Better Habits Stories

habit forming

I recently published The Road To Better Habits. In that book, I share my framework for changing habits. It has truly changed my life.

And I want to hear what role habits play in your life! Feel free to share your thoughts/ideas/tips below. I read all comments. You can also share your feedback about the book with us!

-Darius

198 comments

    1. Very interesting and thoughtful.
      There’s to discover something new that before was always in front of our nose but never took any notice . Thank you

  1. Just finished reading this beautiful book online, very much useful…. keep writing and you’re very good at it….

  2. I currently have two books written on Wattpad and I actually referenced your article “Stop spending so much time in your head” in my second book. That article is amazing and I can’t wait to start your book. I hope you check out mine too! My dream is to be a writer.
    ♡ Hayleigh Simon

  3. You’re very right. I really hope to inspire more people with my writing as you do and get my name out there, but slow progress is better than no progress ?. I’m looking forward to our future discussion about your new book!
    Ttyl.

  4. A wise man told me at the beginning of my career to take care of the most uncomfortable, hard, frustrating issue of the day first thing in the am. Once these are behind you your mind can focus on those things that are enjoyable, challenging and rewarding. In other words, if you have to fire someone do it first thing in the am.

  5. Great read Darius! Thanks for speaking on the influences of nature and how bad things can always happen no matter how much we are on top of our habits. Great insight! Keep it up! – Gabriel

  6. That’s a load of great advice Darius, thanks for sharing. I started a daily writing habit recently & have been finding it was taking so long to reach my target of 400-500 words that I found myself slipping some days but after reading this, I realise I can just make writing each day the target, not completing a full article. That small mind shift is very helpful, thank you.

  7. Merci beaucoup Darius pour tous les liens que tu nous donnent à travers internet. Des liens utiles et enrichissants pour nos vies entières.
    Je découvre qu’on peut faire plus en lisant des livres inspirant, et mieux en suivant des coach avisés comme toi.
    Merci encore pour tous ces liens.

  8. The Road To Better Habits
    – Wow. Just wow.

    I think you probably hit almost all the pointers that i was concerned with.
    Especially on the “cold showers” habit. Now i gotta question myself, why am I doing it for.

  9. Thanks Darius, I love your work, I have put a lot of time into creating new habits and have been successful but often old habits have remained so I particularly like your insights into stopping bad habits and tracking what you do and don’t do as the section on actively planning your day. Thank you for sharing!

  10. It took a long time for me too read. But, as always as I read your writing, it was worth to read. I’m always amazed that you could write beautifully about these not-beautiful contents, practical and self-discipline things. Your articles are more interesting than entertaining things like novels. Thank you Darius!

  11. I really appreciated your book. The ideas you are presenting are simple and inspiring, but also very valuable in the real world. Darius, keep doing what your doing, you got it right.

  12. I love how and what you write. A co-dependent in recovery from the devastating actions of a narcissist/psychopath, your words have been extremely helpful. Am getting stronger. Writing has had both positive and negative affects on my life, but am continuing, its better direction influenced by your reasoning. Received your great book in time to make a difference in how I go ahead. Thank you.

  13. Thanks for this book, which is well written. Your thoughts are matching very well to that of mine to the fact that I have come out of many difficult period during my vast carrier of 44 years in one company by adopting to this type following and changing habits . I am sure this book will help many who are in need of understanding and breaking the habits which are harming them.

    Keep it up.

  14. I’ve just finished the book and it’s very good! Goes directly to the point, which is something I really value in this kind of books.
    Thank you so much for giving it away for free!

  15. The fear is that just like the 10000 books on productivity, better living that I have read in the past and somehow forgotten. This too will be.

    Also not sure how the F do people set S.M.A.R.T goals for themselves. I have read everything about them but still don’t know how to set one for myself!

  16. Love this simple 5-step system. You’re the King of systems :-)

    Most important message for me: track habits daily and focus on the bad habits — where can I improve the easiest?

    This is a great:

    “Achieving success is not about hitting home runs. It’s about doing the right things, every day.”

    Thanks for sharing this book so freely.

  17. I read the ebook and I must say it has helped me see issues in a different way. I have printed out this article so that I can read every single day.
    Thanks for the article

  18. The best part about this ebook is that, it is to-the-point, like all your other articles. Very relatable and practical. Thank you for this Darius.

  19. i’m so grateful that i can read this book from you Darius. Cant wait for your next book!

  20. This is one of the shortest – but most profound – books I have ever read. As soon as I downloaded it I read it right thru. Well and simply stated. I’m motivated to change my life and this book will be the catalyst to help me do that. I’m in Vancouver, BC. If anybody would like to “partner up” to be an accountability buddy I’d welcome it…! JNH

    1. Good to hear you find it useful, Neil! Good idea. If another reader from Vancouver reads this, why not connect? Always good to connect with like-minded people.

  21. I just finished reading your book. It was crisp, to the point, and so very useful. I loved it!
    I can relate to a lot of things you talked about in your book. I have been trying to form good habits, but have met with setbacks far too many times. But your book has been inspiring, and I think I am going to read it over and over again to keep me on track. Thanks, Darius!

  22. Thank you so much Darius for writing and sharing this. I knew I had to get back to my productive self but I wasn’t able to start. I kept procrastinating (I was overwhelmed by the “results”) but this 29 pager gift gave the Kickstart to my new life. Thanks again!

  23. I just finished reading your book, and I have to say it is awesome! I just got a job in a new country, although I’ve been her for a year now, and though the job is everything I could wish for, the transition has messed with my mind quite a bit lol… getting in the right mindset and getting the right habits going is definitely the way to go, and this book plus some articles I’ve read on your blog are exactly the beacon I needed. Thanks for this, I also enjoy your writing style a lot! Keep making the world a better place, one word at a time :)

  24. Hello Darius,

    I did read your little book with a great idea – “The Road to better Habits”, and I want to thank you for your working and sharing. This little book has great mental pabulum!

    Regards,
    Evgeny
    .

  25. Hi Darius,
    I read the Essentialism book of Greg McKeown a few months ago and by applying a handful of simple rules, my life has changed quite a bit. I find many elements of that book here in yours and I have the feeling I read your book on the right time, since I feel that I start to struggle with a few of my habits. Thanks for giving me new motivation to keep going!
    All the best,
    Pieterjan

  26. tanks ewrithing you wrote my english writhe. im a person 20 years winter summer every day waking in a woods mining every day never day of and biking 17 yeast winter summer to

  27. Darius, thank you for sharing the book. You’re a talented young man with a very nice writing style. I certainly gained some insight from your book.

  28. Darius, thank you for this book. It crystallizes my experience of the last several months. On April 2 I began participating in a 12-Step program that demanded more accountability to myself, on a daily basis, then I had ever committed in the 30 years previous. I have continued to do this work daily since then, and miracles are happening in my life. What you say succinctly identifies the lessons from the (AA) Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book. All that I have been doing has allowed me to be “in the moment” so much more of the time and not generating responses that come from the patterns and habits of my childhood. I feel like I have more brain cells available, more internal resources, and my mind, (which already was imaginative), is more creative than ever. I could try to do all the projects that my creativity points to, but as you stated, I do best starting with little goals and building the habit. After years of leaving objects out so I can see them and be reminded of something I was “going to do”, I now have places for most of my things and I’m taking the time to put things away. I also am throwing out lots, because it really doesn’t matter how much I spent on something if its inconsistent with my life goals now.

    1. Thanks for sharing this. I’ve heard it more often that habit forming is like the 12-Step program. That system has been around for ages and has proved to be successful. What matters is that we improve our lives. All the best!

  29. Hey Darius I read both of your books, they are amazing and concise. Also I loved the fact that you are very honest and relatable. Its great to have all relevant information together and literally bridging all the gaps and doubts. Kudos to you and thanks for helping people like us. Hopefully, I will too learn and implement things and finally come out of the procrastination cycle. Thanks again :)

  30. Hi Darius. I’ve been following you for a few months now. Just finished your Better Habits. I wasn’t sure the best way to contact you so I’m putting it here. And you may have already written an article about this but I was wondering how one goes about finding a mentor. What qualities do you look for and how do you establish a good relationship with one? Can we talk about this? I am trying to improve my life and I get very excited reading your articles but then I also get a little overwhelmed when thinking about putting it all into practice. I know- one habit at a time but still…

  31. Hi Darius. Enjoyed reading the book and am also finding it very useful. I liked the last 2 chapters “What to do when you fall back” and Different way of living” best. This is something rarely discussed in other articles and books. Thank you.

  32. Factual, rich, simplified, easy-to-follow, life changing and….altruistic. Appreciation for the extra authored materials and web links

  33. Thank you so much for sharing this book. I am 78 and have lacked self discipline all my life! I hope I have many more years to go so want to at least reach some kind of discipline before I leave this life.
    I like the idea of blogging . Is that just journaling or is it writing on the internet. If I start a blog I think it would help me to be more accountable. How do I begin a blog?

  34. Darius, I’ve just read your book. After spending several months getting to grips with an event that happened in my life, my writing world was paralysed. I have a website on cats; I write a newspaper column on cat care; I am trying to get one book published (on my journey of living with leukaemia) and I’m researching for my 4th book – I couldn’t do anything – other than cry. I knew I needed a kick up the butt to get me going again but even though I’d give myself a good talking to, I also knew that I wasn’t listening to myself! I was unhappy with my world but seemingly powerless to make any changes to it – until now. Until I read your book. Until I saw that I could make changes – good ones – that would make a huge difference to not only how I feel about what happened, but how I move forward in my life. Thank you so much. You’re an inspiration. Today, I’ve made a list (for the first time in months) of the jobs that I need to work on. Then from that list, I’ve taken three items that I intend to work on today. Tomorrow, I’ll take three more and so on, until the list is complete – but then I keep adding to the list as I go along!!! Thank you. Pauline (UK)

  35. Done reading!!! ❤️❤️ Shared it on facebook. Looking forward to reading all of your masterpiece. . More power to you :—)

  36. Thank you so much for your crystal clear thoughts and no fuss writing on ways to create a more fulfilling life with better habits. Many of these things I am already doing, but I still have a long way to go and much to do to improve my quality of life. I worry and fret too much about the world we live in today and know that many things that have an impact on our life that I have absolutely zero control over. Those things are way bigger than me, so I have to change something else and that’s me. One is definitely to write everyday – something I have been itching to do for a long time. I just haven’t had the courage. But you’ve given me a new impetus and a new way to think about my life and I am going to get started with some of your excellent suggestions. Thank you Darius!

  37. Hello Darius
    Thank for making e-book for someone like me who thinking life is over for them! I’m going to keep reading your books for motivational purposes! Thank you for taking your time out to write this book help people live better lives!

  38. I am not familiar about that however when I started to read this book. I found so many different and unique qualities which could be change in our daily life routine. This is the first book which I road today, now I will do reading on daily basis. Its help to me for learning and improving my English skills. Thanks for this book…. really appreciated…

  39. Totally loved reading the free ebook. I read it in one shot. I just couldn’t stop reading. It’s just what I needed. Thanks SO much for your generosity etc. I can’t wait to re read it & start to plan/do my life in a different way. I’ll keep you posted. Promise! Now there’s a commitment from me. It takes so much for me to promise something as I’m very true to my word & take such gestures very seriously. So thanks again & well done for all your success. Truly well deserved. Lisa

  40. On page 21, you say don’t focus on metrics. A paragraph or so later, you state you should track your progress. Either I’m missing something (entirely possible) or you are arguing against yourself.

    1. You’re missing the subtleties of life. Track your progress but don’t focus too much on it. That’s it. Don’t take things literally my friend. Life is complex and things are subtle. Use your own brain to connect the dots and find what works for you instead of trying to sound smart.

  41. Thank you so much. My husband and I are pretty good at helping each other achieve our goals. I read it in just a few hours. I cant wait to share it with him.

  42. Dear Darius,
    I’m afraid I am not able to find the link on site to download your acclaimed book ‘ The Road to Better Habits’.
    Could you please let me know how I could get the book?
    Looking forward to hearing from you.
    Regards
    Sasi

  43. Hi, I totally agree with you. And you are part of my habit change for this year … I tell you, one of my goals for this year is to improve my little English by reading a book in English every quarter and this is my first book in life (I am Mexican and I speak Spanish), it was the best book to start, thanks for sharing it with us.

  44. I have just finished reading but I can authoritatively say the book is talking about reality, more surprising I have been reluctant not focusing but I now it’s very fundamental in planning.
    I loved reading about focusing on efforts not the results

    Keep writing, future looks bright

  45. I loved the way you wrote express your thoughts
    I would really try to apply this personally
    But I’m not good reader I’ll try to spend some time on reading,if you have any motivational ebook please share with me

    Thank you ?

  46. I’m a young doctor and I’m starting my carreer now. I used to be very disciplined as a student, but it become more difficult when I started working. I always search for articles and books about productivity, forming new habits, and so on, and it was very difficult to find good work on that particular topics. So I’m very greatfull that I’ve founded your work. It’s amazing. And it’s been helping me a lot in this new chapter of my life. Thank you very much. I loved the book!

  47. Just dive into this amazing read and all I want to say is that this book was exactly what I needed. Simple, short and straight to the point. I just realised today that I need to change few of my habits and this book appeared in my inbox. Gratitude for writing this and sharing with the World ?

  48. Your book has really helped me just reading it once. It will be the guide line I follow going forward. Thank you for writing a great book.

  49. Am really blessed to have such a wonderful book it has inspired me to set up goals and achieve them and start writing Thanks very much

  50. Hi, I just read this book, because I’m in the habit of being a lazy learner, but I am teri g to make the effort. I find it would have been good to put all the key points at the bottom. As, I amtotirednowtogo backend remind .myself what they are. I might go back, but not sure when. So for me that would help a lot. Having the key points at the end. Thanks

  51. Read your book “Road to Better Habits”. Great….I’ll start tomorrow and develop my plan, starting with goals now that I just turned 73 and have lost 2 husbands in the last 5 years to cancer. REALISTIC goals. Love writing, enjoy reading for learning…I know the road won’t be as easy as it sounds but one step at a time and be as consistent as I can be in building better habits…I have learned in my 73 years that practice of the RIGHT kind leads to achievement. I’ve known most of the truths you have written but have not applied them in a coherent methodical plan . Tracking my progress I can see, is a great way to keep the stack of pennies in a straight column. Thank you Thank you.

  52. Ok so I’ve read so many books talking about this or similar topic and usually it was full of useless author’s thoughts or stories and eventually I either skipped pages to get to the point or just quit reading.

    Your book is the one I’ve been searching for. Straight to the point – which is quite rare I would say. I totally loved it, before I even finished it I obviously told my friends about it because this book is worth recommending and – well deserved.

    Veronika

  53. I have enjoyed reading this script, it’s a life-changing. Thank you so I can not express my gratitude for kindness enough. Just a quick a question, what would you advise me if I’m early 30s English is my second language, my level of English is moderate and I want be a writer! Thank you

  54. Best advice and reminder i have read in weeks. Thank you for your insight and for being realist. You have my blessings. I will definitely do what i can to keep at this pointers and set a new goal this year. I appreciate your effort and positivity. Stay you Darius Foroux.

  55. Thank you so much! Feels definitely like you experienced, and worked through the hardship of habits –– which fuels each sentence with great energy.

  56. Daraius,
    I came across your PDF through my wife Megha, who keeps sending me such thought provoking articles! She is a practising psychologist and hence focuses on my shortcomings!
    Your article is a well written, convincing and to the point relevant fact filled article! I loved reading it and the way you have presented it is really great! Strong relevant and befitting words which makes it readable and not at all boring!
    Some habits you have asked us to inculcate are easy to adopt if we are convinced and really beneficial! Also all bad habits have to be quit but a lot of effort is required from our end!
    Your article is really motivating and hence my efforts start from now on ! Thanks a lot!

  57. Greetings!
    Thank you for sharing such good content. I will always remember the five steps mentioned in the book. Your articles and other online materials are, also, very motivating. I am glad to have came across your website.
    Thank you again!!
    God bless you always!!

  58. Beautifully compiled all points in the shortest way possible.. great for someone who don’t have a habit of reading!!
    Can you share any daily planner app like you did for tracking habits?

    1. Thanks! I use my journal to do that. I write about my habits. I don’t use a tracker. My checklist is also meant for getting started. Once you form the habit, you no longer need it!

  59. I’ve just finished this book, it comes at a time when I feel low and have lots of bad habits that are having negative affects on my life and ultimately my relationships. The short format of the book is great as it means I can start to make changes straight away. The content is inspirational as it is simple, clear and manageable. I’ve been lacking the self discipline in my life and I hope to use the advice given in the book to make some positive changes. Thank you Darius

  60. Darius Foroux is absolutely one of my favorite writers! He doesn’t waste your time with theories or gimmicks. He gives you clear, well-written content that boosts your fire to take action and live a life worth pursuing. We are all blessed to learn all the golden gems he shares. God bless you my brother, thank you for spreading your light to us because of that we can a lead a life to shine better.

  61. I read THE whole book straight as I found very interesting and talking to me. it addresses many of the bad habits I have. I WILL SURELY do my best to apply the tips you gave to form new good
    habits.

  62. Hi Darius – Thank you so much for your straight-forward, relatable plan. I read and followed your ebook a few months ago and re-downloaded it today so I could grab a quote (see below!). I’m well on my way to creating some key new habits (and ditching old ones!). In the past I’ve been a victim of my own impatience and sabotaged my own efforts. Your book really helped with learning to appreciate every tiny win. This is the sentence that really resonated with me: “You should only care about what you did today — and don’t focus on metrics.” I really appreciate your words and your generosity in sharing them.

  63. Hi Darius, I have been touched by your simplicity and so happy to read “the road to better habits” and gain insight in to my own inner being. Cheers!

  64. Hello Darius, I feel great while reading ur ebooks all of your thoughts are adorable keep going, moving. Thank you so much I appreciate it!
    And lots of love from india.

  65. Very good read to put me back on track post months of zooming aimlessly. Every page and paragraph is so powerful and pack of productivity that one might get post going through 4 to 5 books at least.

    Love you Darius for this great work… I think one of the best act of gratitude is creating a positive impact on others life by your work that you have being doing through your productivity blogs. Keep it going ,

    Good luck and wish you a very happy and productive new year…

  66. It is indeed a wonderful book…It made me to think about the lack of quality life I am living, now I had each day of my life planned. I was able to execute the plan. Sleeping on the couch feels easier and became my habit but going for a jog daily is the real freedom. I enjoy my life a lot. thanks to you Darius.

  67. just when i needed. i should have read you long time ago, but i appreciate the timing right now, today , hot potatoes. thanks a lot, keep the goals they are touching everywhere.

  68. Delivered with simplicity and practical… Just what I needed after a few setbacks in my life… thank you for the read, it helped me fine tune how I do my planning and keeping myself accountable with tracking the progress.
    I look forward to reading more of your content on your website

  69. Hi Darius I a m 85 years old and what with Covid IBS and recently having a Pacemaker fitted I was feeling at a very low ebb your Better Habits ebook could not have come at a better time just as I needed Motivating it gave me the necessary push Many Thanks

  70. Dear Mr Foroux, I have been reading all your books lately. Your books give me a light in my darkness. I have been in depression for quite some time now. Your books on forming habits, battling inner devils – your work is simply phenomenal. They talk about living the life in a more practical n sensible way. You are a gem! I’m taking a printout of this book after reading it completely. As I want to read it every single day. Also, I have taken screenshots n small notes of other books of yours. Please keep up the good work! And please write more books on self-improvement. If you write a book on how to handle toxic people at work that would be great 🙂 A big thank you 😊

  71. This came at the time in my life when it was truly needed! The pandemic has jusrt about done me in. At 81 yrs. old, and suddenly losing my own precious sister, who was more like a mother to me (older by 7 yrs.), having my son move in due to loss of two jobs (also caused by pandemic), having to change most plans for the next
    step, things kept worsening. My dear brother-in-law died suddenly (heart attack, as killed my sister) in Jan. Next came the big ice storm in Texas. Lost power in the house for a 33 hr. period. Temp.about 16 deg.
    for years have allowed hundreds of appeals for charity and political donations to come in over and over. Now I must use your methods after reading all the book, to get my life in order. You came along to save me! Thanks a bunch!

  72. Just read your e-book. Thank you! First it was very easy to read. You write very well and the style you write is what attracted me to continue looking through your website. 2. Thanks for sharing the apps you recommended. I was using Evernote, OneNote, Notes (on Mac/iphone)… it was all over the place. I think it’s better if I use just one of these to track my goals and habits. Do you just use Word for journaling or writing daily?
    Thanks for sharing and your thoughts in advance.

  73. Darius thank you for making this read so easy, as one who is creating new habits this really helped. I’ve downloaded and saved it.

    Will definitely be following each step. Thank you

  74. I am not much of a reader but I was looking for something, which could guide me to change my habits and be more productive. And after reading your book, it made me more determine to achieve those goals. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, God bless you.

  75. A very good read. Not too much fluff and just relatable enough to feel that the author is being real and not just idealistic. I have read Think Straight as well and follow you on Medium too. You have a beautiful writing style, thanks for this gem of a book.

  76. Dear Darius,
    Thanks for this book.
    I have read it right after reading Think Straight. What has made me read it is to identify myself. I have seen myself reflected in almost all the paragraphs. And I feel like I’m starting from scratch but reading you makes me feel more optimistic.
    Reading this book has been part of those daily habits that you talk about.
    Thanks also for sharing your reading list.
    I can only give you a million thanks.
    I will keep reading you.

  77. I read the whole book. I went for a 30 minute walk at the half-way point. Then forwarded it to 3 more people. I’m going to retire next year and this fits right in. What’s my first two habits that I’m starting now? walking and reading a chapter each day (in that order).
    I enjoy your articles!

  78. My name is Uchenna, I’m from Nigeria. Please I need the book “focus on what matters”. Please where can I buy it in Nigeria?

  79. Thanks a lot, Darius! This is very timely and helpful. I’ve been distracted & unproductive the past few weeks but your book just gave me a boost. Inspired to journal, again, and to keep going. Love all the suggestions and your writings. I’m getting back to those good habits, plus new ones. You’ll be part of my daily readings also. Keep writing & sharing! You’re helping a lot of people, and thank you, again.

  80. I have read 4 of your books Darius ,thinking straight, do it today ,winning inner battle ,focus on what matter and lot more of your blog post I must sincerely say you are the best in this field of personal and self development hacks I wish I can award you a professorship you rock Darius keep impacting life

  81. I had this book for long followed the principles thoroughly with my life. I had some severe setbacks from 2014 to 2021 and I got back but now I feel weak and I m suffering and recovering but now these words looks like only black and white colors to me. What did I do wrong?

  82. OMG! I felt like i found the most honest piece of advice on the internet. The practical steps of habit forming and the weight of words makes you feel it internally. The last part about honest take on taking it easy and going with the flow when things aren’t going right is the unique one which we don’t find in many places.
    P.S: I had to scroll all the way down to write this comment. It would be more easy if you can move this comment box to the top of the page.

  83. Words are simple. Its depth of experience in writing to provide with easy words in each sentence to understand the core meaning. Thanks, Darius, for providing so much beneficial and beautiful article.

  84. After coming across your book, “Win Your Inner Battles,” and completing the read, it seemed like the book was exactly what I needed to read at this time in my life. What is interesting is that I already knew 90% of what was written in that book. I think we all know what we need to do to change for the better, however, having a system or plan in place, and taking action on that plan, we get to live the life we have wanted. I just finished reading, “The Road To Better Habits.” I loved the inverted version of habits that were explained in this book! Thank you for confirming, clarifying and adding more tools for me and others to use in order to change our lives for the better. Thank you, Darius.

  85. Thanks much Darius for your words.You make understanding kind of easy. I smiled ☺️ in most of the lines because I could recognize myself in them . Working forward in practicing the advices and more importantly one step at the time☺️.

  86. Hi Darius,
    I’m from Sri Lanka. Maybe you know that little country. Thank you very much for your words. We learn lots of things from them. Especially from your books. Today I finished the book ‘The Road To Better Habits’. And I’m super excited to try those methods to improve my habits. As you mentioned in the book, everyone needs a goal, and improving good habits will help us achieve those goals. Sometimes I used to think that I was not good enough to achieve my goals. I felt like it deserved better people than me. But with your books, it all changed. Now I know that it should be me. Thank you for your information. This is what I have been searching for all this time. Keep writing. All the best for your future.

  87. Just read the book. Now making list of the habits I want to track in the next month and all the bad habits that I will kill. Wish me luck. A bit scared that I will procascinate, but hey, I fall, I pick myself up.

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