How to Read More
Reading can easily be forgotten when there are a million things on your to-do list or a new Netflix series on your watchlist. I love reading, but like many of us, I don’t always read as much as I should. Along with being the perfect way to unwind, reading can expand your mind, boost your mood and improve your focus. Reading is incredibly beneficial, but how can you read more? I’ve identified 4 practical tips that have allowed me to finish 5 books per month amidst my busy schedule. This isn’t novel or innovative advice, but it will hopefully help you simplify your approach to reading and check off more books on your reading list. Happy reading!
Define your reason for reading. Before you try to read more books, figure out your reason for reading. Why do you want to read more in the first place? To learn about a specific topic? To become more confident? To educate yourself about the world? To relax at the end of the day without a screen? When you define your “why”, you’ll have more motivation to read for the reasons that are important to you. I read for several reasons, but when I’m searching for a new book, I think about what will benefit me and what I will actually enjoy reading.
Create a reading routine. Making a simple system to manage your reading is the best way to ensure that you’re reading more. I use my reading calendar (check it out below) to plan the books that I want to read for the month. My current goal is to read 5 books per month, so I choose my monthly reads and add them to my calendar. It’s also a good idea to choose a time that you feel most inspired to pick up a book too. It could be in the morning, evening, while you cook, clean, exercise, etc. Then set a time or page goal to hit everyday. Keep it realistic. It’s better to start out with a smaller goal (like 15 minutes per day) and increase the amount you read as it becomes easier for you.
Mix up your medium. Decide on the types of books (physical book, e-book, audiobook) that work for you. I read a mixture of audiobooks and physical books because I can adapt my reading to my activity. If I’m relaxing in the evening, I like a physical book because it tires me right before I go to sleep. When I’m cleaning or exercising, an audiobook is perfect. By using multiple types of books, you can find more ways to read throughout the day. For audiobooks, I love using Audible, Audiobooks, and my local library. You can also find a lot of free audiobooks on YouTube.
Read books that you actually enjoy. This tip might seem obvious, but don’t read a book just because someone says you should. Choose books on topics that you actually are interested in. When you read books that you actually want to read, you'll find it more difficult to put it down. I’m a huge history nerd, so I love a good 600 page biography about Napoleon. (Has anyone else read this one by Andrew Roberts?) If history isn’t your thing, then find a topic that you truly enjoy. Don’t be tempted to finish reading lists such as “Top 100 Books Everyone Should Read” either if you aren’t inspired by one of the books.
If you’re ready to read more, try using my Reading Calendar printable. Here are some examples of how I use the calendar to plan my reading for the month. Don’t worry if you get off track. It’s just a goal to shoot for 🙂
Block a series of days for each book. Include more days for longer books and fewer days for shorter books.
Write down your books for the month and assign each one a color. Add the appropriate colored dot on the days you read a book. Write a check on the dot if you complete the book.