Goal-Getting: A Reading List for Setting and Achieving Goals
We all set goals - personally, professionally, and within teams. But turning those goals into reality? That’s the challenge. Whether you’re mapping out a strategic plan, setting quarterly team objectives, or just trying to stick to your own ambitions, the right approach makes all the difference.
Luckily, there’s no need to start from scratch. We’ve rounded up three insightful books that can help you (and your team) set goals that stick.
Why These Three?
With countless books on productivity, goal-setting, and execution, narrowing it down to a top three wasn’t easy. These books stood out because they go beyond theory and provide practical frameworks for turning aspirations into measurable outcomes. Each recommendation offers a distinct perspective on goal achievement: The 12-Week Year challenges the traditional annual goal-setting approach by focusing on short, high-impact execution cycles. Your Best Year Ever helps readers set meaningful, values-driven goals while addressing common mindset barriers. Measure What Matters introduces the OKR framework, a goal-setting system used by companies like Google and Intel, making it a go-to resource for leaders driving organizational success. We recommend reading these books in the order suggested below, as many of the concepts build on each other.
Whether you're looking for a way to structure personal goals, build better habits, or align team objectives, these books offer actionable insights that make a real difference. Their methods are widely used in both individual and corporate settings, making them valuable tools for anyone who wants to move from planning to execution.
The 12-Week Year by Brian P. Moran & Michael Lennington
Big Idea: What if you could accomplish more in 12 weeks than most people do in a year? That’s the premise of The 12-Week Year, which encourages readers to ditch annual goal-setting in favor of focused, short-term cycles.
Key Takeaways:
Traditional annual planning often leads to procrastination - 12-week cycles create urgency.
Execution is everything; tracking weekly progress keeps momentum high.
A clear vision combined with structured action steps leads to consistent success.
Why Read It? If long-term goals feel overwhelming or distant, this book provides a structured way to make meaningful progress on a fast track.
Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt
Big Idea: A step-by-step guide to setting and achieving goals that align with your values and priorities.
Key Takeaways:
Start with reflection: Learning from past successes and failures builds a better foundation for the future.
Set goals that are both challenging and achievable.
Mindset matters. Recognizing and overcoming limiting beliefs is key to progress.
Why Read It? If you want a holistic approach to goal-setting that considers both personal and professional growth, this book provides a practical framework.
Measure What Matters by John Doerr
Big Idea: OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) transform how teams and organizations set and track goals.
Key Takeaways:
Goals should be ambitious but measurable; you have to define what success looks like.
Transparency fuels accountability. When everyone knows the big picture, alignment improves.
Continuous feedback helps teams stay agile and adjust as needed.
Why Read It? If you're leading a team and need a framework for goal-setting, OKRs can provide the structure and clarity to move the needle.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re trying to achieve personal milestones or set team-wide objectives, the key to success is more than just writing down goals - it’s about execution, systems, and accountability. These books offer different approaches, but they all reinforce one truth: success isn’t about setting goals. It’s about achieving them.
