Top 5 Must-Read Books on Building Better Habits

Why do habits matter so much? Well, they transform our lives, guiding us toward success and happiness through small, daily actions. 

It takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit for most people, and to start and make it consistent requires a deep knowledge of how to do this. And reading is one way to do so. 

Each book we'll explore in this article offers unique insights and practical advice for creating and maintaining transformative habits. Whether you want to revamp your morning routine, eat healthier, or better manage stress, there's wisdom here for everyone. 

Atomic Habits by James Clear

First on the list is Atomic Habits. This book shows you how small changes can have a huge impact on your life. James Clear, the author, believes you don’t need to make massive changes to see results. Instead, tiny adjustments and steps in your daily routine can lead to incredible outcomes over time.

Key Concepts 

• Four Laws of Behavior Change - These are simple rules that can guide us to build better habits. They’re all about making it obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. 

• Compound Growth of Marginal Gains - Think of this as the interest accumulating in a savings account. Small deposits can grow into a fortune. It’s the same with habits.

Why Read it?

You should read Atomic Habits because it gives you practical steps that are easy to follow. Whether you want to exercise more, eat healthier, or manage your time better, this book offers a clear and straightforward plan. It’s all about making change achievable, one small step at a time.

We all could use a little boost in handling our daily routines. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by trying to make a big change, this book is for you. It’s friendly, accessible, and filled with hopeful insights that show change isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable if you start small.

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Next on the list is The Power of Habit. In this book, Charles Duhigg helps you understand why habits form and how you can change them.

Key Concepts

• Habit Loop - This loop consists of three steps: a cue, a routine, and a reward. It's like a reminder that triggers our behavior, leading to something we enjoy.
• Keystone Habits - These are powerful because they can start a chain reaction. It means changing one can change many aspects of our lives. For example, regular exercise improves fitness and enhances mood and productivity.

Why Read It?

You should give The Power of Habit a read because it blends engaging stories with brain science in a way that’s easy to understand. It’s perfect if you want to know why you do what you do and how to change it.

This book offers hope and tools to reshape your habits. Whether you’re trying to quit smoking, eat healthier, or be more productive, understanding the habit loop can be your key to success.

Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg

Now, let’s talk about Tiny Habits. BJ Fogg shows you that big changes start small. The magic of this book lies in its simplicity—making tiny adjustments can lead to lasting habits. This book is like a friendly coach cheering you on, helping you see that each small step you take is a victory worth celebrating.

Key Concepts

• Behavior equals Motivation, Ability, and Prompt (B=MAP) - This means you’re more likely to adopt a new habit if it’s easy to do, you’re motivated, and you’re reminded to do it.
• Celebrating Small Successes is Vital - Every time you acknowledge a small win, it boosts your confidence and commitment.

Why Read It?

You should check out Tiny Habits because it breaks down the scary task of habit formation into bite-sized, manageable steps. It’s perfect if you’ve ever felt stuck or overwhelmed by trying to make a change.

Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin

Let’s take a closer look at Better Than Before. Gretchen Rubin uses her own life as a lab to discover what makes habits stick. She makes it personal, and that’s what sets this book apart. We all have unique personalities, and understanding ours can be the key to better habits.

Key Concepts

• Four Tendencies Framework - It’s a cool way to see what drives you. Are you motivated by internal desires or external expectations? Knowing this helps tailor your habit-building efforts.

• Personality Strategies - She offers specific strategies that align with your personality type. Whether you need accountability, love setting goals, or prefer spontaneity, there’s a strategy for you.

Why Read It?

You should dive into Better Than Before because it’s not just about what habits you should change, but how you can change them based on who you are. It’s like having a custom guide for personal improvement.

This book is like a friend who knows you well and still cheers you on to be your best self. If you’ve ever wondered why certain habits don’t stick, maybe it’s time to try a new approach that suits you better.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

The last on the list is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Stephen R. Covey introduces you to habits that aren’t just about efficiency but also about becoming a better person. This book is a classic for a reason—it goes deep into how you can live a life that is not only productive but also meaningful.

Key Concepts

• Maturity Continuum -  This concept is about moving from being dependent to independent, and finally to interdependent. It’s about growing up and then growing together, supporting each other.
• ‘Private victory' First - This means getting yourself in order before you can effectively interact and cooperate with others. It’s about setting your own house in order.

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Why Read It?

You should read this book because it offers a comprehensive approach to self-improvement that goes beyond the typical ‘do more’ mindset. It’s about being effective in a way that enriches not just your own life but also the lives of those around you.

This book is a guiding light for anyone looking to make profound changes in their life. It helps you understand that improving yourself involves understanding and working well with others.

Building Better Habits

From the small, consistent tweaks recommended in Atomic Habits to the deep, principled approach in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, there’s a wealth of knowledge waiting for you. Each book presents different methods, but they all lead toward the same goal: improving your life through better habits .

Now, it’s up to you to choose which path feels right. Think about what you need in your life right now. Is it small changes, or are you ready for a deeper transformation? Pick the book that resonates most with you and take that first step toward a better you.

Just as Atomic Habits teaches you the power of small changes, Aro helps you take tiny, manageable steps toward healthier phone habits, making it easier to focus on what truly matters in your life. Start your day with Aro today!

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