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I’m an avid audiobook listener. Once upon a time, I was a book reader, but these days I prefer to rock the earbuds while knocking out those low-concentration tasks (house cleaning, laundry, walking the dog, etc.). As you might expect as a productivity coach, I geek out over a good habit change or productivity book. So, I thought I’d share with you a list of some of my favorite books on the subject.

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life and Business

By Charles Duhigg

This is one of my all-time favorite books on habit change. I’ve read it multiple times and recommend it to nearly everyone I meet. Duhigg’s book was one of the first I read on the subject, and I’ve discovered that so many of the habit change and productivity books I’ve read since reference this book at one point or another. It’s an excellent book to start your habit changing journey.

The Power of Habit dives into the components of a habit, how habits are created, and how they are broken. Duhigg’s journalistic style brings in scientific studies and personal narratives in a way that keeps you engrossed. He discusses why some habits are tougher to change than others and how shifting a keystone habit can have a cascading effect on other habits.

The Power of Habit sets the foundational understanding of habits. Whether you’re a habit changing newbie or pro, you’ll find plenty of helpful information and deeper understanding of your own habits.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

By James Clear

While The Power of Habit is informative, Atomic Habits is where you start doing the work. Clear’s book is a practical guide to creating the habits you desire by changing your systems. He provides actionable tips and strategies to help make habit change easy. I personally love his approach to making desired habits physically and mentally easier and undesirable habits harder. If we are naturally inclined to do what is easy, why not set yourself up for habit success, right?

He also covers a key component of habit change: identity. Who am I? Who do I want to be? What would a productive/healthy/successful person do? It brings back your habits to the level of conscious choice.

Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives

By Gretchen Rubin

I’m a big fan of all of Gretchen Rubin’s books, and this one is no exception. In Better Than Before, Rubin asks herself the same questions we continually ask ourselves: why are habits so hard to break? Why can’t I manage to maintain this habit even when I really want to? Why are creating and changing habits easier for some people than they are for others? She then explores the answers not just through research but also through her own experiments.

I feel like the personal nature of this habit-change book gives a new perspective to the topic. Instead of being told what to do by the “expert”, it feels like you go on an exploratory journey with a friend. Now, I will say that she does bring in her own views on what she finds to be habits worth pursuing and breaking. As with any book, training, advice you receive, it’s a good idea to take what is useful and leave the rest.

Do Less: A Revolutionary Approach to Time Management for Ambitious Women

By Kate Northrup

While the books mentioned so far have topics and tips that apply to pretty much anyone, this book is a bit more specific with the audience. As the title suggests, Do Less focuses on time management for women and even speaks most specifically to entrepreneurial mothers with young children. Since this is where I am in life, I find the book extremely valuable.

Northrup’s principle involves two main ideas: cyclical time and the vital few. Instead of trying to figure out how to cram more into your day while always feeling defeated and behind, try doing the right thing at the right time. She covers planning your schedule around your natural energy levels (using your menstrual cycle and the moon cycle) as well as determining the essential few tasks that drive the majority of your business successes.

This is a book I come back to again and again. Northrup’s ideas have had a huge impact on how I approach my business and how I help others. If you identify as a #bossmom or #mompreneur, I highly recommend Do Less.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

By Stephen R. Covey

This book is a classic in the world of business leadership, and the principles covered are just as relevant now as they were 30 years ago. While Covey speaks to more than just productivity ideas, the first three habits covered set the groundwork for a forward-thinking, organized, and productive mindset. He discusses the importance of being proactive instead of reactive, being effective over efficient, and aligning your priorities with your values.

I use the principles he suggests in these first three habits in both of my courses: Core Values & Mission 101 and Goal-Setting Workshop. You’ll see his influence in my blog post ideas.

Habits 4-6 focus on a leader’s relationship with others. The seventh habit discusses the importance of self care and self development. Covey does identify as a Christian, and his views and approaches are tied to his religious beliefs. As I mentioned previously, feel free to take what you find relevant and useful, and leave the rest. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone looking to better their habits and effectiveness in business.

While there are many more great habit change and productivity books I love—and may share in the future—these listed above are the ones that have impacted me, my clients, and my business the most. Have a favorite book you want to share with me? Click here and let me know!

Top 5 Books for Productivity Success