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Every year, millions of people set a goal to read more books. By March, most of them have already given up.
Some never even start. Life gets busy. The habit never quite sticks. And even if you do read, it happens in sporadic bursts, one book in January, another in June, maybe a few pages here and there.
I know this cycle all too well. For years, I kept promising myself I would read more. But something always got in the way. That changed when I figured out how to make reading books a consistent, effortless part of my daily routine.
Now, I read about 50 books a year. And the best part? It doesn’t feel like work. This guide will help you do the same.
How to Start Reading Books Again (And Make It a Habit)
So how do you actually get back into reading books and stay consistent?
Quit Books You Don’t Enjoy
This is the most important rule: If you don’t like a book, stop reading it.
I used to force myself to finish every book I started. It made reading feel like a chore. The moment I allowed myself to quit, reading became enjoyable again.
If a book isn’t working for you:
- Skim through the remaining chapters to see if anything interests you.
- Move on. There are millions of great books out there, don’t waste time on ones you don’t enjoy.
Always Have Your Next Book Ready
Instead of waiting until you finish a book to choose the next one, buy three books at a time.
Why?
- It prevents decision fatigue (no wasting time figuring out what to read next).
- It gives you options (if one book isn’t working, you have two backups).
- It keeps momentum going.
I usually pick three books from different genres—one non-fiction, one fiction, one finance—to keep things fresh.
Set a Daily Reading Goal (Time-Based, Not Book-Based)
Reading goals should be measurable and sustainable.
Most people set yearly goals like “I’ll read 52 books this year.” The problem? You’ll procrastinate, fall behind, and eventually quit.
Remember, Warren Buffett’s Noah Principle: Predicting rain doesn’t count, building arks does.
Instead, set a daily goal: “I’ll read for 30 minutes a day.”
- It’s trackable.
- It builds consistency.
- Even 10 minutes is better than nothing.
Track your progress. Use a calendar and mark the days you read. What gets measured, gets managed.
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Use the 3-Second Rule
If something takes more than three seconds to start, you’ll overthink it and procrastinate.
Make it easy:
- Keep your book visible (on your bedside table, not hidden in a drawer).
- Carry a book everywhere, on your commute, while traveling.
- If you don’t have time for physical books, try audiobooks (Audible is great for this).
Now, some people will not like this but consider switching to a Kindle. Since moving to a Kindle, I have been reading more than ever.
It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and allows me to download multiple books at once. It ticks all the above bullets.
Plus, highlighting key passages and syncing them with Readwise has been a game-changer for retaining insights through incremental learning.
Make Reading Books Part of Your Routine
You never forget to brush your teeth. Why? Because it’s part of your routine.
Make reading just as automatic, here are some ideas:
- Before bed: Read for 30 minutes instead of scrolling your phone.
- Morning routine: Read a few pages with your coffee.
- Commute: Listen to audiobooks if you drive or read if you take public transport.
- Weekends: Dedicate an hour on Sundays.
Find the Right Genre
Not every book will work for you. Your friends might love fiction, but maybe you prefer biographies or self-help.
Try different genres until you find what excites you.
Looking for recommendations? Check out my bookshelf.
Leverage External Accountability
I am not a fan of external validation, but using social accountability does help build habits.
- Post about your reading goals on social media.
- Join a book club.
- Ask a friend to check in on your progress.
When you make your goal public, you’re more likely to stick to it.
My Thoughts on Speed Reading Books
Should you try speed reading? No.
Speed reading techniques claim to help you read faster without losing comprehension. In my experience, they don’t work for beginners.
Instead, focus on these simple tweaks:
- Use a pointer (pen, finger) while reading – this reduces backtracking and increases speed.
- Stop subvocalising (reading aloud in your head) – it slows you down.
- Sit up straight – it keeps you focused and prevents drowsiness.
Final Thoughts: Action Steps to Start Reading Again
If you’re serious about reading more, take action today:
- Set a daily goal (e.g. 30 minutes of reading per day).
- Decide when you’ll read (morning, night, during commutes?).
- Order three books now so you’re ready.
- Track your progress to stay accountable.
- Quit books you don’t enjoy and move on quickly.
The hardest part is starting. But once reading becomes a habit, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Now, go pick up a book.
