10 Best Habits Books for getting 1% better every day

Over the last 16 years, I’ve read hundreds of self-help books — many of them about habits, productivity, and discipline. I’ve even published in-depth, 5,000-word summaries on many of those books on this website.

Here are the 10 best books on habits, from the most popular bestsellers to hidden gems. You’ll find a variety of authors here, from professors specializing in the science of habit formation to motivational writers who inspire action.

My own journey of personal development has included years of experiments, of trying things out to see what works. And if you want to change your life, then getting 1% better every day is probably the most effective way to do it. Making small, consistent, daily improvements in your habits will transform your life more than massive resolutions ever will. So let’s dive in!

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear

“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.“
—James Clear

What is Atomic Habits about?

Atomic Habits by James Clear is about how small 1% improvements in our daily habits can lead to remarkable results and change your life. This is a practical guide to building good habits and breaking bad habits. The Four Laws of Behaviour Change say to make good habits: obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying.

What are the key takeaways?

1. 📈 Get 1% Better Every Day: Aim for tiny daily improvements to see big changes over time
2. ⚙️ Systems Vs. Goals: Prioritize your daily processes instead of just setting goals
3. 🔄 The Four Laws of Behaviour Change: Make your good habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying

Why should you read it?

When I picked up "Atomic Habits," I didn't expect much. I've read tons of self-help books for my website over the last several years, and they often say the same things. But this book was different. James Clear basically summarizes ALL the best strategies on habit formation in a way that is incredibly... well, "Clear." Best of all, he focuses on making tiny improvements, not big leaps, showing how small daily changes can really add up. I was surprised how much I liked it. It's a book I plan to read again every few years. 📈

Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary

Atomic Habits is rated 4.8 on Amazon and 4.4 on Goodreads.

Positive reviews say: Practical strategies, science-backed, focused on small changes

Criticism: Repetitive, similar ideas in other books

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2. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

“Habits, scientists say, emerge because the brain is constantly looking for ways to save effort.“
—Charles Duhigg

What is The Power of Habit about?

The Power of Habits by Charles Duhigg is a deep dive into the science of how habits work. If you want to change your habits but don't know where to start, this book can help you. It provides a simple 3-step formula called "The Habit Loop" to break bad habits and build better ones.

What are the key takeaways?

1. 🧠 Habits Save Effort: Habits are basically a brain strategy to save energy. We can use this fact to change our lives using neuroscience, one tiny step at a time.
2. 🔄 The Habit Loop: The secret to breaking bad habits and making new ones stick is understanding the cycle of "Cue-Routine-Reward."
3. 🚀 Keystone Habits: Making small changes—the right small changes—can cause a chain reaction of transformation in our lives.

Why should you read it?

Charles Duhigg's book first popularized the habit loop - the idea that all our habits follow a cycle of "cue-routine-reward." More importantly, he gave practical ways we can "hack" the steps of this loop to take back control of our habits and our lives. Before Atomic Habits, this was THE go-to book on habits and it is still well worth reading. (For psychology nerds, the habit loop was actually based on the psychologist B.F. Skinner's work that described a 3-step process of stimulus, response, and reinforcement. Basically, his theory explains why your dog turns into a slobber machine the second you rustle their treat bag. 🐶

Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary

The Power of Habit is rated 4.6 on Amazon and 4.1 on Goodreads.

Positive reviews say: Based on insightful research — Engaging stories — Practical to apply

Criticism: Can be too simplistic — Relies on anecdotal stories

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3. Tiny Habits by B.J. Fogg

“The essence of Tiny Habits is this: Take a behavior you want, make it tiny, find where it fits naturally in your life, and nurture its growth.” —Tiny Habits by B.J. Fogg

What is the book about?

“Tiny Habits” by B.J. Fogg is your guide to big change through small steps. It shows that tiny, effortless adjustments can lead to lasting transformations. Learn how to break down daunting goals into bite-sized actions for easier, more consistent progress.

Why should you read it?

Why should you get your hands on “Tiny Habits”? This book spills the secret sauce for monumental life changes, and it’s surprisingly simple: start ridiculously small. BJ Fogg champions the idea that adopting micro-habits, like doing two push-ups after brushing your teeth, can revolutionize your life. It’s not about grand resolutions but the compound effect of tiny, almost laughable actions. 🏋️‍♀️

Top lessons include:

1. 🌱 Start Small: Embrace tiny habits that you can easily stick to every day. It’s not about the big leaps, but the small steps that lead to massive change.
2. 🎯 Celebrate Success: Give yourself a pat on the back for every tiny win. These celebrations boost your motivation and reinforce the habit.
3. 🔄 Anchor Moments: Link your new tiny habits to existing routines, making them natural parts of your day. This creates a powerful trigger for your tiny habits.

Is it worth reading? Reviews summary:

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

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.“
—Stephen Covey

What is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People about?

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is about becoming more effective at reaching our goals and leading others. Stephen Covey says his teachings are based on timeless principles like personal responsibility, empathetic listening, and treating others with fairness.

What are the key takeaways?

1. 🌟 Be Proactive: Embrace the power of choice, take responsibility for your reactions, and focus your energy on the aspects of life you can directly influence and control.
2. 🎯 Begin With The End in Mind: Craft a clear vision of your ultimate destination in life. Live each day intentionally, based on your core values, aiming to be remembered as you desire.
3. ⏳ Put First Things First: Prioritize your life by identifying and allocating your time and resources to what's truly important, scheduling the most crucial tasks and commitments first.

Why should you read it?

This book teaches 7 key principles that you can apply to almost any area of life, kind of like a Swiss Army knife for personal development. Stephen Covey shifts focus from the surface-level pursuits of busyness and status to the character ethic - which says true success is about who we are, not just what we achieve. After all, being busy isn't a personality trait, no matter how much we pretend it is on social media. 🤷‍♂️

Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is rated 4.8 on Amazon and 4.2 on Goodreads.

Positive reviews say: Many people said 7 Habits made a difference in their lives because it has simple and applicable insights.

Criticism: Some reviews say the book repeats common sense stuff that you probably already know.

Read Our Summary: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Check Amazon: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

5. Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin

“Habits make change possible by freeing us from decision making and from using self-control.” —Gretchen Rubin

What is the book about?

“Better Than Before” dives deep into the psychology of habits and how we can harness them to transform our lives. By understanding what she calls the Four Tendencies, readers can tailor habit-formation techniques to fit their personality, making change less daunting and more achievable.

Why should you read it?

If you’re the type who’s ever sworn, “This year, I’m really going to stick to my resolutions,” only to find yourself back at square one by February, “Better Than Before” is your roadmap to redemption. Rubin’s blend of personal anecdotes, scientific research, and practical advice makes habit change seem less like climbing Everest and more like a walk in the park. 😎

Top lessons include:

1. 📊 The Four Tendencies: Identify whether you’re an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel. Use your tendency to your advantage in creating and maintaining habits.
2. ⏳ The Strategy of Convenience: Make desired habits easier to do and undesired habits harder.
3. 🔗 The Strategy of Pairing: Combine a habit you need to do with a habit you want to do.

Is it worth reading? Reviews summary:

8. Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke

“The paradox is that hedonism, the pursuit of pleasure for its own sake, leads to anhedonia, which is the inability to enjoy pleasure of any kind.“
—Anna Lembke, MD

What is Dopamine Nation about?

Dopamine Nation explains how to break bad habits using the neuroscience of dopamine, the "pleasure molecule" in our brains. If you want to retrain your brain to like doing hard things, Dr. Anna Lembke shares tools that may help like dopamine fasting, self-binding, truth-telling and leaning into pain.

What are the key takeaways?

1. 🔄 The Pleasure-Pain Balance: Chasing after pleasure can end up backfiring, ironically making us less sensitive to joy and inviting more pain into our lives. It's a cosmic joke that the more we seek, the less we feel.
2. 🚫 30-Day Dopamine Fast: Committing to a month-long break from any compulsive habit is a powerful first step towards regaining the reins of our lives. Think of it as a system reboot for your brain.
3. 💪 Lean Into Pain: To recalibrate our dopamine levels, we must get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Whether it's taking cold showers, hitting the gym, or fasting, embracing a bit of discomfort can lead to significant comfort.

Why should you read it?

Imagine a book that helps you understand why we're all seemingly addicted to things like coffee, Instagram likes, or that that sweet, sweet rush of completing a to-do list. Dr. Anna Lembke takes us on a journey through the neuroscience of pleasure and pain, proving that sometimes, too much of a good thing is exactly as bad as it sounds. 🍩

Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary

Dopamine Nation is rated 4.6 on Amazon and 3.9 on Goodreads.

Positive reviews say: Many people said the book helped them understand dopamine and how to better control themselves in an overstimulating world.

Criticism: Some felt there was too much social commentary that seemed puritanical, and too much emphasis on cold-turkey abstinence.

Read Our Summary: Dopamine Nation Check Amazon: Dopamine Nation

7. The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

“The biggest difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is that successful people are willing to do what unsuccessful people are not.” —The Compound Effect

What is the book about?

“The Compound Effect” shows how tiny changes, compounded over time, can have an incredible impact on your life, finances, and relationships. The book emphasizes that there are no quick fixes or shortcuts to success; rather, it’s the accumulation of small, daily decisions and habits that drive significant change.

Why should you read it?

Have you ever thought about transforming your life with just a few small adjustments? Whether you’re aiming to boost your savings, improve your health, or enhance your relationships, this book lays out how leveraging the compound effect can help you achieve your wildest dreams, one small change at a time. Forget about overnight success—the real secret lies in the power of compounding! 🚀✨

Top lessons include:

1. 🔄 Consistency is Key: The power of doing small things consistently over time can lead to significant achievements. It’s not the big leaps but the small, everyday steps that create massive results.
2. 🎢 Momentum Matters: Once you start making those small changes, momentum builds, making it easier to keep going and even accelerate your progress.
3. 📈 Invisible Results: In the early stages, progress can be invisible. Patience is crucial; the compound effect works silently, but it’s always working.

Is it worth reading? Reviews summary:

8. Deep Work by Cal Newport

“Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not.“
—Cal Newport

What is Deep Work about?

Deep Work is about focusing deeply so you can thrive in your professional career. Cal Newport says reducing distractions and increasing our ability to concentrate will allow us to learn new skills faster and produce higher quality work.

What are the key takeaways?

1. 🧠 Embrace Boredom: Train your brain to enjoy downtime without distractions, enhancing focus.
2. ⏳ Work Deeply: Schedule uninterrupted time for high-value tasks, minimizing distractions for better concentration.
3. 🚫 Quit Social Media: Evaluate and reduce social media use to reclaim focus and deepen work quality.

Why should you read it?

In a world where the siren song of distractions is almost impossible to resist, Cal Newport's "Deep Work" emerges as the lighthouse guiding us back to productivity and meaningful work. Newport champions the invaluable skill of deep work: the ability to focus without distraction on cognitively demanding tasks. He teaches us that in the age of superficiality, the depth of your focus determines the depth of your success. 🏆

Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary

Deep Work is rated 4.6 on Amazon and 4.2 on Goodreads.

Positive reviews say: People love the many actionable tips for avoiding shallow work, focusing deeply, and avoiding all the modern digital distractions.

Criticism: Some say the book could have been much shorter, and it spent too much time arguing for the importance of focus, which most people already agree with.

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9. Hooked by Nir Eyal

“79% of smartphone owners check their device within fifteen minutes of waking up every morning.“
—Nir Eyal

What is Hooked about?

Hooked is a guide for product designers, marketers, and entrepreneurs, showing them how to create digital products that are engaging, compelling, and habit-forming. Nir Eyal reveals how big tech companies like Google, Twitter and Facebook keep us coming back to their apps daily. His "Hooked Model" has 4 stages: trigger, action, variable reward, and investment.

What are the key takeaways?

1. 🧠 1. Why Create User Habits?: Developing user habits is crucial for product longevity and customer retention in the digital age
2. 🚦 2. Start With Triggers: Effective triggers drive consistent usage and reinitiate user interaction with your app
3. 🤝 3. Engineer User Investment: When people invest time or effort, their connection to the product deepens

Why should you read it?

If you're dreaming of creating the next Instagram or just curious about why we can't put down our phones, then this book is your go-to guide. Nir Eyal takes the "habit loop" idea (made popular by books like Atomic Habits), then he spins it upside down, to reveal the secrets behind apps that are highly engaging and habit-forming. It's your blueprint to making anything - from your new app to your social media channel - as irresistible as that last slice of pizza. 🍕

Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary

Hooked is rated 4.5 on Amazon and 4.1 on Goodreads.

Positive reviews say: Insightful model — Thought-provoking — Actionable steps

Criticism: Narrow focus on tech products — Basic for expert UX designers

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10. Ikigai by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles

“Concentrating on one thing at a time may be the single most important factor in achieving flow.“
—Hector Garcia Francesc Miralles

What is Ikigai about?

Ikigai is about finding our life purpose and living longer, according to wisdom from Japan where people do live longer than average. The key ideas include: doing activities that make us feel 'flow', nurturing enjoyable relationships, keeping busy after retirement, and daily light eating and exercise.

What are the key takeaways?

1. 🎯 Find Your Ikigai: Identify where your passion, mission, profession, and market needs meet. This convergence is your Ikigai, your reason for being that brings satisfaction and meaning to life.
2. 🌈 Embrace Small Joys: Ikigai also lies in appreciating life's simple pleasures and moments. Cultivating mindfulness and gratitude for the everyday can significantly enhance your well-being.
3. 🏃‍♂️ Stay Active and Social: Maintaining physical activity and nurturing social connections are central to living your Ikigai. These practices keep you engaged, healthy, and connected to your purpose and community.

Why should you read it?

This book sends you on a heroic quest to uncover your life's secret mission—minus the tights and cape. Your ultimate purpose is *spoiler alert* probably not binge-watching the latest series, but finding that sweet spot where your passion, mission, and other people's needs intersect. Sounds intimidating? You don't need to cure cancer. It's just about finding a reason to jump out of bed in the morning, even if it's about feeling joy in the little things with a community you belong to. 🕺

Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary

Ikigai is rated 4.6 on Amazon and 3.8 on Goodreads.

Positive reviews say: Many readers enjoyed Ikigai as an upbeat and helpful compilation of familiar self-help ideas.

Criticism: Some said the book is too shallow and superficial to really learn much.

Read Our Summary: Ikigai Check Amazon: Ikigai

1. Amazon Books on “Habits”
2. Audible Audiobooks on “Habits”
3. Goodreads “Habits” Shelf
4. FourMinuteBooks Best Habits Books
5. Reddit r/selfimprovement – Best books for discipline and habit building?
6. Teambuilding.com Best Habit Books
7. Brian Johnson – My top 3 habits books of all time
8. John Millen – 5 Best Books for Habit Formation
9. Read This Twice – Best Books on Habits

(cut – High Performance Habits, The One Thing – for Dopamine Nation, Ikigai)