Top Books About Good Habits For Success

We all know habits are the building blocks of our lives, right? But have you ever wondered why some folks seem to master the art of forming good habits while others—well, let’s just say they’re still trying to shake off that midnight snack routine? The secret sauce? Knowledge. And where better to gain that knowledge than from the best habits books out there?

This list of the 10 best habits books to read isn’t just a random collection of titles; it’s a treasure trove of wisdom, research, and real-life stories that can help you break bad habits, build new ones, and, most importantly, maintain them. So, if you’re ready to flip the script on your life, grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive into these life-changing reads!

#1: "Atomic Habits" by James Clear

Kicking off our list is "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, a book that’s practically become the Bible of habit formation. Clear’s philosophy is simple: small changes can lead to big results. By focusing on tiny, incremental improvements—what he calls "atomic habits"—you can drastically change your life without feeling overwhelmed. He offers practical strategies that you can apply immediately, and his clear (no pun intended) writing style makes it a breeze to understand.

Key Takeaway:

Focus on the small wins, and they’ll add up to significant transformations.

#2: "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg

Next up, we’ve got Charles Duhigg’s "The Power of Habit," a deep dive into the science behind why we do what we do. Duhigg breaks down the habit loop—cue, routine, reward—and shows how understanding this loop is the key to changing habits. With a mix of scientific research and engaging stories, this book doesn’t just tell you what to do; it explains why it works.

Key Takeaway:

To change a habit, you need to understand the habit loop and rewire your brain to associate the cue with a new routine.

#3: "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey

An oldie but a goodie, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey is a timeless classic that’s helped millions of people develop the habits necessary for personal and professional success. Covey’s approach is holistic, focusing on both character ethics and personality ethics, making this book a must-read for anyone serious about long-term success.

Key Takeaway:

Effectiveness isn’t about luck; it’s about cultivating the right habits that align with your principles and goals.

#4: "Better Than Before" by Gretchen Rubin

Gretchen Rubin’s "Better Than Before" takes a unique approach to habit formation by identifying four personality types: Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels. By understanding which type you are, you can tailor your habit-building strategies to what works best for you. It’s like having a personal habit coach in book form!

Key Takeaway:

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to habits. Know thyself, and you’ll know how to build better habits.

#5: "Tiny Habits" by BJ Fogg

"Tiny Habits" by BJ Fogg is all about starting small—really small. Fogg argues that the key to habit formation is not willpower but rather designing habits that are so tiny they’re impossible to fail at. Over time, these tiny habits snowball into significant changes. Fogg’s behavioral science background gives this book a solid foundation, making it both insightful and actionable.

Key Takeaway:

Start small—like, really small. Consistency over intensity is the name of the game.

#6: "The Compound Effect" by Darren Hardy

In "The Compound Effect," Darren Hardy explains how small, everyday decisions lead to massive success—or failure—over time. It’s not just about habits; it’s about understanding how every choice you make compounds to shape your life. Hardy’s no-nonsense style and real-world examples make this book a motivational powerhouse.

Key Takeaway:

Every choice you make, no matter how small, is an investment in your future. Make them count.

#7: "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck

While not exclusively about habits, "Mindset" by Carol S. Dweck is crucial for understanding the mental habits that drive success. Dweck introduces the concept of a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset, showing how our beliefs about our abilities can either propel us forward or hold us back. If you want to cultivate the mental habits of successful people, this book is a must-read.

Key Takeaway:

Adopting a growth mindset is the foundation for building habits that lead to lifelong learning and success.

#8: "Make Your Bed" by Admiral William H. McRaven

"Make Your Bed" might seem like a simple book—after all, it’s based on a commencement speech—but its lessons are profound. Admiral McRaven shares 10 small habits that can change your life, starting with the simple act of making your bed every morning. This book is a quick read, but its impact will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Key Takeaway:

Sometimes, the smallest actions can have the most significant impact. Start your day with a win, no matter how small.

#9: "High Performance Habits" by Brendon Burchard

In "High Performance Habits," Brendon Burchard breaks down the six habits that can lead to long-term success. Burchard’s approach is research-backed and focuses on high achievers, making this book perfect for anyone looking to take their performance to the next level. It’s a comprehensive guide that covers everything from clarity and energy to influence and courage.

Key Takeaway:

High performance isn’t an accident; it’s the result of cultivating specific, intentional habits.

#10: "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson

Rounding out our list is "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson, a book that emphasizes the power of making small, positive changes consistently over time. Olson’s philosophy is that success isn’t about making big leaps but about taking small steps consistently. It’s a simple concept, but it’s incredibly powerful when applied consistently.

Key Takeaway:

Success is about making the right choices, consistently, over time. The slight edge will set you apart.

FAQs

Q: Can I read these books in any order? A: Absolutely! While some books may complement each other, there’s no strict order. Pick the one that resonates with you most and start there!

Q: Do these books only focus on personal habits, or do they cover professional habits too? A: These books cover both personal and professional habits. The principles they teach can be applied to various aspects of life.

Q: Are these books suitable for beginners? A: Yes, all these books are beginner-friendly. They’re written in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you’re new to the concept of habit formation.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the 10 best habits books to read if you’re serious about transforming your life. Whether you’re looking to break bad habits, build new ones, or simply understand the psychology behind them, these books offer a wealth of knowledge and practical advice.

The journey to better habits doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right guidance, it’s more than achievable. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up one (or all) of these books, and start your journey to a better you today!