6 books on habits, focus and meaningful goals

These six books address different questions: changing habits, making room for demanding work, discussing priorities and returning to creativity. Choose according to your current need. Completing the whole selection is optional.

Each entry links to the author or publisher so you can check the edition. The application questions are our editorial suggestions, rather than promises of results or a summary of every argument in the book.

Atomic Habits — James Clear

Clear's book explores habit change through small actions and the design of everyday surroundings. It offers an introduction to a practical approach to repeated behaviour. Visit the author's book page.

A question to read with: which action is difficult to repeat, and what could I prepare beforehand? Choose one example from your life. Avoid treating a promotional formula about daily improvement as a mathematical guarantee.

Deep Work — Cal Newport

Newport examines work on cognitively demanding tasks without distraction and the arrangements that make space for it. Read the author's description.

A question to read with: which task needs sustained attention, and which interruptions could be reduced by agreement? Account for the role: someone on call or providing live support may need to remain available.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen R. Covey

Covey presents an approach to personal effectiveness through principles, priorities and relationships. The anniversary edition includes additional material from Sean Covey. Check the publisher's listing.

A question to read with: which priority should shape a decision I am about to make? Treat the framework as something to examine, rather than a character assessment for people going through difficult circumstances.

Start with Why — Simon Sinek

Sinek discusses purpose, leadership and communication through the framework he calls the Golden Circle. Visit the author's book page.

A question to read with: can I explain who my project serves and why it exists? Then check whether that explanation helps another person understand the proposal. An inspiring statement still needs a workable plan.

Big Magic — Elizabeth Gilbert

Gilbert reflects on creative living, curiosity and the fear that can accompany making something new. The book offers an author's perspective on creativity. Read Gilbert's introduction.

A question to read with: what small creative idea would I like to try without requiring immediate recognition? Personal creative experience should not be mistaken for a universal psychological theory.

The Last Lecture — Randy Pausch with Jeffrey Zaslow

Pausch's book, written with Zaslow, develops reflections on life lessons and dreams associated with his well-known lecture. Check the publisher's information.

A question to read with: what would I like to give attention to within my circumstances? The story includes serious illness and mortality, so choose a suitable moment. It is a personal account, not a medical guide.

Choose the first book

Write one question, inspect the contents and read an available sample. For a fuller comparison process, use our guide to choosing a personal development book.

While reading, you can keep one idea, one question and one possible action. There is no need to adopt an author's entire system at once. For claims about habit change, compare the advice with our guide to habit formation research.

Once you have chosen, prepare a convenient moment to read. A chapter you understand and discuss can be more useful than racing to finish a long list.