Best Behavior Change Books: 7-Day Challenge to Build Better Habits & Mindset
Struggling to break bad habits? This 7-day challenge introduces the best books on behavior change, teaching you how to rewire your brain and create lasting positive change.
Day 1
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.
"Habits, scientists say, emerge because the brain is constantly looking for ways to save effort." —Charles Duhigg
Why 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. 🐶
Day 2
Thinking, Fast and Slow explains how people make decisions using two mental systems: "fast" thinking is instinctive and emotional, while "slow" thinking is deliberate and logical.
Daniel Kahneman helps us understand our when our mind fall into common biases and irrational shortcuts, so we can make better decisions in the future.
"A reliable way to make people believe in falsehoods is frequent repetition, because familiarity is not easily distinguished from truth." —Daniel Kahneman
Day 3
"Predictably Irrational" by Dan Ariely explores the hidden forces that shape our decisions, demonstrating through a series of experiments and insights that humans do not always act rationally.
Ariely delves into behavioral economics to explain why people often make irrational choices in their daily lives and how these choices affect consumer behavior.
"Even the most analytical thinkers are predictably irrational; the really smart ones acknowledge and address their irrationalities." —Dan Ariely
Why read it?
Dan Ariely uses engaging research and real-world examples to show just how often we stray from rationality.
This book is not only fascinating but also immensely useful, particularly for marketers, as it explains the underlying motives behind consumer choices.
Whether you’re a professional in the field or simply curious about human nature, this book offers valuable insights into the irrational ways we all behave.
Day 4
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is a self-help book that explains how powerful people have gained and maintained their control over the centuries.
While controversial for its manipulative tactics, this book also shares eye-opening insights into history, strategy, and human nature.
"Powerful people impress and intimidate by saying less. The more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish." —Robert Greene
Day 5
Influence is about six principles of persuasion useful for sales, marketing, and negotiation.
Professor Robert Cialdini backs his ideas with a lot of science research.
The six principles are: reciprocity, commitment and consistency, social proof, liking, authority and scarcity.
"Our best evidence of what people truly feel and believe comes less from their words than from their deeds." —Robert Cialdini
Why read it?
Influence may be the greatest marketing book of all time.
But more than that, like a secret playbook of the human mind—a deep dive into our decision-making process.
Think of it as a crash course in "Why did I just agree to that?" or "Why did I just buy that?" It's a must-read, whether you are a marketer, salesperson, or you just want to communicate with more influence.
By the end, you'll understand why we say "yes" to things that make no sense, from buying stocks we know nothing about to subscribing to that cheese-of-the-month club. 🧀
Day 6
"Made to Stick" by Chip and Dan Heath teaches how to explain your ideas and thoughts so they capture attention, persuade others, and stick in people's minds.
Learn why some ideas become popular and others fail using their research-based SUCCESs framework, which outlines six key principles: Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotions, and Stories.
"The most basic way to get someone's attention is this: Break a pattern." —Chip Heath
Why read it?
Curious why some ideas become popular while others flop? "Made to Stick" by Chip and Dan Heath cracks the code on what makes ideas unforgettable, by analyzing everything from hit marketing campaigns to political slogans, classic folktales, and even crazy conspiracy theories.
Perfect for marketers, educators, entrepreneurs, or anyone eager to make their message as clingy as gum on a shoe in summer. 👟
Day 7
Atomic Habits is about how tiny, consistent changes in behavior—atomic habits—can lead to remarkable results over time.
James Clear breaks down the science of habit formation and gives a clear, actionable 4-step system for building good habits and breaking bad ones.
Instead of focusing on goals, he emphasizes systems, identity change, and the power of compound growth.
"Goals are about the results you want to achieve. Systems are about the processes that lead to those results." —James Clear
Why read it?
If you’ve ever told yourself “This is the year I get my life together!” and then immediately binge-watched three seasons of a show you don’t even like… Atomic Habits is the book for you.
It’s not about grinding harder or becoming a productivity robot—it’s about sneaky, science-backed ways to trick your brain into becoming the kind of person who actually follows through.
