How to Read More Books in a Year

Dale Thele
Nov 12
3 min read

Image by Christiane from Pixabay — Image by Ylanite Koppens from Pixabay

Are you having difficulty increasing the number of books you read? Does life get in the way of your reading plans? You are not alone. With our hectic schedules, it is often a challenge to find time to read. But there is no need to stress – by using a few easy techniques and with some willpower, you can easily boost your reading levels and experience more books, information, and ideas than ever before. In this post, we will explore a few tips that will help you reach your reading goals.

Set Realistic Goals

Break It Down

Don't try to aim for such a high number. Aim small. A goal should be doable. So if you normally read 12 books a year, bump it up to 15 or 20 books. You can break it down further by trying to read 1 book every 3 weeks. This way, it will not be so daunting.

Keep Track

Get a reading log or an app and keep track of your progress. It's amazing how far you can get, and there's a certain satisfaction to crossing books off the list.

Create a Reading Routine

Designate Time

Schedule time for reading during the day. Enjoy that cup of coffee in the morning and read, or have it before bed. Fifteen minutes here and there will add up.

Make It Enjoyable

Establish a comfortable reading atmosphere. When you surround yourself with a cozy blanket, a nice lamp, and a soothing drink, your reading sessions will start to feel exceptional rather than mundane. If you anticipate reading time, you're more likely to be consistent about it.

Choose the Right Books

Follow Your Interests

Read what excites you! If you're not enjoying a book, don't hesitate to put it down and pick up something else. The key is to maintain enthusiasm for reading; forcing yourself through something dull can zap your motivation.

Mix It Up

Pick the books that make you eager to read. If a book isn't holding your interest, don't be afraid to put it down and choose another. The important thing is to maintain your excitement and engagement. Dragging through a boring book can sap your drive to read.

Limit Distractions

Unplug During Reading Time

In this modern age of technology, we are distracted by our phones pinging from constant notifications and our TV calling our name. When you read, put your phone away. If you find yourself scrolling while reading, there are apps that can help you stay focused during your dedicated reading time. This will drastically improve your focus when reading and your overall reading experience.

Create Boundaries

Make sure those around you know you will be reading and won't be disturbed. When you set boundaries like this, you are much less likely to be interrupted when reading, and you can fully enjoy your book.

Join a Community

Find Fellow Readers

Consider joining a book club or online reading group like Goodreads to hold yourself accountable and find encouragement. Sharing your thoughts and ideas with others about what you've read will help enhance the experience and provide further motivation to keep going.

Participate in Challenges

Try setting an annual reading challenge, like the Goodreads Challenge, to push yourself out of your comfort zone and encourage you to read more books than you normally would.

Conclusion

Reading more books can be simple and easy. Set realistic goals, create a routine, pick books that you are interested in, eliminate distractions, and find a community of readers, and you'll be breezing through pages like never before. Pick up that book you've been meaning to read and get started—you'll be glad you did.

Happy reading!

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