Feeling that familiar pang? The one where you see towering stacks in bookstores, friends buzzing about their latest reads, and your own bedside table gathering dust under a single, half-finished novel from last January? You’re not alone. Many of us genuinely want to read more, to dive into other worlds, learn new things, or just unwind with a good story. But life, with its relentless pace and endless distractions, often gets in the way. The good news? Reading more this year doesn’t require superhuman willpower or finding mythical eight-hour blocks of free time. It’s about smart, simple adjustments you can make right now.
Forget the pressure of tackling enormous classics or hitting arbitrary numbers like “50 books a year” unless that genuinely excites you. The goal is to integrate reading back into your life in a way that feels natural and enjoyable, not like another chore on your to-do list. It’s about rediscovering the pleasure of getting lost in a narrative, one page, one chapter, one small pocket of time at a time.
Reframe Your Reading Mindset
First things first, let’s ditch the guilt. You haven’t failed if you didn’t read as much as you intended last year. Life happens. Maybe you felt obligated to read certain “important” books that just didn’t click, turning reading into a slog. Perhaps you think you simply don’t have time. We need to shift this perspective. Reading isn’t homework; it’s a form of leisure, entertainment, and self-care. It competes for your downtime alongside streaming services, social media, and other hobbies.
Think about why you want to read more. Is it for relaxation? To learn something specific? To escape? To feel more connected? Understanding your motivation makes it easier to choose books that align with that goal, instantly making the process more appealing. If you want to relax, maybe a dense historical text isn’t the best starting point – perhaps a lighthearted novel or engaging thriller is. If you want to learn, find accessible non-fiction on a topic you’re genuinely curious about.
The Myth of “Not Enough Time”
Let’s be honest, most of us have pockets of time scattered throughout the day that often get filled with aimless scrolling or staring into space. The commute, the waiting room, the lunch break, the ten minutes before bed. These slivers add up. The trick isn’t finding huge, uninterrupted blocks (though those are lovely when they happen), but capturing these smaller moments.
Consider tracking your screen time for a day. The results can be eye-opening. Could even 15-20 minutes of that daily scrolling time be redirected to a book? Absolutely. It’s not about eliminating relaxation via screens entirely, but about making a conscious choice sometimes to swap one form of downtime for another.
Integrate Reading Seamlessly
Making reading a habit is less about discipline and more about lowering the barrier to entry. Make it so easy to pick up a book that it becomes the path of least resistance.
Always Be Ready to Read
This is perhaps the single most effective strategy. Always have a book with you. Seriously. Put a paperback in your bag, keep one in the car (for passenger time or unexpected waits), load up your phone or e-reader with options. When you find yourself with five minutes waiting for a friend, ten minutes on the bus, or twenty minutes during lunch, you can read instead of automatically reaching for your phone. This “reading readiness” transforms lost time into reading time.
- Physical book in your bag/briefcase.
- E-reader loaded with several choices.
- Reading app on your phone (Kindle, Libby, etc.).
- Audiobook app ready to go for commutes or chores.
Anchor Reading to Existing Habits
Habit stacking is a powerful technique. Link reading to something you already do consistently. For example:
- Read for 10 minutes while drinking your morning coffee.
- Read a chapter before turning on the TV in the evening.
- Listen to an audiobook while walking the dog or doing dishes.
- Read for 15 minutes right before you go to sleep.
By attaching the new habit (reading) to an established one, you don’t need to rely solely on memory or willpower to get it done.
Consistency trumps intensity. Reading for just 10-15 minutes almost every day will yield far more completed books over a year than trying to read for three hours once every few weeks. Small, regular efforts build momentum and make reading feel like a natural part of your routine, not a monumental task. Focus on showing up, even briefly.
Make Reading Irresistibly Easy and Fun
If reading feels like a chore, you won’t stick with it. The key is to make it as enjoyable and frictionless as possible.
Choose Books You Genuinely Want to Read
This sounds obvious, but it’s where many people stumble. Forget the “shoulds.” Don’t force yourself to read that prize-winning literary novel if you’re craving a fast-paced mystery. Don’t feel obligated to finish a book everyone else loves if it’s not working for you. Life is too short for bad books (or books that are just bad *for you* right now).
- Explore genres: Try thrillers, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, memoirs, engaging non-fiction.
- Start short: Novellas, short story collections, or books under 300 pages can provide quick wins and build momentum.
- Re-read favorites: Sometimes revisiting a beloved book is just the comfort read you need.
- Browse bookstores or libraries: Let covers and synopses capture your interest.
Embrace the DNF (Did Not Finish)
It is perfectly okay – advisable, even – to stop reading a book you aren’t enjoying. Seriously. Don’t waste precious reading time slogging through something that feels like pulling teeth. There are millions of other books out there waiting for you. Give a book a fair chance (say, 50-100 pages, or a certain percentage on an e-reader), but if it hasn’t grabbed you by then, move on guilt-free. This frees you up to find something you’ll actually love.
Vary Your Formats
Reading isn’t just about physical books. Embrace the variety of formats available:
- E-books: Convenient for travel, adjustable font sizes, built-in dictionaries, instant access. Great for reading in bed without disturbing a partner.
- Audiobooks: Fantastic for multitasking. Listen during commutes, workouts, chores, or while doing crafts. Many library apps (like Libby or Hoopla) offer free audiobook borrowing.
- Physical Books: The tactile experience, the smell, the ability to easily flip back and forth – some people simply prefer it.
You don’t have to choose just one. Use different formats for different situations. Maybe an audiobook for the drive, an e-book on your phone for waiting rooms, and a physical book for relaxing at home.
Optimize Your Reading Environment
Where and when you read can significantly impact your ability to focus and enjoy the experience.
Create a Cozy Reading Spot
While reading anywhere is great, having a designated spot can signal to your brain that it’s time to relax and focus. It doesn’t need to be fancy – a comfy chair, good lighting, maybe a side table for a drink. Make it inviting.
Minimize Distractions
The digital world is designed to steal your attention. When you sit down to read, try putting your phone on silent or, even better, in another room. Close unnecessary tabs on your computer. Let family members know you’re taking some quiet time. Even 15 minutes of focused reading is more rewarding than 30 minutes of constantly interrupted reading.
Consider Making it Social (But Only If You Want To)
For some, adding a social element can boost motivation and enjoyment.
- Join a Book Club: Discussing books with others can deepen your understanding and expose you to different perspectives and genres.
- Find a Reading Buddy: Share recommendations or even read the same book simultaneously for discussion.
- Use Social Reading Apps: Platforms like Goodreads allow you to track your reading, see what friends are reading, and find reviews.
However, if the idea of structured discussion or tracking feels like pressure, skip this! The goal is more *enjoyable* reading, whatever that looks like for you.
Track Your Progress (Lightly)
Seeing how far you’ve come can be motivating. But avoid turning it into a high-pressure numbers game unless that genuinely excites you.
- Keep a simple list in a notebook or phone note.
- Use an app like Goodreads or StoryGraph.
- Focus on the habit: Maybe track the days you read for at least 10 minutes, rather than just the number of books finished.
Celebrate your reading milestones, whether it’s finishing a challenging book, reading consistently for a week, or simply discovering a new favorite author.
Start Now, Start Small
The most important step? Begin. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time, the ideal reading list, or a completely free weekend. Pick up that book gathering dust, download a sample on your e-reader, or borrow an audiobook from your library right now. Read one page. Then maybe another. Read for five minutes before you check social media tonight. Small, consistent actions are the secret sauce. By making reading easy, accessible, and enjoyable, you’ll find yourself turning pages more often than you ever thought possible, effortlessly reading more this year.
