One reason people tend to procrastinate is because they haven’t yet created habit around the thing they are trying to do.

Making changes in life often requires creating new habits. But how do you do that in a way that feels good and actually sticks? These books by top-notch experts can help you make meaningful change by creating healthy habits.

“Stolen Focus” by Johann Hari

Before you read anything else on this list, I highly recommend “Stolen Focus” by Johann Hari. It is the only book I’ve read that calls out the systemic issues that contribute to our challenges related to productivity. In other words, your difficulty with creating and sticking to habits isn’t entirely your fault. Understanding the bigger picture can be very helpful in releasing the guilt you may feel about your struggles, and in devising solutions that actually work in the real world.

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear

I highly recommend this book that offers practical strategies for forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. I love the focus in this book on small, incremental change and how it can add up to a manageable and sustainable new habit.

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear

I highly recommend this book that offers practical strategies for forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. I love the focus in this book on small, incremental change and how it can add up to a manageable and sustainable new habit.

“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg

This book digs into the science about how habits are formed, how they function, how they can be modified, and how they influence our lives and our business world. If you’re looking for “hacks” to change your habits, this isn’t for you. If, however, you’re like me and love to really understand how your brain works, then you’ll enjoy the well-researched aspect of this book.

“The Willpower Instinct” by Kelly McGonigal

I love a well-researched book, and this is definitely one of those. It explains the science of self-control and how it can be harnessed to improve health, happiness, and productivity. This book is equal parts informative, inspiring, and practical with exercises to help you begin forming new habits.

“The Willpower Instinct” by Kelly McGonigal

I love a well-researched book, and this is definitely one of those. It explains the science of self-control and how it can be harnessed to improve health, happiness, and productivity. This book is equal parts informative, inspiring, and practical with exercises to help you begin forming new habits.

“High-Performance Habits” by Brendon Burchard

Coach Brendon Burchard shares the six habits that he says move the needle the most in helping you succeed (based on his research with high achievers). The book includes exercises and daily practices you can implement to begin developing these important habits.

“One Day My Soul Just Opened Up” by Iyanla Vanzant

If you’re not into spirituality and self-help, steer clear of this one. If you are, however, this 40-day journal/workbook provides daily lessons and practices to help you think about and rewire your internal habits.

“One Day My Soul Just Opened Up” by Iyanla Vanzant

If you’re not into spirituality and self-help, steer clear of this one. If you are, however, this 40-day journal/workbook provides daily lessons and practices to help you think about and rewire your internal habits.