Succeed: How We Can Reach Our Goals

By: Heidi Grant Halvorson PhD

Narrated by: Heather Henderson

Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Most of us have no idea why we fail to reach our goals. Now eminent social psychologist Heidi Grant Halvorson shows us how we can finally win by revealing how goals really work—and by showing us how to avoid what typically goes wrong.

Dr. Heidi Grant Halvorson offers insights that listeners can use immediately, including how to set goals so that they will persist no matter what; build willpower, which can be strengthened like a muscle; and avoid the kind of positive thinking that makes people fail. The strategies outlined in this book will not only help everyone reach their own goals but will also prove invaluable to parents, teachers, coaches, and employers. Dr. Grant Halvorson shows listeners a new approach to problem solving that will change the way they approach their entire lives.

©2010 Heidi Grant Halvorson; foreword 2010 by Carol S. Dweck (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“If you have goals, then you should read this book. If you manage others or are in a position to help others achieve their goals, then you have to read this book!” (Peter Bregman, CEO of Bregman Partners)

“Succeed succeeds big time!...If you want to bolster your level of success and in general lead a happier life, this book is for you!” (Dr. Edward Hallowell, psychiatrist and best-selling author)

Effective and intelligent information

Wow! I have never awarded five stars. This book is organized like a scientific paper and a handbook on moving forward effectively at the same time. Engaging and sweet but factual, this book has re-framed my perspective on all aspects of my life.

Highly recommended for those tired of "positive thinking" and "magical thinking"...

very professorial, not very motivational

Any additional comments?

I spend my working day analyzing double bind behavioral studies, and it's the last thing I want to listen to during my free time. I seek out audiobooks to motivate and inspire me, and that's it. Scientific backing isn't that important when it comes to finding new ways of 'pepping me up'. This audiobook was like overhearing a prof teaching an Intro to Social Psychology class. Interesting, but nothing that made me want to get into action or think about life differently.

Great Information

This is fantastic research presented in a very entertaining manner. The author provides good working examples of how to improve achievement of goals. I really like the narrator. She has a very soothing voice.

Decent content, poor narration

The book has interesting research-based insights to share. Unfortunately, the narrator's tone and delivery were robotic. I found it difficult to stay focused.

Valuable Information Based on Reaearch

This book is a welcome respite from the many, shallow, “Rah! Rah! Just Believe In Yourself!” self-help books on the market. Dr. Heidi Grant Halvorson has collected and distilled essential information from a variety of academic studies relating to her topic. Moreover, that information is presented in an honest, engaging, and helpful way.

Because it was published in 2010, the studies referenced might not be new to you if you are familiar with this genre. I also found the narrator to be annoying on occasion, and I could not relate to Dr. Grant Halvorson’s personal anecdotes, which I think detract from the overall flow of the book. Despite these minor distractions, I have listened to the audiobook more than once and I’m sure I will, again, in the future.

This is a book you should listen to, carefully consider, and put into practice if you want to: 1)understand achievement, 2)improve how you think about and approach goal attainment, and/or 3)help those around you succeed.

This book is my bible

I have listened to this book at least 10 times over the years. It helped me understand motivation on a level that I have used throughout my life. It does so in a way that you can get for yourself a conclusion from the information presented. Its not like How to make friends and influence people or Unf**** yourself. This book is founded on data and presented in a consumable way.

If data and conclusions from science experiments is not you're thing then maybe you may struggle listening to this book. However, the information like self determination theory is absolutely invaluable.

I don't know that Heidi Grant Halverson PhD would ever read this but if she does, thank you.

Don't Bother!

This book is nothing like they say. You might as well say this brainwashing tool.

So much yada yada

Returning....none of these books I am trying for success in the workplace are good for me.
they lead you around in philosophical circles by the nose. They quiz you on beliefs. They quote studies AND share anecdotes. I have some questions I want answers to.
1. How to communicate in a business like fashion. Like when is it best to use e365 vs. Microsoft teams, vs email. versus phone, versus text, versus in person if your company uses all of these platforms.
2. How to determine how much interpersonal chitchat is too much or too little in different situations and with different people during the work day.
3. What dress, mannerisms, office habits and lunch break habits are best to create that won't make you seem like a hermit but at the same time don't make you seem too chummy, too into fashion, or too casual or too tidy or too careless?
4. Do I close my computer at the work day end or just sign out of it
5.What to do my coworker is doing something that makes me nervous, like stacking things very high or leaving the workplace for hours each day or suggesting I need to go take a break or stop working on something I am in the middle of finishing but when I let them know they are causing me to feel uncomfortable, they ignore me.
6.If I take 5 minutes longer than I should've on my lunch break, is it okay to work 5 minutes later in the day as to make up that time?.
7. if I am going to the beach or a party directly after work, is it bad to change my clothes or curl my hair or touch up my make up inthe company restroom?

I need concise answers and the reasoning behind those answers!