Building a Reading Habit: How to Read More Books This Year

Step 1: Redefine What "Counts" as Reading

Expand Your Definition

All reading counts:

• Physical books
• E-books and audiobooks (yes, really!)
• Articles and essays
• Graphic novels and comics
• Poetry collections
• Short story collections
• Nonfiction of any length

Audiobooks are reading: Your brain processes and retains audiobook content similarly to visual reading. Don't let gatekeepers tell you otherwise.

Short-form counts too: Reading one excellent essay is better than reading zero pages of a book you're forcing yourself through.

Why This Matters:

Rigid definitions create unnecessary barriers. The goal is engaging with written ideas and stories, not arbitrary format restrictions.

Permission to Quit Books

Life's too short for books you hate. If you're 50-100 pages in and miserable, stop. Try something else. This isn't school—there are no required reading lists.

The "Rule of 100 minus your age":

Give a book [100 minus your age] pages. At 30 years old, give it 70 pages. Still not working? Move on guilt-free.

Step 2: Start Embarrassingly Small

The Biggest Mistake: Ambitious Goals

"I'll read for an hour every night!" "I'm reading 52 books this year!" "I'll finish War and Peace this month!"

These goals feel motivating but often lead to:

• Overwhelm and paralysis
• Quick burnout
• Guilt when you inevitably "fail"
• Abandoning reading altogether

The Better Approach: Micro-Habits

Start so small it feels almost silly:

Examples:

• Read 1 page before bed
• Read for 5 minutes during lunch
• Read 1 chapter per week
• Listen to audiobooks during your commute

Why This Works:

James Clear (Atomic Habits): The goal isn't the outcome; it's becoming the type of person who reads. One page daily makes you "a reader."

Consistency beats intensity: Reading 10 minutes daily (60+ hours/year) beats reading 2 hours once a month (24 hours/year).

Building momentum: Starting is the hardest part. Once you read one page, you often continue naturally.

After 2-4 weeks of consistency, gradually increase: 5 minutes → 10 minutes → 15 minutes.

Step 3: Attach Reading to Existing Habits

Habit Stacking

Link reading to established routines so it becomes automatic.

Formula: "After/Before [current habit], I will read for [time]."

Examples:

Morning routines: "After I pour my coffee, I'll read for 10 minutes." "Before checking my phone in the morning, I'll read one chapter."

Commute: "During my train ride, I'll read instead of scrolling social media." "On my drive, I'll listen to audiobooks." (obviously)

Evening routines: "After putting kids to bed, I'll read for 15 minutes." "Before turning on Netflix, I'll read for 20 minutes." "Instead of phone scrolling before sleep, I'll read in bed."

Lunch breaks: "During lunch, I'll read while eating."

Waiting time: "Whenever I'm waiting (appointments, lines, etc.), I'll read on my phone."

Why It Works:

Existing habits have established neural pathways. Attaching new behaviors to them requires less willpower and feels more natural.

The "Instead of" Strategy:

Replace existing habits with reading:

• Instead of scrolling before bed → read
• Instead of watching TV during lunch → read
• Instead of podcast during commute → audiobook

Step 4: Reduce Friction, Increase Convenience

Make Reading Ridiculously Easy

Physical accessibility:

Keep books everywhere:

• Bedside table
• Living room coffee table
• Bathroom (yes, really)
• Car
• Bag/backpack
• Office desk

E-reader benefits:

• Carry thousands of books in one device
• Read in dark with built-in light
• Adjust font size for comfort
• One-handed reading

Phone reading:

• Kindle app, Apple Books, or library app
• Always with you
• Perfect for stolen moments

Audiobooks for multitasking:

• Commuting, driving
• Household chores, cooking
• Exercise, walking
• Getting ready in morning

Library apps: Libby, Overdrive (free audiobooks and e-books)

The "Visible Book" Principle:

Books you see are books you read. Keep your current read somewhere visible—not buried in a stack.

Remove Barriers:

Bad: Books in closet → must retrieve → requires decision and effort Good: Book on nightstand → grab automatically

Step 5: Choose Books You Actually Want to Read

Permission to Be "Selfish"

You don't need to read:

• Classics you find boring
• "Important" books everyone recommends
• What your book club chose
• Dense nonfiction that feels like homework

Read what genuinely interests you:

• Genre fiction (thrillers, romance, sci-fi, fantasy)
• Graphic novels
• Self-help and business books
• Memoirs
• Young adult fiction (age is irrelevant)
• "Guilty pleasure" reads

The Goal: Enjoyment and consistency, not impressing anyone.

How to Find Books You'll Love:

Follow your curiosity:

• What topics fascinate you?
• What movies/TV shows do you love? (Find similar books)
• What do you Google late at night?

Use recommendations wisely:

• Goodreads: See what friends/readers with similar taste enjoyed
• StoryGraph: Better algorithm for finding matches
• Bookstores: Ask booksellers for recommendations based on your favorites
• "If you liked X, try Y" lists

Sample before committing:

• Read first chapter preview
• Check library copy before buying
• Listen to audiobook sample

The "Two-Track" System:

Rotate between "fun reads" (pure enjoyment) and "growth reads" (challenging/educational). Never read two difficult books consecutively.

Step 6: Set Realistic, Flexible Goals

Better Than "52 Books This Year"

Input goals beat output goals:

❌ Output: "Read 50 books" (focused on outcome, rigid) ✅ Input: "Read 20 minutes daily" (focused on habit, flexible)

Why input goals work better:

You control inputs (time spent), not outputs (books finished). A 20-minute daily habit might yield 20 books or 40 depending on what you read—both are success.

Progress-Based Goals:

"Read more than last year"—simple, achievable, motivating.

Varied Goals:

Instead of "50 books," try:

• "Read 30 minutes daily, 5 days/week"
• "Finish 2 books monthly"
• "Read 1 chapter daily"
• "Listen to audiobooks during all commutes"

Build in Flexibility:

Life happens. Vacation, illness, busy work periods, new baby—reading may decrease temporarily. That's okay. The habit survives if you return quickly.

The "Never Miss Twice" Rule:

Miss one day of reading? Fine. Miss two consecutive days? That's pattern-forming. Make day three non-negotiable (even if just one page).

Step 7: Track Progress (But Don't Obsess)

Why Tracking Helps

Motivation: Seeing progress encourages continuation Awareness: Identifies patterns (what genres you enjoy, when you read most) Accountability: Makes the habit visible and real Celebration: Provides milestones to acknowledge

Simple Tracking Methods:

Goodreads/StoryGraph:

• Log books finished
• Rate and review
• See annual reading stats
• Join reading challenges

Spreadsheet:

• Title, author, date finished, rating
• Track pages read, time spent

Reading journal:

• Brief thoughts on each book
• Quotes you loved
• Recommendations to share

Habit tracker app:

• Mark days you read
• Track streak
• Visual satisfaction of checking boxes

Calendar X's:

• Physical calendar
• X each day you read
• "Don't break the chain"

But Don't Let Tracking Backfire:

Avoid:

• Choosing books by length (gaming the system)
• Speed-reading to inflate numbers
• Guilt over "falling behind"
• Comparing yourself to others

Remember: Quality and enjoyment matter more than quantity.

Step 8: Create a Reading-Friendly Environment

Designate Reading Spaces

Comfortable reading spot:

• Good lighting
• Comfortable seating
• Minimal distractions
• Inviting atmosphere

Multiple locations: Reading nook, bed, outdoor chair, coffee shop

Minimize Distractions

Phone is the enemy:

• Put phone in another room
• Use app blockers during reading time
• Enable Do Not Disturb
• Airplane mode

TV off: Background TV kills reading focus.

Quiet or ambient sound: Silence, nature sounds, or instrumental music (no lyrics).

Set boundaries:

Tell household: "7-7:30pm is my reading time" (kids, partners, roommates).

Reading Rituals

Make reading special:

• Tea/coffee during reading time
• Cozy blanket
• Specific chair
• Candlelight
• Weekend morning reading in favorite café

Why it works: Rituals signal your brain: "This is reading time."

Step 9: Use the "Buffet" Strategy (Multiple Books at Once)

Permission to Read Multiple Books

One book per context:

• Physical book at home
• E-book on phone for waiting times
• Audiobook for commute
• Different genre for weekends

Why this works:

Matches mood: Not always in the mood for the same book Reduces abandonment: If stuck on one, continue others Maximizes time: Different formats for different situations

Organization tip: Keep books in different stages/genres so they don't compete.

The "Rotation" Method:

• Morning: Nonfiction (fresh brain)
• Commute: Audiobook fiction
• Evening: Light fiction for relaxation
• Weekend: Whatever mood strikes

Step 10: Join Communities and Share

Social Accountability

Book clubs:

• Local library or bookstore clubs
• Online communities (Reddit r/books, Goodreads groups)
• Friends-only clubs

Benefits:

• External motivation
• Discover new books
• Deeper understanding through discussion
• Social connection

Goodreads/StoryGraph friends:

• See what friends are reading
• Friendly "competition"
• Recommendations from trusted sources

Book Instagram/BookTok:

• Find community
• Get recommendations
• Share your reading

Reading partners:

Find one friend with similar goals. Check in weekly: "What are you reading? How's it going?"

Share without pressure:

Don't turn reading into performance. Share because it's fun, not obligation.

Step 11: Overcome Common Reading Obstacles

"I'm too tired at night"

Solutions:

• Read in morning instead
• Audiobooks (less energy required)
• Shorter reading sessions (10 min vs. 60)
• Lighter genre fiction before bed
• Weekend reading when rested

"I can't focus/mind wanders"

Solutions:

• Choose more engaging books
• Eliminate distractions (phone!)
• Read aloud
• Take notes or highlight
• Shorter sessions more frequently
• Audiobooks at 1.25x speed

"I fall asleep while reading"

Solutions:

• Read earlier in day
• Sit upright, not lying down
• Audiobooks with timer
• Acknowledge: some days this will happen

"I don't have time"

Solutions:

• Read in small pockets (5-10 min is enough)
• Audiobooks during existing activities
• Replace another activity (less TV, less scrolling)
• Wake 15 minutes earlier
• Read during lunch

"I start books but never finish"

Solutions:

• Choose more engaging books
• Shorter books initially
• Give yourself permission to quit
• Read summaries of endings (sometimes closure helps)
• Try audiobooks (harder to abandon)

"I feel guilty for not reading 'important' books"

Solutions:

• Let go of shoulds
• Reading anything is better than reading nothing
• Mix: 1 "growth" book, then 1 "fun" book
• Audiobooks for dense nonfiction (easier to digest)

Step 12: Develop a Pre-Reading System

Always Know What to Read Next

The "TBR" (To Be Read) List:

Keep a list of books you want to read:

• Goodreads "Want to Read" shelf
• Notes app
• Spreadsheet
• Physical list

Add to list immediately when you hear recommendations:

• From friends, podcasts, articles
• Prevents forgetting
• Creates excitement

Organize by category/mood:

• Light fiction
• Serious nonfiction
• Mystery/thriller
• Biography
• Self-help

The "Next Three" Strategy:

Always have your next 3 books identified and ready:

• One at home
• One on phone/e-reader
• One audiobook queued

Never finish a book without the next one ready. Prevents reading gaps.

Library holds strategy:

Place holds on multiple books. When they come in, choose based on current mood. Return what doesn't appeal.

Step 13: Embrace Audiobooks Fully

Audiobooks Are Real Reading

Let go of any guilt or gatekeeping around audiobooks.

When Audiobooks Excel:

• Commuting, driving
• Household chores, cleaning, cooking
• Exercise, walking, running
• Getting ready in morning
• Yard work, gardening
• Repetitive work tasks

Audiobook tips:

Speed control: Start at 1.25x, work up to 1.5x or higher (saves time, maintains engagement)

Good narrators matter: Sample before committing. Great narration transforms books; poor narration ruins them.

Sleep timer: Prevents losing your place

Best genres for audio:

• Memoirs (especially author-narrated)
• Thrillers and mysteries
• Literary fiction
• Biography
• Some nonfiction

Harder in audio:

• Dense, technical nonfiction
• Books requiring reference (diagrams, charts)
• Poetry
• Books you want to highlight/annotate

Library apps: Libby, Overdrive (free!), Hoopla

Subscription services: Audible, Scribd, Audiobooks.com

Step 14: Celebrate Milestones and Progress

Acknowledge Your Achievement

Celebrate every book finished:

• Update Goodreads/tracking
• Tell a friend
• Write brief review
• Add to yearly list

Milestone celebrations:

10 books: Treat yourself (bookstore gift card, new reading light, fancy bookmark) 25 books: Bigger reward (e-reader, comfortable reading chair, special dinner) 50 books: Significant celebration

Annual review:

End of year:

• Count books read
• Identify favorites
• Note what worked (genres, formats, when you read most)
• Set next year's goals based on data

Share accomplishments:

• Social media post of favorite reads
• Year-end recap
• Goodreads "Best of" lists

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Starting Too Ambitious

60 minutes daily when you currently read zero → burnout. Start with 5 minutes.

Mistake 2: Reading "Shoulds" Instead of "Wants"

Reading classics you hate to seem intellectual → quitting entirely.

Mistake 3: No System, Only Motivation

Relying on willpower → inconsistency. Build habits and systems.

Mistake 4: Comparing to Others

Someone reads 200 books annually → you feel inadequate → quit. Your journey is yours.

Mistake 5: Treating It as Obligation

Reading becomes chore → resentment → avoidance. Keep it enjoyable.

Mistake 6: All-or-Nothing Thinking

Miss three days → "I've failed, might as well quit." No—just start again today.

Mistake 7: Not Quitting Bad Books

Forcing yourself through terrible books → reading feels like punishment.

Your 30-Day Reading Habit Challenge

Week 1: Read 5 minutes daily. Any book, any format. Focus on consistency.

Week 2: Increase to 10 minutes daily. Add habit stacking to one existing routine.

Week 3: 15 minutes daily. Try audiobooks during one daily activity.

Week 4: 20 minutes daily. Evaluate what's working, adjust, set next month's goals.

Success = 30 days of reading, any amount.

Building a reading habit isn't about willpower or finding time—it's about creating systems that make reading inevitable, enjoyable, and easy. Start small, attach reading to existing habits, eliminate friction, choose books you love, and track progress without obsessing. Read in whatever format works—physical books, e-books, or audiobooks. Give yourself permission to quit books you dislike and read "guilty pleasures" guilt-free. Celebrate progress and be patient with yourself. The goal isn't reading more than anyone else; it's reading more than you did last year. Start today with one page, one minute, one chapter. Your reading life awaits.