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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Read these 6 life-changing books in 2025 for better habits and creative success
Written by Krishika Dinesh Rathod In the ever-evolving chaos of deadlines, burnout, social media fatigue, and the constant chase for purpose, motivation can often feel like a rare luxury. But sometimes, the right book can act like a matchstick—reigniting your spark, guiding you gently but firmly out of your slump. it's clear that people are not only craving productivity, but also connection, creativity, and meaning. Whether you're trying to kickstart a new habit, redefine success, or simply believe in yourself again, here are six life-altering books that offer more than just words—they offer perspective. From atomic changes in your habits to magical breakthroughs in creativity and community, these reads are the emotional and intellectual fuel your year needs. James Clear's Atomic Habits has practically become a modern bible for those seeking sustainable change. Rather than pushing massive overhauls, the book promotes the philosophy of 1% improvements—small actions done consistently that lead to remarkable transformations over time. Whether you're struggling with procrastination, trying to stay consistent at the gym, or simply want to wake up earlier, this book teaches you how to design systems that work for you. What sets this apart is its practicality. Backed by behavioral psychology and personal anecdotes, Clear shows you how to stack good habits, remove friction from your life, and rewire your identity. It's not about motivation—it's about method. Price: ₹599 Publisher: Random House Business Books Pages: 320 Before James Clear, there was Charles Duhigg—whose The Power of Habit explained the neuroscience behind how habits form and how we can take control of them. Drawing from riveting real-life case studies—like how Febreze almost failed or how Starbucks trains its baristas—Duhigg explains the cue-routine-reward loop that governs most of our behaviors. This book isn't just for personal improvement but also dives into how habits shape companies, communities, and movements. For anyone curious about the deep science of behavior, this one is a brilliant and eye-opening journey into the mechanics of change. Price: ₹499 Publisher: Random House UK Pages: 371 If you've ever said 'no' out of fear or imposter syndrome, Year of Yes will feel like a permission slip to finally say 'yes' to life. Shonda Rhimes—the powerhouse behind Grey's Anatomy and Scandal—was a shy introvert who preferred staying behind the scenes. Until one day, her sister casually remarked, 'You never say yes to anything.' That one sentence sparked a transformational year of saying 'yes' to things that scared her. What follows is a humorous, emotional, and empowering narrative that challenges you to expand your world by stepping outside your comfort zone. Rhimes' voice is authentic, relatable, and inspiring—a must-read for anyone afraid to take up space. Price: ₹699 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Pages: 352 Creativity is not just for artists—it's a life force. In Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert (of Eat, Pray, Love fame) invites readers to engage with creativity in its most liberating form. With equal parts whimsy and wisdom, she discusses fear, perfectionism, originality, and what it means to live a creative life. Gilbert doesn't romanticize the artist's struggle. Instead, she offers a hopeful, joyous approach to creating without pressure. Whether you're a writer, entrepreneur, or simply someone who wants to try something new, this book gives you permission to start without waiting to be perfect. Price: ₹499 Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Pages: 288 In 2025, when digital connections are plentiful but real friendships are rare, Jennie Allen's Find Your People feels timely and urgent. This book dives deep into the epidemic of loneliness and the human need for belonging. Rather than focusing on superficial social tips, Allen explores how vulnerability, shared rhythms, and intentionality help build deep, soulful relationships. It's especially relevant for young adults navigating post-pandemic isolation or those who've relocated for work or studies. Packed with research, spiritual insight, and practical exercises, it's a heartfelt guide to rebuilding your social fabric. Price: ₹699 Publisher: WaterBrook Pages: 256 What makes a life truly fulfilling? That's the central question The Good Life attempts to answer through the lens of the world's longest scientific study on happiness—the Harvard Study of Adult Development. Waldinger and Schulz, the directors of this landmark study, reveal that strong relationships—not wealth or fame—are the key to long-term well-being. Drawing on over 80 years of interviews, data, and stories, this book is both deeply scientific and emotionally moving. It's perfect for those in search of purpose, re-evaluating their priorities, or wondering what really matters in the long run. Price: ₹799 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Pages: 352 Each of these six books has the potential to shift your mindset in 2025—whether it's building better habits, chasing your creativity, deepening relationships, or learning to say 'yes' to yourself. What unites them all is a core belief: growth doesn't have to be loud or flashy. It can be quiet, consistent, and deeply personal. So, if you're looking to reset, reflect, or rise in the year ahead let one (or all) of these books be your starting point. (The writer is an intern with
Entrepreneur
28-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Struggling to Stick to a Routine? Here's How AI Can Help
With the right systems in place, consistency stops feeling like a grind and starts feeling automatic. AI won't do the work for you — but it can make it a lot easier. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. I've always believed that consistency beats intensity. At the gym, I exercise for 30 minutes daily, rather than several grueling hours once a week. Every morning, I commit to writing 400 words, which I much prefer to banging out half a book in one caffeine-fueled haze. In the early years of building my company, there were no massive funding rounds — just showing up day in, day out, solving problems and improving my product one step at a time. That's why this quote from Atomic Habits author James Clear has always stuck with me: "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." In other words, it's not your ambition that carries you forward — it's your habits. And the truth is, building good habits is hard, especially when you're running a business. You're pulled in a hundred different directions, and it's easy for even the most adamant resolutions to fall apart after a few days. Even so, building routines can be tough — they require persistence, dedication and a surprising amount of mental energy just to stay on track. You have to remember your goals, fight off distractions and constantly reorient yourself when things get chaotic. But here's the good news: You don't have to do it all manually. Thanks to AI, it's now possible to build systems that help you stay consistent without burning out. I've always been pretty adamant about my routines, but now, it's easier than ever. Here's how I'm approaching it. Related: 7 Ways AI Made My Work Smarter — and Not Harder Use AI as an accountability partner At work, you've got a manager (or a board). At the gym, you may have a trainer. It's clear that having someone to hold you accountable adds an extra layer of urgency to achieving your goals. After all, it's harder to blow off that morning workout knowing you're keeping someone waiting (who you'll still have to pay if you hit snooze). With AI, accountability doesn't have to be external. AI agents — autonomous decision-makers that can take action on your behalf, in particular, can do more than just nudge you about your to-do list. They can check in, track progress, adapt routines and even suggest improvements. That kind of support system used to require a team. Now, it can be built into your daily workflow. Say you struggle, for example, with carving out time to work on a new product. Tools like Motion integrate directly with your calendar to track your habits, block focus time and adjust dynamically when conflicts arise. If you want to start prioritizing an hour of deep work every day post-morning coffee, a tool like this can afford these commitments the same weight as a meeting, automatically protecting your time and reminding you when it's time to get started. Cut down on decision fatigue One of the biggest reasons we abandon routines isn't a lack of motivation — it's decision fatigue. Considering the average person makes 35,000 decisions a day, it's no wonder we struggle to effectively prioritize our time. When every action requires mental effort, from choosing what to work on to when to do it, we quickly burn out. Ironically, creating structure is one of the best ways to stave off the pressure of making decisions. I often think of the advice I've heard from pro athletes, who afford themselves zero room for waffling or negotiating when it comes to their training schedules. It's cold out today? Too bad. They didn't sleep well the night before? Also, too bad. There's no decision involved — only doing. That level of consistency doesn't come from motivation — it comes from removing choice from the equation. And that's where AI can play a powerful role. By automating the when, what and even how long, AI systems help you stick to routines without needing to summon willpower every time. And while it's true that no tool can force you to follow through on a commitment, they can do the next best thing: Cut off your access to distractions. When I can't trust myself not to procrastinate a task I'd rather avoid, I use a platform like Freedom, which simply blocks my ability to lose myself in online distractions. It's simple, but incredibly effective. Related: Why Smart Entrepreneurs Let AI Do the Heavy Business Lifting Don't just build routines — design systems A lot of people confuse routines with checklists: wake up, meditate, answer emails, repeat. But the most effective routines aren't strict — they're adaptive. They fluctuate with your schedule, adapt to your goals and grow along with you. That's where AI shines — not just in tracking habits, but in helping you design systems that actually fit your life. Say your kid gets sick and needs to get picked up from school, or even go to the doctor. Life happens. But it doesn't mean your whole day needs to fall apart completely. For this, I like Reclaim and Clockwise, which can intelligently reschedule tasks when your best-laid plans take a sudden turn. Instead of you adjusting to your routine, the system adjusts to you. With the right systems in place, consistency stops feeling like a grind and starts feeling automatic. AI won't do the work for you — but it can make it a lot easier to show up, day after day, and keep moving forward.
India.com
27-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- India.com
7 Best Self-Improvement Books That Changed My Life
photoDetails english 2922949 These 7 self-improvement books offer powerful lessons on habits, mindset, resilience, and purpose. From Atomic Habits to The Power of Now each novel provides practical strategies and deep insights for personal growth in life. Whether you're seeking discipline, clarity, or emotional healing, these books can inspire real and drastic change and help you become the best version of yourself. Updated:Jun 27, 2025, 12:09 PM IST Habits by James Clear: 1 / 7 Atomic Habits by James Clear: This is one of the best-selling books that teaches how small changes in daily habits can lead to remarkable long-term results. James Clear breaks down habit formation using science-backed strategies, and through this, he makes self-improvement simple and sustainable. A book everyone must have in their wardrobe if you are looking to transform your routines. ( All Image Credits: Amazon/ Gemini) 2. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: 2 / 7 The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: The author of this book urges readers to live in the present moment rather than being stuck in past regrets or future anxieties. A powerful book that helps reduce stress and increase mindfulness,also reshaping how we approach life and time. 3. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: 3 / 7 Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: This is known as one of the most iconic self-help books, as it blends personal success stories with timeless principles of wealth, mindset and also goal settings. The author Hill emphasizes the power of belief, persistence and also clearly defined desires in achieving success in life. 4. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey: 4 / 7 The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey: This classic novel focuses on character-building habits that foster both personal and professional success. In this book, you will find the author's holistic approach, which includes both being proactive and prioritizing wisely, a book or a timeless guide for leadership and growth. 5. You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay: 5 / 7 You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay: Through this book Louise introduces the idea that your thoughts and beliefs are the one which shape your physical and emotional health. And through affirmations and self-love practices, the book empowers readers to break limiting beliefs and embrace healing and positivity in their life. 6. Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins: 6 / 7 Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins: In this novel the author shares his life journey from trauma and obesity to becoming a Navy SEAL and endurance athlete. With this book he motivates people through his philosophy of mental toughness and pushing beyond limits which is also brutally honest. 7. Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven: 7 / 7 Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven: This book is inspired by a Navy SEAL speech. A short but impactful book offers life lessons based on military training. From making your bed to standing tall under pressure, a must book that teaches small habits lead to big changes.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
I can think of so many things I love. I'll bet you can, too, and it's empowering
Most friendships include the occasional commiseration conversation. When we're young, those discussions center on homework or dating or parental interference. Eventually, we graduate to work disputes, financial woes and relationship friction. Alas, I've reached the age at which those conversations are constant rather than occasional, and the sources of angst generally are weight gain, politics and maladies. I pride myself on being a positive person, but sometimes waking up with aching knees and a bum shoulder can get depressing. Add to that a volatile stock market, sketchy medical bills and a car issue that may, or may not, be covered by warranty, and it's easy to wallow. Then a friend shared this quote: 'Focus on the things you are for, not the things you are against. Many people spend large chunks of their day thinking about what they hate. They are always telling you about something they dislike: this food, that subject, this political party, that co-worker. You are more than your frustrations. Build your identity around what you love.' It's attributed to James Clear, author of 'Atomic Habits,' though the Google could neither confirm nor deny its origins. Regardless, the message is empowering. So here goes, a few things I love: — I've taken up swimming for the second summer. I've worked my way up to swimming three times a week, one mile at a time. I've learned not to plan anything within two hours of a swim session, because it takes me that long to stop sweating. The thing I love most about swimming? I barely feel those achy joints anymore. — The babies have grown up and gone to college. The toddlers have toddlers of their own. That's how long my family has been gathering for our annual summer reunions. You'd think we'd be tired of them by now, but we're not. This year's trip is three weeks out, and the phone calls and group texts are in full swing as we plan meals, field trips and cabin assignments. I've also started stocking up on Publix BOGOs. (Yay for free Pop-Tarts!) — I recently started driving a new-to-me car that came equipped with Apple CarPlay. How have I driven four and a half decades without being able to shuffle my Pandora stations? Any drive is better when it features Billy Joel, Bonnie Raitt, Tyler Childers, the Partridge Family, Marcia Ball and Willie Nelson. It's also kind of awesome having an on-screen map that tells me when I'm 12 minutes from home. — After 21 years of marriage, my husband knows I'm dead calm when I've sliced off the tip of my finger while cutting potatoes. Blood-curdling screams are saved for flying roaches. — I have solved one of the world's greatest mysteries: Where errant socks go. Turns out we're not paranoid. The washing machine really does eat them. At least mine does. Socks like to get caught in the rubber gasket that seals my front-load washer. Sorry, pups. Didn't mean to wrongly accuse you. — And while we're talking about pups, my life is good. There are people who are literally allergic to dogs. — I love having friends who run the gamut when it comes to age, gender and political preferences. They make me smarter, and they make me laugh. They help me understand different perspectives, and they validate my beliefs. A life of homogeneity would be so dull. These are just a few of the things around which I want to build my identity. Now it's your turn. Will you focus on the things you love? Or will you let the things you hate define you? Suzy Fleming Leonard is a retired journalist who spent 25 years as a writer, editor and columnist at FLORIDA TODAY. Reach her at suzy@ This article originally appeared on Florida Today: When you fill your life with love, there's no room for hate | Leonard
Indian Express
16-06-2025
- Indian Express
Loved ‘Atomic Habits'? 5 must-read books to build discipline & effect lasting change
James Clear's Atomic Habits has become a global sensation. Its actionable advice on how to build better habits and break bad ones continues to resonate with millions. With a focus on tiny changes that lead to big results, Clear's approach blends behavioural science, practical strategies, and motivational insight to help readers create systems for long-term success. If you found Atomic Habits helpful, you will like these five books that will help you build disciplne. In The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg explores how habits form, how they shape our lives, and how they can be changed. Drawing on neuroscience and real-world examples, he introduces the 'habit loop'—cue, routine, reward—and explains how understanding this loop allows individuals and organizations to transform behavior. From how Target predicts customer purchases to how Olympic athletes train their minds, Duhigg uncovers the hidden patterns behind everyday actions. The book is rich in storytelling and packed with insight, offering a framework for replacing unproductive behaviours with empowering ones. Whether you're aiming to break bad habits or build better ones, this book lays out the science and strategy behind meaningful change. Deep Work makes the case for cultivating focus in a world full of distractions. Cal Newport defines 'deep work' as the ability to concentrate without distraction on cognitively demanding tasks, a skill that leads to faster learning, higher quality results, and greater fulfillment. Drawing from psychology, productivity research, and stories of successful thinkers, he outlines practical techniques for carving out time, reducing digital noise, and structuring your day for deep focus. Newport's strategies include embracing boredom, scheduling downtime, and creating rituals that make intense concentration a daily habit. This book challenges the culture of busyness and multitasking, offering a compelling blueprint for anyone who wants to do more meaningful, impactful work. In Tiny Habits, BJ Fogg presents a groundbreaking method for behavior change that starts with the smallest possible actions. Instead of relying on motivation, which fluctuates, Fogg recommends starting with easy, low-effort steps, such as flossing one tooth or doing a single push-up, and tying them to existing routines. These tiny changes, reinforced by positive emotion and consistency, grow into lasting habits. Based on Fogg's years of research in behavioural psychology at Stanford, the book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life success stories, and a warm, supportive tone. It's a guide for anyone who's struggled with self-discipline or felt overwhelmed by change. Essentialism is about making the wisest possible investment of your time and energy. Greg McKeown encourages readers to stop trying to do it all and instead focus only on what is truly essential. With clarity and purpose, he explains how to eliminate the nonessentials, which are the tasks, commitments, and distractions that dilute our effectiveness, and create space for what really matters. The book offers practical tools for saying 'no' gracefully, prioritising what counts, and designing a life driven by intention rather than obligation. Rooted in philosophy, business, and personal development, Essentialism is both a mindset and a system for living with greater purpose, clarity, and impact. 5. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck In Mindset, psychologist Carol Dweck explores how our beliefs about our abilities shape every area of our lives: from learning and achievement to relationships and leadership. She introduces the concept of the 'fixed mindset' (believing traits like intelligence or talent are static) and the 'growth mindset' (believing abilities can be developed through effort and learning). Through compelling research and real-life examples, Dweck shows how adopting a growth mindset fosters resilience, motivation, and long-term success. The book offers insights into parenting, education, sports, and business, and invites readers to rethink their own internal dialogue. It's a transformative read for anyone seeking to unlock their potential and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.
