5 Must Read Books on Goal Setting to Set Up 2025 to be Your Most Successful Year Yet

As we approach 2025, setting clear, actionable goals is essential for turning aspirations into achievements. There’s no shortage of resources on goal-setting, but not all are created equal. To help you start the year strong, I’ve ranked and reviewed five popular books on goal setting, sharing personal insights on what works, what could be better, and why these books are worth your time.

Whether you’re refining your productivity habits, seeking motivation, or looking to streamline your approach, this list has something for everyone. Let’s dive in, starting from my least favorite to the one I’d recommend above all others.

5. “Smarter Faster Better” by Charles Duhigg

What’s Great About It:

Charles Duhigg offers an engaging blend of research, storytelling, and practical advice to help readers understand productivity and goal-setting. The book emphasizes how connecting goals to personal purpose can drive motivation. Concepts like mental models, innovation, and decision-making are fascinating, especially if you’re a data-driven thinker or someone looking to optimize workflows.

Where It Fell Short:

While the insights are valuable, they often feel a little disjointed. The book tries to do a lot—covering productivity, decision-making, and teamwork—which can dilute the focus on goal-setting itself. If you’re looking for a more straightforward guide to setting and achieving goals, this might feel a bit broad.

Best For:

People interested in the psychology of productivity and how it relates to goal achievement.

Get it here.

4. “Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want—Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible” by Brian Tracy

What’s Great About It:

This book is a classic for a reason. Brian Tracy distills decades of wisdom into a practical guide that emphasizes the importance of clarity and detailed planning. His advice to write down your goals and break them into actionable steps is timeless and highly effective.

Where It Fell Short:

While the principles are sound, the tone can feel a bit dated, and some strategies—like visualization—are overemphasized without enough nuance. For a modern audience, the lack of integration with tools or systems like habit tracking apps feels like a missed opportunity.

Best For:

Anyone new to goal setting or looking for a foundational, no-frills guide to achieving success.

Get it here.

3. “The 12 Week Year” by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington

What’s Great About It:

The concept of breaking your year into 12-week cycles is a game-changer. It forces you to focus, eliminates procrastination, and brings a sense of urgency to your goals. The book’s actionable framework makes it easy to translate big ideas into immediate results, which is why I’ve found it effective for both personal and professional goals.

Where It Fell Short:

The rigid structure might not work for everyone. While I appreciate the system, it can feel overwhelming or too narrow for goals that require more flexibility or long-term planning. Additionally, the writing style leans heavily on corporate examples, which might not resonate with every reader.

Best For:

Go-getters who thrive under pressure and want a highly structured approach to goal setting.

Get it here.

2. “Your Best Year Ever” by Michael Hyatt

What’s Great About It:

Michael Hyatt’s book is a fantastic blend of mindset shifts and actionable advice. He tackles common barriers to success—like fear and limiting beliefs—and provides tools for creating SMARTER goals (specific, measurable, actionable, risk-driven, time-keyed, exciting, relevant). I especially loved how Hyatt encourages readers to define what success looks like on their terms.

Where It Fell Short:

While it’s an inspiring read, some parts of the book lean too heavily on anecdotes and could benefit from more data or research-based insights. Additionally, the advice on prioritization and focus is great, but it overlaps with other books like Atomic Habits in terms of habit-building concepts.

Best For:

Anyone who wants a balance between motivation and practical tools to set goals in all areas of life.

Get it here.

1. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear

Why It’s the Best:

This book isn’t just about goal setting—it’s about creating a system that makes achieving your goals inevitable. James Clear’s approach to building habits that align with your identity is revolutionary. By focusing on the small, consistent actions that compound over time, Atomic Habits teaches you how to create lasting change.

What I Loved:

Clear’s use of real-world examples and actionable strategies makes the book incredibly relatable and easy to implement. His concept of habit stacking is one of the most effective tools I’ve ever used to stay consistent with my goals. Unlike other books, Atomic Habits doesn’t rely on hype or motivation; it gives you a framework that works even when motivation wanes.

Any Downsides?

Honestly, I struggled to find flaws in this book. The only caveat is that it focuses more on habits than traditional goal-setting frameworks, so you might want to pair it with something like Your Best Year Ever for a more holistic approach.

Best For:

Anyone looking to transform their habits and create sustainable systems to achieve goals effortlessly.

Get it here.

Each of these books offers unique insights and approaches to goal setting, but not every book will resonate with every reader. My ranking reflects a balance between actionable advice, storytelling, and long-term applicability. For 2025, I’d recommend starting with Atomic Habits and layering on additional strategies from Your Best Year Ever or The 12 Week Year, depending on your needs.