Goals Book Summary - Goals Book explained in key points
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Goals summary

How to Get the Most Out of Your Life

4.5 (547 ratings)
18 mins

Brief summary

Goals by Zig Ziglar is a self-improvement book that emphasizes the importance of setting and achieving clear goals. It provides valuable insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories to help readers unlock their potential and achieve success in various areas of their lives.

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    Goals
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    Clear goals create a pathway to your full potential.

    French naturalist Jean Henri Fabre once conducted an experiment with caterpillars. The species he chose was called Pine Processionary. They get their name from the way in which they, unerringly, follow one another. 

    Fabre made a ring of these caterpillars around a flowerpot, then put their meal of choice – pine needles – in the center. For seven days, the caterpillars followed each other in a circle, hoping to reach those pine needles. Eventually, they died of hunger, even though food was just inches away.

    Many of us are like those caterpillars. We confuse busyness with meaningful action. But if our actions aren’t carrying us toward a specific destination, we’re just going around in circles. That’s why, if you want to succeed, you need to set goals.

    The key message here is: Clear goals create a pathway to your full potential.

    You may think that you’re smarter than a caterpillar. But have you reflected deeply on what you want to achieve? Have you written down your goals? If you haven’t, you’re not alone. Only 3 percent of Americans have written down clearly defined goals. These are the people who make their dreams a reality.

    Having clearly defined goals will help you stay focused on what you truly want to achieve. It’ll also prevent you from becoming resentful in challenging moments, or distracted when you need to be knuckling down. When you have a clear goal with specific outcomes, you gain direction. Why? Because you understand what exactly you must do to achieve that goal. Working toward something you want generates energy, and that’ll motivate you to put in the effort. 

    It takes time to formulate goals properly. You might think you don’t have days, or even hours, to sit down and think about what you want to achieve in life. But this investment of time is worthwhile.

    Clear goals will give you focus, which’ll make you more efficient. They can save you up to ten hours each week – time you can dedicate to other activities.

    If you have clear goals, you’ll use your time more strategically because you’ll prioritize the steps you need to take to achieve them. This will make you happier because you’ll be spending your time building a life you truly want to live, instead of getting sidetracked by activities that don’t lead to your goal.

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    What is Goals about?

    Goals (2019) provides a comprehensive guide to setting goals and achieving them. By learning how to plan, hold yourself accountable, and foster the personal qualities you need to pursue your dreams, you’re more likely to succeed.

    Goals Review

    Goals by Zig Ziglar (2004) is a thought-provoking book that explores the importance of setting and achieving goals in our lives. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With insightful strategies and practical advice, it empowers readers to create clear goals and take actionable steps towards achieving them.
    • Through compelling stories and relatable examples, the book shows how setting goals can bring purpose, motivation, and fulfillment to our lives.
    • Ziglar's engaging writing style keeps readers captivated throughout the book, ensuring that the topic of goals remains interesting and relevant.

    Who should read Goals?

    • Ambitious dreamers
    • Unconventional individuals trying to reach a breakthrough
    • The chronically busy who still can’t seem to achieve their goals

    About the Author

    Zig Ziglar was a prolific author and motivational speaker who inspired thousands of people to unlock their full potential. Of the 28 books he wrote, ten became best sellers. His works have been translated into nearly 40 languages, and continue to be popular years after their first release.

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    Goals FAQs 

    What is the main message of Goals?

    The main message of Goals is to set clear goals, develop a plan, and take action to achieve success.

    How long does it take to read Goals?

    The reading time for Goals varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Goals a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Goals is worth reading because it provides practical strategies and inspiring stories to help you achieve your goals.

    Who is the author of Goals?

    The author of Goals is Zig Ziglar.

    What to read after Goals?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Goals, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Goals! by Brian Tracy
    • I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was by Barbara Sher with Barbara Smith
    • Born to Win by Zig Ziglar with Tom Ziglar
    • One Small Step Can Change Your Life by Robert Maurer
    • Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
    • No Excuses! by Brian Tracy
    • Start Now. Get Perfect Later. by Rob Moore
    • Understanding Artificial Intelligence by Nicolas Sabouret
    • The Art of Laziness by Library Mindset
    • One Second Ahead by Rasmus Hougaard