Studies show that approximately 45% of what we do each day relies on our habits. The challenge is our habits become so ingrained in our decision-making that I bet most of us don’t even realize how much they can affect us.
Take, for example, something as simple as how you put your coat on. Do you put your right or left arm in first?
I wouldn’t be surprised if you have never really thought of it.
The other week I challenged myself to use the opposite arm I usually start with to put my coat on first. Beginning with my left arm took a lot more effort, and it slowed me down.
Our brain doesn’t like it when we alter how we do things because it has to work harder. Our brain wants to help us run efficiently as possible, so if it doesn’t have to think about something (like how you tie your shoe or put your coat on), it’s not going to.
Altering the way we do things takes effort, and most of the time, it’s uncomfortable. So instead, we succumb to doing everything the same way, even if it’s not the best way to get the job done.
Habits are so increasingly vital because they are the backbone of accomplishing our goals. It may sound harsh, but you will not achieve your goals unless you have the proper habits instilled in your day-to-day activities.
There are many books I have read in the past ten years that focus strategically on mastering habits to live a more successful life. Through these books, I have challenged and rejected habits that no longer serve me any purpose.
Here are three I recommend:
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
I read this book a few years ago and found a lot of information helpful in both my professional and personal life. There were many moments I remember thinking, wow, this makes perfect sense, and I felt inclined to scrutinize many of my habits.
Shortly after reading this book, I gave up coffee creamer and began strength training instead of my usual workout routine.
The book helps to interrupt what’s no longer working in your life if you are willing to work at it. It was named one of the best books of the year by The Wall Street Journal and Financial Times
What You Will Learn:
-Why habits exist and how they can be changed
–About the five cues that can have an impact on your habits. The five cues are location, time of day, a specific emotional state, other people, or a pattern of behaviors. This was by far one of the biggest takeaways for me.
– Understanding why willpower is an essential habit and how you can strengthen it
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
This book is jam-packed with a lot of information. I suggest reading it in small amounts and returning to the book often. I have found that implementing the different lessons must be practiced numerous times until they become a habit.
When you find ideas that resonate with you, write them down. Doing so will make it easier to implement what you learn.
A few things you will learn:
–The ability to understand your deepest values and how this can alter your life
-How to listen to understand and comprehend, not just respond (this concept has changed every conversation I have had since)
–How to take a proactive stance in your life to achieve more both professionally and personally
–It helps you recognize what happens to you, and your response to it is all affected by your choices
-Provides a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity
–The 7 habits he discusses:
- Be proactive
- Begin with the end in mind
- Put first things first
- Think win/win
- Seek first to understand then be understood
- Synergize
- Sharpen the saw
The 5 a.m. Club by Robin Sharma
I read the 5 a.m. club when the pandemic first began. I had a hard time putting it down. It is a straightforward read and although the lessons provided come off as simple, implementing them is very challenging.
And yes, the author suggests getting up at 5 a.m. and strategically owning your day. Author Robin Sharma wrote the book after observing the most successful people in the world.
A few things you will learn:
-The importance of forgoing immediate gratification to achieve the results you truly want
-How you can avoid digital distractions to amplify your success and output
-The 90/90/1 Rule: For the next 90 days, use the first 90 minutes of your workday to focus on one project that matters the most.
-How to produce high level achievements and increase your happiness
-How To Focus on The Four Interior Empires: mindset, heartset, healthset, and soulset.
- Mindset: Learning to optimize your self-talk
- Heartset: The importance of ridding yourself of toxic feelings
- Healthset: How Physical fitness ensures we can operate at our highest level
- Soulset: Practicing meditation and reflection.
Of course, there are many other brilliant books on habits, but these are three that I enjoyed.
If you have any other suggestions for books on habits, please comment below.
Other reads you may enjoy:
20 Tips To Help You Live A Better Life
How To Step Outside Your Comfort Zone And Live The Life You Were Meant For
What Makes A Woman Successful In Life?
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