The idea behind the book

James Clear presents a framework for building good habits and changing unwanted ones. The focus is on the systems around repeated behavior, rather than relying on a burst of motivation.

Who is it for?

• You prefer practical frameworks to a personal memoir.
• You want to examine a routine and make a small adjustment.
• You like nonfiction you can pause, annotate and put into practice.

What to expect

Expect an accessible guide to habits and behavior change. Treat it as a set of ideas to consider and test, rather than a schedule you must follow perfectly.

Before you choose

Reading about a habit is different from changing it. Results depend on your circumstances and follow-through; a useful framework is not a guarantee. Choose a novel instead if what you need today is a story to get lost in.

A reading companion

Before starting, write down one ordinary routine you would like to adjust. After a reading session, choose one small experiment and note what made it easier or harder. Keep the experiment realistic for your day.

What to read next

Ready for a fiction break? The PlotCrush shortlist includes a Hollywood life story and an ensemble mystery, offering two very different ways to switch gears.