How to read more books: 12 simple habits that work, from reading in small moments to choosing better books and quitting bad ones.
Cultivating a Reading Mindset
For as long as I can remember, books have been a refuge, a source of endless fascination, and a constant companion. Yet, like many, I've experienced periods where the demands of life, the allure of digital distractions, or simply a lack of effective strategy have pushed reading to the periphery. Over time, I’ve discovered that reading more isn't about magical willpower; it's about establishing consistent, achievable habits that seamlessly integrate into your daily life.
It’s a journey, not a destination, and it starts with a fundamental shift in how you approach books. I've found that viewing reading not as a chore but as a cherished activity, a pathway to growth and enjoyment, is the first and most crucial step. It's about consciously making space for stories, ideas, and knowledge, and understanding the profound benefits that flow from it.
This mindset shift is what truly underpins all the practical habits I’ve cultivated.
Redefining Your Relationship with Books
I used to see reading as something I should do, like eating my vegetables. This framing, however subtle, often led to resistance. The moment I started viewing reading as a privilege – a chance to escape, learn, or be entertained – everything changed. I began to approach my bookshelf with genuine excitement, rather than a sense of obligation. This redefinition involves recognizing that books offer a unique form of engagement that passive entertainment simply cannot replicate. It's an active process of discovery, of engaging with another mind, and of expanding your own worldview. For me, it became about seeking out the joy, the challenge, and the quiet satisfaction that only a good book can provide.
Identifying Your Reading "Why"
Before I even consider what book to pick up next, I take a moment to reflect on why I want to read more. Is it for knowledge acquisition, personal development, pure escapism, or to stay current in my field? Understanding my "why" acts as a powerful motivator. If I'm feeling a dip in motivation, reminding myself that I want to learn about ancient Roman history, or that I need to unwind with a thrilling mystery, often provides the necessary push.
Without a clear "why," reading can feel like an arbitrary task. With it, it transforms into a purposeful and rewarding endeavor. My "why" often shifts depending on my mood, my current projects, or even the time of year, and acknowledging this fluidity helps me stay flexible and engaged with my reading choices.
If you're looking to enhance your reading habits, you might find it beneficial to explore the article "How to Read More Books: 12 Habits That Really Work" on Enda Storrie's blog. This insightful piece provides practical strategies to help you incorporate more reading into your daily routine. For additional tips and resources on improving your reading skills, check out this related article at Enda Storrie's Blog.
Strategic Scheduling and Environment
One of the biggest hurdles I faced in reading more was simply finding the time. In a world clamoring for our attention, dedicated reading slots don't just appear; they must be intentionally carved out. I've learned that consistent, even small, increments of time are far more effective than hoping for large, elusive blocks. It's also about creating an environment that encourages reading, minimizing distractions, and making the act itself as appealing as possible. I've experimented with various routines and settings, and what I’ve found works best for me is a combination of planned reading times and opportunistic reading moments.
Establishing Dedicated Reading Slots
This is probably the most impactful habit I’ve adopted. I schedule reading into my day just like I would a meeting or an appointment. For me, the morning is prime time. I wake up 30 minutes earlier than necessary and dedicate that first half-hour to reading before the demands of the day kick in. I also try to carve out another 15-20 minutes before bed.
These are non-negotiable times. Even if I only read a few pages, the consistency builds momentum. On weekends, I might allocate a longer block, perhaps an hour or two, to really immerse myself in a story or a complex non-fiction book. The key is consistency, even if the duration is short. It trains my brain to expect and look forward to these reading moments.
Creating a Conducive Reading Environment
Where I read significantly impacts my ability to focus and enjoy the experience. I’ve found that a quiet, comfortable space free from digital distractions is ideal. This often means leaving my phone in another room or putting it on airplane mode. I have a favorite armchair with good lighting and a cozy blanket that has become my designated reading spot.
For digital reading, I ensure notifications are off on my e-reader or tablet. If I'm reading a physical book, I might have a cup of tea or coffee nearby. The idea is to make the act of reading feel like a comforting ritual, something I look forward to, rather than another task to complete amidst chaos. When I'm traveling, I adapt my environment – perhaps choosing a quiet corner in a coffee shop or utilizing my noise-canceling headphones.
Carrying a Book Everywhere
This simple habit has unlocked countless unexpected reading opportunities for me. Whether it's a physical book, an e-reader, or my phone with a reading app, I always have something readily available. This means I can capitalize on "found" time – waiting for an appointment, during my commute, in a queue at the grocery store, or even while dinner is cooking. These small pockets of time, which might otherwise be spent scrolling aimlessly, now become opportunities to progress through a book. I've been amazed at how quickly these five or ten-minute bursts add up over a week, contributing significantly to my overall reading volume. It transforms otherwise wasted moments into productive, enjoyable reading time.
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Optimizing Your Reading Choices and Flow
Beyond carving out time, what I choose to read and how I manage my reading flow plays a crucial role in maintaining momentum. I’ve learned that not every book is for everyone, and it’s perfectly okay to step away from a book that isn't resonating. Furthermore, having a strategy for selecting books and managing my "currently reading" list has proven invaluable in keeping the reading pipeline full and exciting.
Embracing the "Did Not Finish" (DNF) Principle
This was a game-changer for me. For years, I felt a strong sense of obligation to finish every book I started, even if I was genuinely disliking it. This often led to reading slumps, where the sheer dread of slogging through an unengaging book would deter me from picking up any book. Once I gave myself permission to DNF, a huge weight was lifted.
My time is precious, and there are countless amazing books waiting to be discovered. If a book isn't grabbing me after the first 50-100 pages (sometimes even sooner), I put it down without guilt. This frees me up to find a book that genuinely excites me, keeping my reading momentum high. It's about respecting my own enjoyment and acknowledging that my tastes can be subjective.
Curating Your "To Be Read" (TBR) List
A well-maintained TBR list is an endless source of motivation. I keep mine digitally, using an app like Goodreads, but a simple notebook works just as well. I add books to it based on recommendations from friends, intriguing reviews, podcasts, or references from other books I'm reading. The key is to have a diverse selection – fiction, non-fiction, different genres, varying lengths – so that I always have an exciting option no matter my mood. Regularly reviewing and refining this list ensures I'm excited about my next read, which drastically reduces decision fatigue and helps prevent reading slumps. It acts as a compass, guiding me through the vast ocean of literature.
Reading Multiple Books Concurrently
This might sound counterintuitive, but I've found that reading 2-3 books at once actually increases my reading volume. I typically have a non-fiction book, a fiction book, and sometimes an audiobook on the go. This allows me to match my reading choice to my energy levels and interests at any given moment. If I'm feeling mentally drained, I might opt for an audiobook during a walk or a light fiction read.
If I'm alert and focused, I'll dive into the non-fiction. This variety keeps things fresh and prevents boredom. It also means if I hit a slow patch in one book, I can switch to another without losing all reading momentum. My brain seems to compartmentalize them quite effectively, and I rarely confuse storylines.
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Leveraging Technology and Community
In this digital age, technology can either be a distraction or a powerful ally in our reading endeavors. I've learned to harness digital tools to support my reading habits, from tracking progress to discovering new authors. Furthermore, connecting with other readers has provided invaluable motivation and broadened my literary horizons. I see these as extensions of my personal reading journey, amplifying my efforts and making the experience richer.
Utilizing Reading Trackers and Apps
Apps like Goodreads have been instrumental in helping me track my progress, discover new books, and engage with a community of readers. I log every book I read, noting the start and end dates, and sometimes writing a brief review. Seeing my reading statistics – how many books I've read in a year, my average rating, etc. – provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and fuels my motivation. It gamifies the process in a subtle, enjoyable way. It also helps me visualize my reading journey, showing trends in my preferences and reminding me of forgotten gems I've read in the past. This digital record serves as a personal reading diary, a source of reflection and future inspiration.
Listening to Audiobooks
Audiobooks have become an indispensable part of my reading routine. They transform otherwise unproductive time – commuting, exercising, doing chores, cooking – into reading time. While I still cherish the experience of a physical book, audiobooks allow me to "read" when my hands or eyes are occupied. I often use them to tackle longer non-fiction books or to re-experience beloved classics. It's a different kind of engagement, but no less valid, and it has significantly increased the sheer volume of stories and information I consume annually. My commute, once a source of mild frustration, is now eagerly anticipated reading time.
Engaging with Reading Communities
Connecting with other readers, whether online or in person, has been incredibly enriching. Participating in book clubs (even informal ones with friends), following book-related accounts on social media, or joining online forums has introduced me to genres and authors I might never have discovered on my own. The discussions and recommendations from others often reignite my passion for reading or provide fresh perspectives on books I've enjoyed. It creates a sense of shared enthusiasm and accountability that can be very motivating. It reminds me that reading isn't just a solitary pursuit; it's also a gateway to connection and shared experiences.
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Sustaining Your Reading Journey
Reading more isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. The habits I've discussed are most effective when approached with patience, flexibility, and a focus on long-term enjoyment rather than short-term goals. I've learned that setbacks are inevitable, but they don't have to derail the entire journey. It's about building resilience and finding consistent joy in the act of reading itself.
Setting Realistic Goals and Being Flexible
While tracking my reading is motivating, I try to avoid setting rigid, overly ambitious goals that can lead to burnout or disappointment. Instead of saying, "I must read 50 books this year," I focus on consistency: "I will read for 30 minutes every morning." The number of books becomes a natural outcome of consistent effort, rather than the sole metric of success. Life happens, and some weeks or months I simply won't read as much. When that occurs, I don't beat myself up. I simply pick up where I left off and recommit to my habits. Flexibility is key to sustainability. It's about progress, not perfection.
Celebrating Small Wins
Finishing a book, even a short one, is an accomplishment. I try to acknowledge these small victories. It could be as simple as updating my reading tracker, sharing a review with a friend, or even just taking a moment to appreciate the journey I've just completed. These small celebrations reinforce the positive habit and provide a sense of satisfaction, encouraging me to pick up the next book. It prevents reading from feeling like an endless, unrewarding task. Each completed book is a testament to my dedication and a stepping stone to further literary adventures.
Reading What You Love
Ultimately, the most important habit for reading more is to read what genuinely interests and excites you. If I force myself to read books I think I should read but don't enjoy, I quickly lose motivation. There's no shame in diving into genres that bring you joy, whether it's fantasy, romance, thrillers, or niche non-fiction. The goal is to cultivate a love for reading, and that starts with choosing books that resonate with your personal taste.
Final Thoughts on Read More Books
My reading journey has been a testament to the power of following my curiosity, and it has consistently led me to remarkable stories and profound insights. It's about finding my own unique path through the vast world of books, one enjoyable page at a time.
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Enda Storrie is a writer and the creator of Story Bible, the planning journal and app for writers, and Chain Story Online, a free collaborative storytelling platform.
