Habits are the building blocks for success in any area of your life.
Fortunately, many people researched and wrote about this topic. And in this article, we will cover the 9 best books on habits.
But I must warn you:
Any of these books can transform your life.
Each option provides a ton of value and insights. However, they also tackle the topic from a unique angle.
That way, you’ll find something on this list that suits you.
In this article, I’ll explain exactly how these books differ and who would benefit most from reading them.
So, let’s dive in!
P.S. If you prefer audiobooks, make sure to read my Audible review.
Selection of the best books on habits
Since there are so many great books about habits, I’ve carefully selected the best options with a couple of criteria in mind:
- Each book must provide a unique perspective.
- They must contain many insights and aha-moments.
- Many people have read the books on this list and the reviews exceed beyond average.
Here’s an overview of the best books to learn everything about the mechanics of habits and how to build them more effectively:
- Best all-around habits book: Atomic Habits
- Contains the most tactics: Tiny Habits
- Best scientific book on habits and their effects on individuals, organizations and society: The Power of Habit
- Super-practical step-by-step book: The Habit Blueprint
- Tried a lot and still struggling? Read: The Mini Habit
The following list of habit books focuses on the most effective habits you can develop to increase your effectiveness:
- Best habits in general: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
- Best social habits: How to Win Friends and Influence People
- Best work habits: High-Performance Habits
- Best financial habits: The Millionaire Next Door
Let’s uncover each of the options in a bit more detail.
#1: Atomic Habits
Atomic Habits is hands-down the best comprehensive book about habits. And since it’s often on the top charts, you might have heard of this book.
And for a good reason.
In this habits book, James Clear teaches everything you need to know about habits. That includes the foundation and psychology of habits to manipulate each element to create them more easily.
Some of the highlights:
- Understand the fundamental elements of habits and how to influence them to increase habit success.
- Learn why IDENTITY is the most important aspect of building bullet-proof habits and how you can use it.
- Why motivation is overrated – and what to use instead.
- Practical tools to make your habits irresistible and easy to do.
- Plus, a couple of advanced concepts and ideas to gain the edge.
If you’re only looking to buy one book about habits, I suggest picking this one.
#2: Tiny Habits
Tiny Habits is a highly practical book with many ideas, tools, and tactics. It’s a fantastic book if you struggle to develop habits and seek useful tips and inspiration.
BJ Fogg is a social scientist who has researched human behavior for over 20 years. His research also led to the Fogg Behavior Model, which you’ll learn about in this book.
In short, the model concludes that behavior = MAP, which stands for:
- Motivation
- Ability
- Prompt
You can manipulate these three elements to make habits easier or harder to do. But there is another dimension that Fogg covers in his book:
- The person
- The action
- The context
Overlaying these dimensions gives you nine different angles to change your behavior. And in the book, Fogg gives you many practical tips for each.
So if you’re looking for the book with the most tactical ideas you can implement immediately, this is your gem.
#3: The Power of Habit
The Power of Habit is another popular habit book but takes a slightly different approach than the first options in this list.
It’s the best book about habits if you want to dive deep into the science of habits and how they impact not only individuals but also organizations and societies.
And it includes many real-life stories and examples to help you understand the science.
Here are some of the great things about this book:
- Learn the theory behind habits and the brain.
- Learn exactly how the habit loop works.
- Understand the practical implications through the various real-life stories that display the power of habits in action.
- This book goes beyond the individual and shows how habits shape organizations and societies.
This is a fantastic book if you want to deepen your understanding of habits and how they impact every aspect of life.
#4: The Habit Blueprint
The Habit Blueprint once again hits the topic from a different angle. And if you want to read a step-by-step approach that goes straight to the point, this is the best book about habits for you.
Here’s why you should read this book:
- A simple step-by-step approach.
- It gets to the point without BS yet fully covers the main topic and all crucial facets of habits.
- A great option if you don’t want to get into the nitty-gritty science yet seek a truthful book.
This is the best option if you seek a refreshing book that cuts the crap.
It’s also perfect for beginners looking for a practical approach without diving too much into the science of habits.
#5: The Mini Habit
The Mini Habit is the best book about habits if you’re struggling with them despite trying many things.
And, you can do it even if you feel tight on time.
In the book, Stephen breaks down the foundational elements that make up your habits. You will learn about:
- The brain and how it affects your habits.
- Should you rely on willpower or motivation?
- The mini habit strategy – and why it works every time.
- 8 Simple steps to create massive change.
So, try this book if you feel strapped for time and nothing has worked out.
#6: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a classic. And it’s the best book about habits to learn about the specific behaviors that will drastically improve your effectiveness in life.
And it’s so good that I’ve read it a few times!
Each chapter explains how it will supercharge your life. And Stephen backs his point up with many relatable examples and stories.
Here are the habits you will learn about:
- Be proactive
- Begin with the end in mind
- Put first things first
- Think win-win
- Seek first to understand, then to be understood
- Synergize
- Sharpen the saw
My verdict is simple: this is one of those books you want to read at least once in a lifetime.
#7: How to Win Friends and Influence People
This book is another one of the classics you might have heard before. And though it doesn’t exactly categorize as a habit book, it outlines the exact behavior to effectively deal with people.
I’ve also read this book many times since I couldn’t soak up all the golden nuggets at once. Every chapter contains a piece of wisdom and many clarifying examples.
Here’s what you will learn:
- The “secret” yet straightforward and fundamental techniques in handling people that are so obvious that no one uses it.
- Six habits to make people like you, including an easy way to become a great conversationalist.
- 12 habits to influence people to your way of thinking, including a simple way to avoid arguments – and why you should always do so.
- 9 habits to become a more effective leader and achieve success for everyone.
Overall, a compelling book if you want to learn about habits to improve your communication and relationships.
#8: High-Performance Habits
High-Performance Habits is the perfect book for those with a ton of ambition and drive. It’s the best habit book to excel in your career or business.
Brendon Burchard is the founder of the High-Performance Academy, which provides training programs about business, entrepreneurship, productivity, and persuasion.
That’s also where Brendon learned which habits are most effective at work. In summary, the first three habits focus on personal effectiveness:
- Seek clarity
- Generate energy
- Raise necessity
Followed by the essential habits for interpersonal effectiveness:
- Increase productivity
- Develop influence
- Demonstrate courage
You will love this book if you want to advance your career and learn about high-performers habits.
#9: The Millionaire Next Door
Did you know that you can become a millionaire too – even if you have an average salary? You only need to understand the wealth habits to succeed.
And while The Millionaire Next Door is not exactly a book on habits, it explains the behavior around money that will lead to financial independence.
Here’s what makes this book unique:
- You don’t need to make a fortune to become a millionaire.
- You don’t need any fancy habits or crazy tactics.
- And you don’t need a passion for money.
Instead, this book explains the differences between those who reach financial freedom and those who do not. Anyone who reads this book can achieve financial independence.
The book contains the following:
- The habits and beliefs of wealthy individuals.
- Practical habits to achieve financial freedom.
- How to use your time, energy, and money more effectively.
- How to spot new opportunities and get ahead.
- And the claims are backed by data and examples.
In short, this is a fantastic book if you want to learn about the habits to achieve financial independence.
Summary
If you want to develop better habits and transform your life, this list contains all the books you’ll ever need.
Each of these books tackles habits from a different angle, from the basics of creating them effectively to the specific behaviors of successful individuals.
Which one suits you most?
Now, it’s time for action!
And if you prefer audiobooks, get your 30-day free trial with Audible.
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