Train yourself on the trending field of behavior change with our recommended books about behavioral economics and behavior design. These are some of the best books in the field to apply to make better choices, build positive habits, and change behavior for the better. These books can not only help in your own understanding and personal or professional development, but are also great resources for behavioral economics training programs and workshops.
The changing of behavior in others (and ourselves) can be a very challenging thing to begin and sustain. Some of the techniques and activities detailed in these books can help, especially when it comes to choices and habits. New ways of thinking and behaving are critical for succeeding with innovation or actually applying new changes or ideas. Insights from the research on behavior change can help with taking and sustaining needed action.
Predictably Irrational, Revised and Expanded Edition: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics by Richard H. Thaler
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip and Dan Heath
Tiny Habits: The Small Changes that Change Everything by BJ Fogg, PhD
Behavior Design & Behavioral Economics Books
Many of the books I’ve enjoyed (and needed) most over the past 10 years as a design thinking trainer have been on behavior change, decision, habit, etc. It’s such a challenging and important area needed for helping others start and sustain innovation in their work.
There are many other great behavior change authors and practices such as Stanford professor BJ Fogg’s Tiny Habits approach which has worked well for me. What other behavioral economics books have been influential for you and your practice? Please suggest other books, activities or resources that have helped you learn more about behavior change, do it yourself, or help others. Just leave a comment below to let us know what you’ve appreciated.