Top News

Mumbai: Success isn’t about talent or luck—it’s about consistent habits and self-discipline. Whether you’re striving for personal growth, career success, or better health, the right habits can make all the difference. However, building and maintaining strong habits requires the right mindset, strategies, and a structured approach.

Fortunately, some of the world’s best thinkers and researchers have shared their insights in powerful books on habits and discipline. In this list, we explore seven must-read books that will help you create routines, eliminate distractions, and develop the discipline needed to achieve your goals.

Here are insightful books that provide practical strategies to help you create, sustain, and optimise good habits.

Best books on habits and discipline

Here’s a list of the top seven books that can transform your daily routine and help you unlock your full potential:

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear

One of the most influential books on habit formation, Atomic Habits by James Clear, focuses on the power of small, incremental changes. The book highlights how tiny daily improvements, when compounded over time, can lead to remarkable results.

Clear explains the four laws of behaviour change—cue, craving, response, and reward—making it easier to understand how habits work and how to modify them effectively.

This book is filled with practical strategies to help readers break bad habits, establish good ones, and sustain them long-term. If you’re looking for a scientific and easy-to-follow approach to personal growth, Atomic Habits is a must-read.

2. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg delves deep into the science behind habit formation and how we can rewire our brains to adopt positive behaviours. The book is based on psychological and neurological research and provides compelling case studies from businesses, athletes, and everyday individuals who have successfully transformed their lives through habit change.

Duhigg introduces the Habit Loop, which consists of three elements: cue, routine, and reward. Understanding this loop is essential for reshaping our daily behaviours.

If you’re interested in the psychology behind habits and want to explore real-life examples, this book offers valuable insights that can help you make lasting changes.

3. Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg

Sometimes, making big changes can feel overwhelming. Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg, a Stanford behaviour scientist, argues that small, easy-to-do actions can lead to significant long-term transformations.

Instead of forcing yourself into drastic lifestyle changes, Fogg recommends starting with small, manageable habits that gradually build up into larger, sustainable behaviours. For example, instead of committing to an intense workout routine, start with one push-up a day. By keeping your habit small and effortless, you increase the chances of sticking to it.

This book is perfect for those who struggle with motivation or consistency and need a simple, step-by-step approach to building better habits.

4. The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma

A great morning routine can set the tone for a productive and successful day. The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma explores the power of waking up early and using the first hour of your day for self-improvement.

Sharma introduces the 20/20/20 formula, which divides the first hour into three parts:

• 20 minutes of exercise to boost energy and health.
• 20 minutes of reflection or meditation to clear the mind.
• 20 minutes of learning to develop skills and gain knowledge.

This book is a great choice for anyone looking to maximise their mornings, improve discipline, and build high-performance habits.

5. Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin

Understanding your personality type is key to forming sustainable habits, and Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin offers a personalised approach to habit-building. Rubin identifies four personality tendencies—Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels—each of which responds differently to expectations and habit formation.

By identifying which type you belong to, you can tailor your habit-building strategy for long-term success. The book is full of real-life anecdotes, research-backed insights, and self-discovery exercises, making it a valuable resource for those struggling to maintain consistency.

If you’ve ever wondered why some habits stick while others don’t, this book provides customised solutions that align with your natural tendencies.

6. High-Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard

What separates high achievers from the rest? In High-Performance HabitsBrendon Burchard identifies six powerful habits that contribute to exceptional success. Based on extensive research and interviews with world-class performers, Burchard reveals habits such as:

• Clarity – Setting clear goals and understanding your purpose.
• Energy – Maintaining high levels of energy and focus.
• Necessity – Cultivating an internal drive to achieve excellence.
• Productivity – Maximising efficiency through effective time management.
• Influence – Developing leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Courage – Taking bold actions despite challenges.

This book is ideal for individuals who aspire to increase productivity, develop leadership skills, and unlock their highest potential.

7. Make Your Bed by Admiral William H McRaven

Sometimes, small habits lead to big success. Make Your Bed by Admiral William H McRaven, a retired US Navy SEAL, emphasises the power of simple daily habits that shape a strong mindset and disciplined lifestyle.

Inspired by his famous University of Texas commencement speech, McRaven shares ten life lessons he learned from Navy SEAL training. The most famous one? Start your day by making your bed. This small habit gives you an immediate sense of accomplishment and sets a positive tone for the rest of your day.

Building strong habits and unstoppable discipline isn’t an overnight process—it’s a journey of small, consistent improvements. These seven books offer the knowledge, techniques, and motivation to help you make lasting changes in your life.

Whether you’re looking to boost productivity, enhance self-control, or create a winning routine, these books provide the roadmap to success. The key is to start small, stay committed, and keep refining your habits over time. Pick a book from this list, take action, and watch how your life transforms!