10 Books That Help You Build Good Habits
Building good habits is like planting seeds for a better you—small actions that, with a little care, can grow into something extraordinary. The right habits? They’re your secret weapon for smashing goals and leveling up your life.
In this article, I’m sharing ten game-changing books about habits that aren’t just informative—they’re downright inspiring. Whether you’re looking to ditch bad habits, create better ones, or just get your life a bit more together, these reads have you covered.
1. "Atomic Habits" by James Clear
"Atomic Habits" is a must-read for anyone looking to transform their habits. James Clear provides a practical framework for making small changes that lead to remarkable results. The book is filled with relatable examples and actionable advice, making it easy to understand and implement.
The concept of improving by just 1% every day can seem insignificant at first. However, compounded over time, these small improvements lead to significant results. Clear emphasizes that it's not about making radical changes overnight but about the accumulation of small, consistent changes.
Habit stacking involves linking a new habit to an existing one, creating a cascade of positive behaviors.
This technique leverages the power of routines, making it easier to incorporate new habits into your daily life. Clear provides detailed strategies for identifying opportunities to stack habits effectively.
Clear also discusses the importance of designing habits that are attractive and satisfying. By understanding the cues and rewards that drive behavior, you can make good habits more appealing and bad habits less so. This involves altering your environment and mindset to support positive change.
Overall, it’s an excellent book for anyone who wants to get serious about building good habits. I love how actionable it is - you find yourself wanting to take action on every other page!
2. "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg
In this book, Charles Duhigg explores why habits are formed and how they can be changed. He explains the habit loop, which includes three parts: cue, routine, and reward. The book is interesting as it blends scientific research with real-life examples.
"The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg can be incredibly beneficial for anyone looking to understand the mechanics behind their behaviors.
Imagine this: you wake up every morning, and without even thinking, you reach for your phone, scroll through social media, and then rush through your morning routine.
Ever wondered why you do that?
Duhigg dives deep into the science of habits, breaking down the habit loop into three simple parts: cue, routine, and reward. This framework not only helps you identify what triggers your habits but also empowers you to change them.
By understanding how habits work, you can take control of your life.
3. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck
"Mindset The Psychology of Success" by Carol. Dweck is different from other self-help books because it explores the beliefs that shape our and, ultimately our success. Dweck introduces the idea of versus mindsets, which changes the way we perceive our abilities and potential.
What makes this book especially engaging is its solid scientific backing.
Dweck uses decades of research to show how our mindset can affect every part of our lives, from personal relationships to accomplishments. Unlike many self-help books that just provide strategies for success, "Mindset urges readers to reflect on their beliefs about and talent.
This book is great wanting to enhance their life whether you’re a student aiming for academic success, a professional seeking career growth, or a parent hoping to build resilience in your kids. Dweck shares practical strategies for moving from a fixed mindset—where you think your abilities are set in—to a growth mindset, where you view challenges as chances to grow.
4. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey
If you’ve ever Googled “how to build better habits,” there’s no way you haven’t come across this book. It’s everywhere—and for good reason! Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People isn’t just another self-help book; it’s basically the OG manual for anyone who wants to get their life together, both personally and professionally.
In the book, Covey lays out seven habits that are like the ultimate blueprint for success. The cool thing? These habits aren’t just about ticking off a to-do list or being “busy.” They’re about becoming the kind of person who gets results while still staying true to your values. Think of it as building a rock-solid foundation for everything you want to achieve.
One of my favorite takeaways? Habit #1: Be Proactive. Covey is all about taking charge of your actions instead of letting life push you around. It's such a simple idea, but honestly, how often do we blame external circumstances instead of just owning our choices? This habit alone feels like a game-changer.
Covey also drives home the importance of aligning your habits with your long-term goals. No more spinning your wheels on things that don’t actually matter. His whole approach makes you stop and ask yourself, Am I spending my time on what really counts? Spoiler: if you’re not, Covey’s here to help you fix that.
The best part about this book? It’s not just theory. Covey gives you actionable advice to take these habits off the page and into your life. He makes you realize that real change isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing the right things.
If you haven’t read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People yet, consider this your sign to dive in. It’s a classic for a reason!
5. "Better Than Before" by Gretchen Rubin
f you're even a little bit curious about why some habits stick like glue while others slip through your fingers (hello, unused gym membership!), then this book is about to be your new best friend.
Gretchen Rubin dives into the complicated, fascinating world of habit formation, and let me tell you—she's not here to give you one-size-fits-all advice. Nope, she’s got something way better: practical, relatable strategies tailored to you.
Rubin’s big lightbulb moment comes in the form of her “Four Tendencies”—Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, and Rebel.
If you’re an Obliger (like me!), you’ll quickly realize why you’re great at meeting deadlines for other people but can’t seem to get your own to-do list sorted. Or, if you’re a Rebel, you’re probably rolling your eyes at the idea of sticking to any plan (and Rubin totally gets that, too!). The whole framework is super enlightening and honestly kind of fun to figure out.
Rubin is all about monitoring your habits, and at first, I was like, “Really? Do I need another list in my life?” But hear me out—tracking is kind of magical.
Whether you’re trying to drink more water, cut back on screen time, or build a journaling habit, keeping tabs on your progress gives you this little dopamine hit every time you check something off. Plus, it shines a light on the habits you think you have but actually don’t (looking at you, “I totally exercise regularly” mindset).
6. "Tiny Habits" by BJ Fogg
Ever feel like creating a new habit is way harder than it should be? You’re not alone. Luckily, BJ Fogg swoops in with his book Tiny Habits to save the day—and honestly, it’s a total game-changer. Forget the overwhelming “go big or go home” mindset. Fogg’s message is simple: start small, and watch those tiny tweaks lead to massive transformations.
Fogg’s method is rooted in science, but don’t worry—it’s not boring. The idea? Shrink your habits down to their most bite-sized form. Want to start flossing? Fogg says start with just one tooth. Want to work out? Start with one push-up. It sounds almost too easy, but that’s the point! When something is that small, you can’t help but feel like, “Yeah, I can totally do this.” And once you’ve got momentum? Boom—you’re off to the races.
One of my favorite takeaways is Fogg’s emphasis on celebrating even the tiniest progress. Brushed one tooth? Celebrate! Did that one push-up? Fist pump like you just ran a marathon. Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but Fogg shows how rewarding yourself—even in small ways—trains your brain to actually like your new habits. Genius, right?
If you’re tired of feeling stuck or overwhelmed by big goals, this book is like a breath of fresh air. It’ll teach you how to take those itty-bitty first steps and turn them into life-changing habits.
7. "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" by Greg McKeown
If life feels like a never-ending to-do list, Essentialism might just be the book you need. Greg McKeown breaks it all down in a way that makes you think, Why am I trying to do it all when I don’t even want to? Spoiler alert: you don’t have to.
At its core, Essentialism is all about focusing on what truly matters and cutting out the fluff. McKeown calls it “the vital few vs. the trivial many,” and honestly, it’s such a lightbulb moment. Why spend time on stuff that doesn’t move the needle when you could be putting your energy into things that actually make a difference?
Here’s where McKeown really shines—teaching you how to say no without feeling guilty. Let’s be real, we’ve all been there: overcommitting, saying yes to things out of obligation, and then wondering why we’re so exhausted. McKeown shows you how to set boundaries and stay laser-focused on your priorities.
The book also dives into creating routines that make your life easier and your goals more achievable. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing better. McKeown gives practical tips for streamlining your habits so you can get where you want to go without burning out along the way.
So, if you’re ready to ditch the overwhelm and focus on what really matters, this book is your guide. Trust me—it’ll change the way you think about your time, your habits, and your life.
8. "The Compound Effect" by Darren Hardy
“The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy delves into those small, everyday actions that add up to something huge over time. And let me tell you, this book makes you see your habits in a whole new light.
Hardy breaks down how tiny, seemingly insignificant decisions (like skipping the gym or hitting snooze again) can snowball into major outcomes—good or bad. It’s eye-opening to realize just how much power your daily habits have. Suddenly, that extra glass of water or five-minute walk feels like a big deal—because it is!
The real magic, though, is consistency. Hardy doesn’t sugarcoat it—success takes time and showing up every day, even when it’s hard. But don’t worry, he’s got plenty of tips to help you stick with it, like making your habits so easy to start that skipping them feels harder than doing them.
What’s great about The Compound Effect is that it’s simple, practical, and totally doable. Hardy doesn’t hit you with fluff—just straightforward advice that works. His personal stories and real-world examples make it easy to see how these principles can apply to your life.
9. "Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World" by Cal Newport
Ever feel like you’re constantly busy but not actually getting anything done? Cal Newport’s Deep Work totally gets it—and offers a solution. This book is all about the magic of focused, distraction-free work, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for anyone who wants to boost their productivity and creativity.
Deep work is like hitting the productivity jackpot—it’s when you’re so focused on a task that everything else fades away. Newport explains how this kind of concentrated effort can lead to bigger, better results in less time. And the best part? He gives practical tips to help you prioritize deep work over the endless distractions we all face (hello, social media and email).
What makes Deep Work such a standout is how relatable and actionable it is. Newport doesn’t just talk about why focus matters—he gives you a roadmap to make it happen in your own life. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re treading water with your to-do list, this book will inspire you to take control and finally make real progress.
So, if you’re ready to cut the noise, harness your focus, and unlock your best work, Deep Work is the perfect guide. Trust me—you’ll feel like a productivity wizard by the end!
10. "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth
What’s the secret to success? According to Angela Duckworth, it’s not just talent or luck—it’s grit. In her book Grit, Duckworth dives into how passion and perseverance can help you achieve your biggest goals, and honestly, it’s such an inspiring read!
Duckworth makes it clear that passion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s what keeps you going, especially when things get tough. She shows how finding what you truly care about can make sticking to good habits feel more natural and rewarding. Basically, if you’re excited about the goal, you’re more likely to stick with the process.
One of my favorite takeaways from this book is the reminder that effort counts just as much (if not more!) than natural ability. Duckworth’s focus on persistence is a total game-changer—it’s like having someone remind you, “Keep going, you’re closer than you think!”
If you’ve ever felt like giving up on a goal or struggled to stick with a habit, Grit is the book you need. It’s not just about success; it’s about how to build the resilience and passion to get there. And trust me, you’ll feel so fired up to tackle whatever comes your way after reading this!
How to Take Action from Good Habits Books
Now that you've delved into these insightful books on building habits, it's time to put that knowledge into action!
Start by selecting one or two key concepts that resonated with you the most. For instance, if you found the idea of tracking progress compelling, consider setting up a simple habit tracker—this could be a journal, an app, or even a calendar where you mark off your daily achievements.
Next, create a specific plan for implementing a new habit. Break it down into small, manageable steps. If you want to start exercising regularly, for example, begin with just 10 minutes a day and gradually increase the duration as you build consistency.
Additionally, think about your environment. Are there changes you can make to support your new habits? Maybe you can lay out your workout clothes the night before or designate a quiet space for focused work. Remember to celebrate your small wins along the way; acknowledging your progress, no matter how minor, can significantly boost your motivation.
Lastly, consider finding an accountability partner or joining a community with similar goals. Sharing your journey with others can provide encouragement and keep you on track. By taking these actionable steps, you'll be well on your way to transforming your habits and, ultimately, your life!
How to Get Unlimited Books on a Budget
Unfortunately, books aren't cheap and investing in all of the books that I have discussed in this guide could be a little expensive!
So, how can you take advantage of all of these amazing books without breaking the bank?
My secret hack for the girls who love self-help books is to subscribe to a book subscription service. Here are 3 of my favorites.
Audible:
Audible is one of the most popular audiobook subscription services, offering a vast library of over 500,000 titles. For a monthly fee, subscribers receive one credit that can be used to purchase any audiobook, along with access to Audible Originals and podcasts.
This service is a game changer for those looking to improve their lives through reading, as it allows users to listen to books while multitasking—whether commuting, exercising, or doing household chores.
The convenience of audiobooks can help individuals integrate learning into their daily routines.
Scribd:
Scribd is a subscription service that provides access to not only audiobooks but also eBooks, articles, and more. For a monthly fee, users can enjoy an extensive library of titles across various genres.
Scribd's unique model allows for unlimited access to content, making it an excellent choice for avid readers who want to explore different subjects and authors without breaking the bank.
This service encourages continuous learning and personal development, as users can easily switch between formats and discover new interests.
Libro.fm:
Libro.fm is an audiobook subscription service that supports local bookstores. Subscribers can choose from a wide selection of audiobooks and receive one credit per month.
What sets Libro.fm apart is its commitment to community and supporting independent bookstores, making it a socially responsible choice for audiobook lovers. By providing access to a diverse range of titles, Libro.fm empowers users to enhance their knowledge and skills while contributing to their local economy.
These audiobook subscription services are game changers for individuals seeking to improve their lives through reading. They offer flexibility, convenience, and a vast array of resources that make it easier than ever to incorporate learning into everyday life. By leveraging these platforms, users can cultivate new habits, gain insights, and ultimately transform their personal and professional lives.
Reading books about building habits can be incredibly beneficial for personal growth! These books provide valuable insights and practical strategies that can help you develop routines that align with your goals.
I recommend reading through this article again and picking 2 books that align the most with your long-term goals. Also, check out more guides about habit building:
