How to Read More Books in 10 Simple Steps

November 10, 2019

When’s the last time you picked up a book and actually read it? Do you find yourself wanting to read more, but can’t ever find the time to do so? Keyword being: TIME. I get it, adulthood is real, and you may not have as much free time on your hands in comparison to your younger years. Did you know that one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is finding time to read more books? The thing about reading is, you can start any time! So why now start right now? Luckily for you, I have some helpful tips that can help you read more books. Keep reading to find out what they are!

The Benefits of Reading More

Before we get started, I think it is important to note that reading is super important, no matter how old you are or where you are in your life. I guess I may seem a little biased because I’m an author (insert creepy smiley face), but this is much bigger than me! I remember when I used to read 4-5 books a month, now I’m I’m lucky if I ready 4-5 books a year! Crazy right? Yes, life is constantly happening and it can feel like there’s not enough time in the day, but READING IS FUNDAMENTAL! In fact, research shows that reading is a habit that has many mental health benefits including: stress reduction, mental simulation, improved focus and memory (just to name a few). In addition to the mental health benefits, reading increases your knowledge. And knowledge is power!

How to Read More Books in 9 Steps

Here are 9 simple things you can do to read more books and reap the benefits that more active reading can offer to your life.

Set a Reading Goal

The thing that’s great about setting goals is, it motivates you to do the things you want. So why not apply that to your reading time? Now, we all know that setting a goal is not merely enough, it takes some action, but it’s a start. Take a moment to think about all the books you want to read. You can start as small or big as you want, whether that’s 1 book per month or 10.

Be Proactive About Reading

In other words, make a plan to read. You should make reading more a priority in your life. Having intentions and a plan of action in place makes performing the task much easier to accomplish. Yes, at first it may take a conscious effort, but you’re actively developing a new habit. Wake up each day and make a conscious intention to read. When you do, you’ll be more inclined to actually pick up a book each day.

Take Advantage of Idle Time

Most of us have a lot more free time on our hands than we like to admit. You know, those minutes or hours of down time that you have throughout the day? Take a moment to think about how many minutes per day you spend on your phone, scrolling social media, playing games, or surfing the internet for interesting (but useless) information that you’ll likely never use. That’s idle time! Instead, put your phone down and pick up a book and read! Ride the train to work? Read! On the treadmill? Read! Have an hour long lunch break at work? Read! You get the picture right?

Incorporate Reading Into Your Daily Routine

Just as I said earlier, if you want to read more books, you have to plan for it or else it won’t happen. Once you start planning for it and actually reading on a consistent basis, it will likely become a part of your daily routine. Take a moment to think about your current routine, do you have a rock solid morning routine? (If you don’t check out my amazing post on how to create one here!) Or things you do before bed that will help you unwind? Now, identify ways that you can add reading to your routine. Adding reading to your routine will make it feel like less of a chore and more of something that you need to either start your day, or end it, even if it’s for 5-10 minutes each day.

Use Audio-books

Alright, I won’t lie – I was so opposed to audio-books! But one day, I decided to take advantage of the Audible Amazon 30-day trial, and I read 3 books in less than a month! If you’re always on the go, I’d definitely suggest giving audio-books a try. It makes reading on the go a BREEZE! Download it and catch up on all your books as you’re driving to or from work.

Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks

Start Small

As I mentioned before, this is all about building a new habit. (Read about habits here.) To that, you should start small, whatever that means for you. Some people suggest only reading a page, while others suggest reading only for a few minutes. The goal is to make the task so small that it doesn’t feel like work. Then eventually, you’ll get so used to it, reading will become automatic.

Pick up a book, instead of the remote

Yes, I’m talking to you. On average, Americans spend at least four hours a day watching television! 4 hours a day is 28 hour hours a week, or 120 hours a month! That is plenty of time to knock a few books out if you ask me.

Keep books at your finger-tips

Keep a book in your bag, on your phone or tablet! Convenience is key here. There are plenty of apps out there that make reading easier than ever. I personally love Kindle Unlimited! I get access to free books and new titles that drop daily.

Make a List

I know some people advise against this. But I don’t. If you know me, I’m a planner. Having a list of books that you want to check out can actually motivate you to read. Now I’d say definitely be flexible with this, but give it a shot! If you’re looking for some reading list inspiration, check out my current reading list here.

Find a Reading Buddy

Is there a book club in your area? Do you have a friend that loves to read too? Link up! When you join others with reading, it keeps you accountable and on track.

There you have it, those are my 9 tips to help you read more books!! Now get to reading! Before you go, be sure to check out my books as well… might as well right!