10 Books Like Atomic Habits That Help You Build A Better Life

5 Mins Read
Share
Books Like AH_cover

Loved Atomic Habits? Here’s What You Should Read Next 

James Clear’s Atomic Habits isn’t just a bestseller—it’s a movement. From productivity nerds to wellness seekers, readers across the world swear by its small-steps-big-results philosophy. If you’ve read it (or even just highlighted a few powerful quotes on Instagram), you know the impact it can have. To help you keep the momentum going, we’ve handpicked 10 books like Atomic Habits that echo the same themes—habit-building, behaviour change, better living.  

(Read: Why Everyone Is Reading Atomic Habits by James Clear) 

Whether you’re working on your mindset, personal routines, or building something bigger—like a career or company culture—these books are loaded with tools, stories, and systems that make self-improvement practical.  

Books Like Atomic Habits

A modern classic that laid the groundwork for Atomic Habits, Duhigg’s book dives into the science behind why we do what we do. Using fascinating real-world examples—from Procter & Gamble’s marketing tactics to NFL coaching—it breaks down the habit loop: cue, routine, reward. If you’re curious about the brain mechanics behind habit formation and want a companion read that’s both gripping and insightful, this one’s essential. 

Long before “atomic” habits became a buzzword, Covey’s 7 habits helped millions set personal and professional foundations. The book is structured around timeless principles like being proactive, thinking win-win, and beginning with the end in mind. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a bigger framework to structure your life around, with a mix of self-awareness, purpose, and long-term growth. 

From Stanford professors comes this life-design playbook, rooted in design thinking. You’re encouraged to prototype your future, experiment with ideas, and create a life that works for you. It echoes the Atomic Habits mindset of small, intentional steps—just with a splash of creativity and career focus. Perfect for those stuck at a crossroads or itching to rethink what success should look like. 

This book answers the why behind the what. Sinek’s core belief is simple: people and companies that start with “why” inspire action and lead with impact. It’s a mindset shift that pairs well with habit-building—because when you know your purpose, your daily habits gain meaning. Whether you’re building a brand, leading a team, or seeking personal clarity, this book sharpens your inner compass. 

If Atomic Habits helps shape individual behaviour, The Culture Code zooms out to the group level. Coyle explores how elite teams—from Pixar to the Navy SEALs—build strong cultures through trust, safety, and shared goals. With a habit-first lens, it’s a great read for leaders and team players trying to shape a workplace (or family) culture that thrives over time. 

In an age of hustle, Newport offers a counterintuitive idea: doing less, better. Slow Productivity blends habit change with deep work strategies, helping you focus on meaningful tasks and avoid burnout. If Atomic Habits made you rethink your morning routine, this one will help you manage your workload, deadlines, and mental energy in a way that actually feels sustainable. 

This short but powerful book shows how small actions create life-changing momentum. Inspired by a Navy SEAL speech that went viral, McRaven shares 10 simple lessons that build resilience, purpose, and grit. If you’re looking for books like Atomic Habits, this is a perfect follow-up read as it celebrates the power of small wins—starting with something as basic as making your bed. A great starter for anyone feeling stuck or low on motivation. 

Think of this one as a mathematical cousin to Atomic Habits. Hardy focuses on how consistent, smart decisions—no matter how tiny—snowball into massive change. Whether it’s saving money, getting fit, or learning a new skill, he offers a system to stay on track. There’s a strong emphasis on discipline, daily action, and trimming distractions that pull you off-course. 

By BJ Fogg 

BJ Fogg is the behavioural scientist who inspired James Clear, and Tiny Habits is his field-tested guide. Based on years of research, the book teaches you how to create habits by anchoring them to existing ones. Want to floss every night? Start by flossing just one tooth. It’s quirky, it’s smart, and it works. If you liked the logic behind Atomic Habits, this one’s a goldmine. 

Switch is all about change—why it’s hard, and how to make it stick. The Heath brothers use the “Rider, Elephant, Path” analogy to show how rational thought, emotion, and environment must align for transformation. Their insights apply to everything from workplace behaviour to breaking bad habits. If you’re struggling to follow through with what Atomic Habits started, this will help you move past the mental blocks.