5 best books to build healthy habits—and stick to them—in the New Year

In our busy lives, we often get into a rut. Even though we are not always happy with our lives. We do the same things over and over again.

Building new habits is the key to turning your life around. But it’s no easy task. The problem is that we’re not built to change. Our brains are wired to do what’s familiar and comfortable, even if it leads us nowhere. And the more comfortable you become with your routine, the harder it will be to break free from it. 

The key to growth is making small changes that build on each other. Since you can’t change everything at once, you have to build on what has already worked for you so that when you make your next change, it will be easier.

The idea of building new habits has been around for a long time. But, it was only with the advent of social media, that we saw how many people are trying to change their lives by adopting new healthy habits such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, keeping a healthy body weight, or not drinking too much alcohol. 

Now, if you are determined to change your habits and adopt the way you want your life to proceed, you have come to the right place. The books mentioned below are the wisely-chosen books that are effective and trusted by experts around the world. 

1. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

This is a great book for anyone who wants to improve their habits and change their lives for the better. This book is full of research studies that prove that we can change our behaviors if we have the right tools and strategies. It also has stories of people who have been able to change their lives by following these habits.

This is the best book on habits and how you can create new ones. It talks about how patterns are created, why they stick, and what to do when they don’t.

This book is considered one of the best self-help books that offer a wealth of information on habits, motivation, and willpower. If you want to know why people do what they do in life and business, this book is for you. You will learn how to create change in your life by adopting new habits that are based on positive thinking, self-control, and motivation.

2. The Science of Self-Discipline by Peter Hollins

Develop perseverance and never give up. Regardless of your life goals, self-discipline is the missing ingredient. This book carries the message that if you commit the error of relying on inspiration and well-laid strategies, your goals will remain aspirations. The Science of Self-Discipline explores what enables us to overcome our worst impulses and perform, achieve, produce, and concentrate. To make each principle as actionable and valuable as possible, each is scientifically backed and evaluated. 

This is not simply a book; it is a guide to the human psyche that will help you reach your goals every time. Once you comprehend what motivates your cravings and the fundamentals of self-discipline, you will be able to rise above your brief discomfort and focus on what is truly essential. Whether you aspire to be a CEO or simply clean more often, self-discipline is a must-have. This book carries the treasure of ways to adopt self-discipline and succeed in adopting new habits. 

3. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Whatever your goals are, Atomic Habits provides a solid foundation for daily growth. James Clear, one of the world’s greatest specialists on habit formation, offers strategies for developing good habits, breaking harmful ones, and mastering the small actions that lead to big outcomes.

If you’re having trouble changing your habits, it’s not your fault. Your system is the source of the problem. Bad behaviors reoccur not because you are unwilling to change, but because you are employing an inappropriate change process. You do not achieve the level of your goals. You are limited by the quality of your systems. You’ll find a tried-and-true strategy in this book that can catapult you to new heights.

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

Who has not heard of this book title? For nearly three decades, readers have been enthralled by The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, one of the most motivational and influential books ever published. Millions of people of all ages and professions have had their lives altered by it, including presidents and CEOs, teachers, and parents. Now, on the 30th anniversary of the book’s publication, Sean Covey has updated the classic with new material.

Millions upon millions of people worldwide have adopted the 7 Habits into their way of thinking. Why? Because they are effective!

This timeless work explains how to apply the seven principles to everyday life and the workplace. The values of fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity that Stephen R. Covey outlines in this book provide us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities change creates.

5. Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength

A remarkable new study by pioneering research psychologist Roy F. Baumeister and New York Times science journalist John Tierney examines the most sought-after human virtue; self-control. Based on the results of current research and the insights of true specialists, willpower provides counsel on how to redirect one’s energies, overcome temptation, and change one’s course. 

Willpower blends common sense with cutting-edge scientific findings to demonstrate that self-control is required for success in all areas of life, from personal fulfillment to physical well-being to pecuniary well-being.

Conclusion

All the above books are well celebrated by readers since they have been proven greatly effective. The effectiveness of these books depends on how much are you willing to step outside of your comfort and fully step into your growth zone. Regardless of your age and status, these books will lead you to your destination. Grab your favorite and start reading!