If you’ve read our Atomic Habits book review and resonated with James Clear’s writing, chances are you’re looking for more books like Atomic Habits.
Clear, and many others like him, use writing in a unique way that encourages their audience to create lasting change. Have you ever wondered how to write a motivational book?
For instance, in Atomic Habits, James Clear presents a doable framework that can help you achieve your goals. Throughout his book, he shares personal stories, action steps, and inspiring data to help you realize you can truly succeed.
In this article, I share books like Atomic Habits so you can both find inspiration for your daily life and in how you write your own prose.
Below, I list some of the best titles that are similar to Atomic Habits (I even include authors who learned how to write a psychology book in an engaging way that focuses on personal development). Take a look at this roundup for inspiration on the topics and themes in books like Atomic Habits!
Books like Atomic Habits: what’s covered
14 Books like Atomic Habits: your next must-reads
Let’s dive straight into this list of books like Atomic Habits. We’ll start with Essentialism.
1. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, Greg McKeown
This New York Times bestseller has sold more than one million copies. If you are looking for best business books like Atomic Habits and want to prioritize your goals, this book is a must. Adam Grant describes it as, “A timely, essential read for anyone who feels overcommitted, overloaded, or overworked.”
2. The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg
Duhigg works as a business reporter and is so hard-working that he is an award-winning reporter. In his book, he discusses the purpose of habits as well as steps on how to change ones you do not want. He incorporates the science of habits into his book, which has sold over three million copies.
3. Start With Why, Simon Sinek
You may feel that books like Atomic Habits are few and far between. However, this list provides a great resource for your reading journey and wouldn’t be complete without Sinek’s groundbreaking book.
In his book, Sinek discusses the importance of starting every big endeavor by first defining why you want to commit to success in this specific area. He explains that defining your why is crucial for success.
4. How To Change, Katy Milkman
A national bestseller, Milkman uses her research to articulate to readers:
- Common barriers to change
- How to overcome these barriers
- Original research that backs her findings
Looking for books like Atomic Habits? Katy Milkman has you covered by focusing on the following common difficulties:
- Impulsivity
- Procrastination
- Forgetfulness
Read her book and see for yourself that repetition in writing, and in your daily habits, matters.
5. Think And Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill
Referenced as the “Granddaddy of All Motivational Literature,” Napoleon Hill has sold over 15 million copies of his motivational book. Hill not only asks what makes a winner, but shares his findings in this book.
6. Atlas of the Heart, Brené Brown
Brown’s nonfiction belongs in the list of books like Atomic Habits due to its deep-dive into not just important skills, but also in sharing how to handle emotions. Emotions often accompany good habits (or the lack of good habits) and her framework makes for an essential read.
7. Can’t Hurt Me, David Goggins
Known for his intense workouts, structured routines, and strong mindset, Goggins is a well-known name today. However, instead of simply inspiring audiences through his personal routines, Goggins book belongs in the list of books like Atomic Habits for its inspirational aspects as well.
Goggins didn’t always have it easy, but he definitely knows how to write about perseverance!
8. The Mindful Body, Ellen J. Langer
This new release is authored by none other than the first female professor of psychology to earn tenure at Harvard. Changing your thoughts can directly impact your health.
9. Stay Sane In An Insane World, Greg Harden
This motivational self-help book is a top seller in Amazon’s new releases. In this book, Harden shares how to control what you can control to help you achieve the results you desire. Actionable and to the point, Harden’s book aims to help you accomplish the message in its title.
10. What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast, Laura Vanderkam
The trend of morning routines is still strong, and for good reason. In her book, Vanderkam stresses the importance of using your mornings to create the life you desire. With cutting-edge research and relatable stories, her book joins the ranks of books like Atomic Habits.
11. The Asset Mindset, Daniel Fielding
This Former Special Forces Green Beret shares how self-awareness about your thought-processes, and proactive change, can transform your levels of achievement. Despite his impressive past, Fielding’s book is accessible to the average reader.
12. The Mountain Is You, Brianna Wiest
Are you wondering how to write about serious topics? Wiest takes on the challenge of discussing the real struggle of self-sabotage. This well-known nonfiction belongs in books like Atomic Habits because of its unflinching look at the real issues that keep us from growth, and how to overcome them.
13. The Greatness Mindset, Lewis Howes
Released in 2023, this New York Times bestseller teaches you to overcome your fears and experience the power of living into your purpose.
Howes’ subtitle, Unlock the Power of Your Mind and Live Your Best Life Today, sums up his message. If you want to live your best life, you may want to start with your mindset.
14. At Your Best, Carey Nieuwhof
Your life does not need to consist of the normalities many people live with:
- Overwhelming to-do lists
- Distraction from all directions
- Simply doing the next thing without thought
Bestselling author Carey Nieuwhof presents strategies to fight the above and live your daily life at your best. These strategies teach you how to leverage time, energy, and priorities to work in your favor.
Related: How Much Do Self-Help Authors Make
Why books like Atomic Habits matter
Reading self-help, personal development, and various other motivational books help in two ways: they inspire you in your journey and teach you great writing.
Everyone needs inspiration every now and then. Every writer can learn something from other great writers. Why not receive both benefits and save time by reading one book list? Now you can!
Related: 50 Atomic Habits Quotes
Listen to our full interview with James
Your next step to personal development
Even if you read this entire list of books like Atomic Habits, if you don’t take that first step to implementation, change won’t happen.
Here is a short list of tips to help you start your journey:
- Take notes on how these authors use prose to communicate to their readers
- Notice if/how much authors share their own stories to reinforce the book’s theme
- Choose one takeaway from one book you can work on in your own life
- Imagine how implementing what you learned could impact your writing career
Rather than walk away inspired but without changing, commit to implement some of what you learned. This is where the real journey starts.
To help you get off to a great beginning, use the free resource below!
