Discover eight proven tips to combat self-doubt, boosting your confidence and enabling you to pursue your goals relentlessly.
“Intentionally Setting and Achieving Goals” is packed with valuable insights, making it an indispensable resource in your self-development toolkit. As you follow this roadmap, you’ll find the journey to your goals natural, enjoyable, and within your reach. If you’re ready to embark on your path to success, make this one of your go-to goal setting books as a starting point.
6. This Book Will Motivate You

Transform your vision into reality, in business and in life, with Steve Chandler’s powerful guide, “This Book Will Motivate You.” As a master life coach, Chandler uses his experience of speaking to hundreds of thousands of attendees at corporate and public seminars to deliver over 100 proven methods to effect positive change in your thoughts and actions.
Drawing upon techniques and breakthroughs developed through his individual coaching clients, Chandler’s guide will help you shatter negative barriers and chase away pessimistic thoughts. It paves the way to fulfilling your lifelong dreams and ambitions, helping you escape the rut of defeatist attitudes and approach life with energetic, optimistic, and enthusiastic momentum.
This edition goes beyond mere motivation. It encompasses mental and spiritual techniques that provide readers with immediate access to action and results in their lives. If you’re tired of feeling burnt out and ready to embrace change, this book is your catalyst.
Previously published under the title “100 Ways to Motivate Yourself,” “This Book Will Motivate You” continues to empower readers to take charge of their lives.
As quoted by Mark Goulston, M.D., coauthor of “Get Out of Your Own Way,” this book is “the perfect book to motivate busy, distracted people who want to change their lives.” You’ll find every chapter packed with easy-to-follow directives and supportive narratives to inspire action. So why wait? Embark on your transformational journey today with Steve Chandler’s practical guidance.
7. Goal Setting is a Powerful Tool

If you’re finding it difficult to attain your goals, manage your time effectively, or enhance your productivity, then Ryan Wells’ guide, “Goal Setting is a Powerful Tool: Achieve Success in All Aspects of Your Life,” is just what you need!
In this comprehensive guide, Wells takes you through a step-by-step journey of creating and attaining personal and professional goals. It’s an essential companion for those who wish to realize their goals and make each day progressively productive.
Key learnings from “Goal Setting is a Powerful Tool: Achieve Success in All Aspects of Your Life” include:
- How to gain a deeper understanding of yourself.
- Strategies to realize your true ambitions.
- Techniques to make each day progressively productive.
- Tips on how to avoid distractions.
- Figuring out how to focus on your desires.
- Identifying individuals who can contribute positively to your life and productivity.
- Simple hacks for effective time management.
- Understanding the 10 reasons why people struggle in defining their goals.
- New strategies on how to establish S.M.A.R.T. goals.
- Simplified steps to faster and easier goal attainment.
- Straightforward methods for defining your short and long-term goals.
- Techniques for better life organization.
Additionally, you’ll get a bonus: 12 chapters on Mindful Meditation Secrets that can greatly enhance your life, alleviate stress, and reduce pressure.
If you’re ready to gain clarity on your goals and devise effective strategies for their accomplishment, get your copy of “Goal Setting is a Powerful Tool: Achieve Success in All Aspects of Your Life” today. Start taking actionable steps towards your short and long-term goals.
8. The Power of Discipline

“The Power of Discipline” by Daniel Walter is a comprehensive guide for anyone who has struggled to achieve their goals. If you’ve ever felt that success is just for a chosen few or have felt disheartened due to repeated failures, this book brings you a ray of hope.
The key to turning dreams into reality, as Walter argues, is not just talent, intelligence, or skills, nor is it confined to positive thinking, affirmations, or vision boards. The fundamental key is self-discipline.
Self-discipline is the beacon that keeps you focused in times of adversities. It fosters the mental toughness needed to dismantle self-imposed limitations and conquer the obstacles that impede your goals.
The author contends that the inability to achieve goals does not stem from laziness or lack of drive but from a lack of knowledge in practicing self-discipline. Like any skill, self-discipline can be learned and mastered.
“The Power of Discipline” is loaded with scientifically backed, easy-to-understand explanations and techniques for developing self-discipline, including:
- Strategies to master self-discipline by targeting specific areas of the brain.
- The secret techniques of Navy SEALs to boost self-discipline.
- Zen Buddhists’ approach to self-discipline.
- Ways to make hard work enjoyable.
- Techniques to let go of bad habits and adopt those of successful people.
- Strategies to stay motivated even when the going gets tough.
By incorporating the principles from this book, you will not only enhance your self-discipline but also become an unstoppable force, pushing towards your goals and living the life you deserve.
You can’t reclaim the time lost, but you can take control of your future. Start your journey to success with “The Power of Discipline.”
9. Grow with Goals

Are you frustrated by the life you are living? Do you struggle to identify your purpose or find it hard to set and achieve meaningful goals? Or have you allowed distractions, complacency, or doubt to hinder your journey of personal growth?
It’s time to awaken your purpose, take action, and transform your life. In “Grow With Goals; A How to Guide for Activating Your Purpose”, Jill Hellwig guides you on an empowering journey to discover your unique purpose and how to live it out through effective goal-setting.
This practical guide offers an engaging and interactive approach to goal setting, complete with journal and workbook pages. But this isn’t just about making resolutions or setting a to-do list to achieve; it’s about learning how to identify, set, and pursue the right goals that align with your true purpose. It’s about overcoming your fears, shaking off apathy, gaining clarity, and living bigger than ever before.
As you work through this book, you’ll gain confidence and clarity in:
- Discovering and defining your unique purpose
- Setting meaningful objectives aligned with your purpose
- Taking committed actions towards your goals
- Identifying and overcoming obstacles and roadblocks
- Establishing personal values and priorities
- Activating your purpose in everyday life
By the end of your journey with “Grow With Goals”, you’ll be on the path to living a life of greater impact, fulfillment, and purpose. No more fear, no more confusion, no more playing small – it’s time to grow with goals!
10. How to Reach Your Goals

Transform your dreams into achievable goals with “How To Reach Your Goals: While Filtering Out Distractions” by Devon and Michelle Blackwood.
Do you constantly find yourself battling distractions and losing focus on your goals? Do you set new goals only to abandon them partway through, feeling demotivated and defeated? If this sounds like you, then this book is the answer you’ve been looking for.
Authors Devon and Michelle Blackwood share valuable insights and practical strategies that can help you overcome common hurdles in goal-setting and goal-achieving. This is not just about setting goals, but about creating a framework that allows for sustainable progress and the accomplishment of those goals.
In “How To Reach Your Goals: While Filtering Out Distractions,” you will learn how to:
- Overcome procrastination and other roadblocks that hinder progress.
- Cultivate a positive mindset that encourages forward momentum.
- Create an effective and actionable plan to reach your goals.
- Maintain motivation, even when faced with challenges.
- Filter out distractions that can derail your focus and progress.
Whether you’re working towards personal, academic, or professional goals, this book will equip you with the tools and techniques needed to stay focused and reach success. With this guide in your hands, you can turn the impossible into the achievable. Don’t let distractions hold you back any longer – it’s time to reach your goals!
Best Goal Setting Books – Summary
The top 10 best goal setting books we featured each offer unique insights, methodologies, and inspiration to shape your path to success. They are invaluable resources that help bridge the gap between your present circumstances and your envisioned future, propelling you toward focused, meaningful action.
With these books as your guide, you’re empowered to design a roadmap tailored to your aspirations.
If you’re looking for an additional practical tool to complement what you’ve learned, check out the YLB 90 day journal. This journal is designed to help you record, track, and review your progress, further cementing the application of the principles you’ve gleaned from these illuminating reads.
Take a look at our other posts on goal-setting, productivity, and success such as;
- 1001+ Daily Journal Prompts to Boost Creativity and Self-Reflection
- 25 Powerful Time Management Strategies To Maximize Productivity
- 165 Actionable Weekly Goals For Achieving Success
- Growth Mindset Books: 10 Key Reads to Foster Positive Change
It’s not just about setting goals – it’s about achieving them. Embark on your journey today.
Your Lifestyle Business 90 Day Goal Setting Planner
Unlock Your Potential with the 90-Day Goal Planner Journal
Transform your life and achieve your dreams with our 90-Day Goal Planner Journal, the ultimate tool for setting and tracking your personal and professional goals.
With the YLB 90 Day Goal Planner Journal, you can:
- Plan & track your goals & dreams through a comprehensive 90-day framework
- Align your personal and business goals with your core values, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling journey
- Break through limiting beliefs and unlock your full potential by addressing the obstacles that hold you back
- Benefit from regular reflection and adjustment, enabling continuous growth and improvement in your entrepreneurial pursuits
- Strengthen your commitment and accountability by tracking your progress and celebrating your achievements along the way
- Dare yourself to dream bigger and reach new heights in your personal and professional life
Grab the planner now and get $100 OFF my brand new video course 'The Solopreneur Success Formula' plus free downloadable printables, partner offers and lots more!
Best Goal Setting Books – FAQs
What is the best goal setting book?
Selecting the “best” goal setting book depends largely on individual needs, learning styles, and specific goals. However, consistently high-rated books include “The Power of Discipline” by Daniel Walter, “Goals! How to Get Everything You Want” by Brian Tracy, and “Goals: How to Get the Most Out of Your Life” by Zig Ziglar.
How do you set goals in life books?
Books on goal setting often provide systematic approaches to defining and achieving goals. These can include self-reflection exercises, SMART goal frameworks, and tips for tracking progress. By applying these principles and strategies consistently, you can effectively set and pursue your life goals.
What are the 5 R’s of goal setting?
The 5 R’s of goal setting are Relevant, Resilient, Realistic, Results-focused, and Responsibility-centered. They stress that goals should align with broader life objectives (Relevant), withstand challenges (Resilient), be achievable (Realistic), be measurable in outcomes (Results-focused), and be owned by the goal-setter (Responsibility-centered).
What are goal setting examples?
Examples of goal setting can range from personal to professional objectives. Personal goals may include running a marathon, learning a new language, or saving for a trip abroad. Professional goals could involve earning a promotion, improving a particular skill, or launching a small business.
Can goal setting books help with professional development?
Absolutely. Many goal setting books offer strategies for enhancing focus, productivity, and efficiency, all of which are crucial for professional development. They can provide actionable steps for improving communication, leadership skills, time management, and much more.
What goal setting book is best for beginners?
For beginners, “Goals!” by Brian Tracy is a great starting point. It offers a clear, step-by-step approach to goal setting and achievement, making it accessible to those new to this process.
Can these books help with setting long-term goals?
Yes, many goal setting books offer valuable insights into setting and achieving long-term goals. They provide techniques for breaking down these larger goals into manageable, actionable steps, making the process less overwhelming.
Do these books offer methods for tracking goal progress?
Yes, several goal setting books include methods for tracking progress. They emphasize the importance of regular check-ins, adjustments, and reflection in the pursuit of goals.
How can I apply the lessons from these books in everyday life?
The lessons from goal setting books can be applied in various areas of life such as health, relationships, career, and personal development. Incorporating these teachings involves setting clear, achievable goals, following the given strategies, and maintaining a consistent commitment to your objectives.
What is the first step in goal setting, as suggested by these books?
The first step, as suggested by most goal setting books, is self-reflection. Understanding your values, passions, strengths, and areas for improvement can help guide your goal setting process and ensure that your goals align with your broader life objectives.