Wishcraft
by Barbara Sher
Sher's 1979 book is the original 'figure out what you want and build a plan' manual, and it is warmer and more practical than most descendants. The exercises for recovering buried wishes, the 'barn-raising' idea of asking others for help, and the realistic planning sections are all still excellent. It respects that most people do not know what they want.
Read it if…
you genuinely do not know what you want and are tired of books that assume you do.
Skip it if…
you already have a clear goal and need execution help; the book spends most of its time on discovery.
Three things you will actually use
- Mine childhood interests for clues to adult direction.
- Ask people for help out loud; most will.
- Plan backward from the goal with dates on paper.
Do this first
Write the 'ideal day' exercise in detail, then underline what is missing from your actual week.
Our verdict
An unglamorous classic that still beats most modern books on finding direction.
Compare with other Goals books
The ONE Thing
Gary Keller and Jay Papasan · Goals
One great question, well defended; the book earns its place on a desk.
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The 12 Week Year
Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington · Goals
A thin book with a thick payoff for people who will keep the weekly score.
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The Goal
Eliyahu M. Goldratt · Goals
A classic that teaches while it entertains; underread outside manufacturing.
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