The Ultimate Guide to Reading More Books: Tips and Tricks to Help You Reach Your Reading Goals

Are you someone who always has a pile of books on their bedside table but never seems to get around to reading them? Or perhaps you're looking to challenge yourself and read more books than ever before? Whatever your goal may be, reading more books can be an incredibly rewarding habit to cultivate. Not only does it expand your knowledge and vocabulary, but it can also reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. In this post, I'll share some tips and tricks to help you read more books and reach your reading goals.

1. Set a realistic goal

Before you start reading, it's important to set a goal that's achievable. Don't set yourself up for failure by aiming to read 100 books in a year if you're only able to read a few pages a day. When goals are unrealistic, it can lead to frustration, discouragement, and a feeling of failure. Start with a realistic goal, such as reading one book a month, and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable. I use Goodreads to keep track of what I'm reading and to set an annual reading goal for myself. I love that I can go in and edit that goal if I feel like I was a little too ambitious when I set it.

To avoid setting unrealistic goals, it's important to take stock of your reading habits and set a goal that's achievable. A good starting point is to identify how much time you can realistically dedicate to reading each day or week. This could be as little as 10 minutes a day or an hour a week, depending on your schedule.

Once you have an idea of how much time you have available, you can set a reading goal that's appropriate. For example, if you're only able to read for 30 minutes a day, a realistic goal might be to read one book a month or 12 books in a year. Alternatively, you could set a goal to read for a certain amount of time each day or week, such as reading for 30 minutes every day or two hours every week.

Remember, the goal is not to read as many books as possible, but rather to build a consistent reading habit that's sustainable over time. By setting realistic goals, you'll be more likely to achieve them, which will provide a sense of accomplishment and encourage you to continue reading. As you become more comfortable with your reading habit, you can gradually increase your goals and challenge yourself to read more.

2. Prioritize reading

One of the biggest obstacles to reading more is finding the time to do it. Prioritizing reading is crucial for building a consistent reading habit. With so many demands on our time, it can be easy to push reading to the bottom of the list. However, by making reading a priority, you can create opportunities to fit it into your day and ensure that you're consistently making progress toward your reading goals.

We're not all super readers all the time, even librarians. Sometimes I devour books in no time, sometimes I'm proud of myself for reading even 5 pages. But I try to carve out even a few minutes of quality reading time each day.

One way to prioritize reading is to identify times of day when you're most likely to have uninterrupted reading time. For example, you might find that you're able to read more in the morning before starting your day or in the evening before bed. By carving out a specific time for reading, you're more likely to stick with it and make it a regular part of your routine.

Another way to prioritize reading is to make it a non-negotiable part of your day. This is what I have to do with exercising, too, sometimes. Treat reading like any other important appointment or commitment, and don't let other activities or distractions get in the way. This could mean saying no to social invitations, turning off your phone, or setting boundaries with family members or roommates.

If you find that you're struggling to prioritize reading, it can be helpful to remember the benefits of reading. Reading can reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, increase empathy and understanding, and provide a much-needed break from the demands of everyday life. By reminding yourself of these benefits, you can reframe reading as a valuable and essential activity that deserves your time and attention.

3. Make use of audiobooks

This is something I used to do more of when I rode the commuter rail into UMass Boston. I also made use of audiobooks when I was taking classes like medieval literature, as I felt it helped me to hear someone else reading the material out loud while I read along at the same time.

Audiobooks are a fantastic way to enjoy books and consume literature in a different format. If you find that you don't have the time or energy to sit down and read a physical book at all, consider listening to audiobooks instead. They are a great way to "read" while you're doing other things, such as exercising or commuting and can offer an alternative to traditional reading that can be especially useful for those who struggle to find the time or energy to read, or who have visual impairments.

Audiobooks can also bring a new dimension to a book, as they are often narrated by professional actors or voice-over artists who can bring the story to life in a way that reading it on your own cannot. The tone, pacing, and intonation of the narration can add depth and emotion to the story, making it a more immersive experience.

Moreover, audiobooks can help you discover new books and genres that you might not have considered before. By trying out different audiobooks, you can expand your reading horizons and explore books that you might not have picked up in print format.

However, it's important to note that some people may find that they have a harder time retaining information from audiobooks compared to reading a physical book. Additionally, some people may find that certain types of books, such as those with complex language or intricate plots, are better suited for reading in print format. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what works best for your reading style and preferences.

4. Create a reading list

Or two. Or three. I always have several different themed TBR lists going. Having a list of books that you want to read can help you stay motivated and on track. You can create a list on Goodreads, in a notebook, or on your phone. Keep track of the books you've read and the ones you want to read, and refer back to it often.

Creating a reading list is a helpful tool for anyone looking to build a consistent reading habit. A reading list can help you stay organized, motivated, and on track with your reading goals. Here are some tips for creating an effective reading list:

• Identify your interests: Consider what types of books you enjoy reading, whether it's fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, or biographies. Think about the topics or genres that interest you and make sure to include them in your list. 
• Prioritize: Consider prioritizing books that have been on your "to-read" list for a while or that come highly recommended by friends or reviewers. This can help you stay motivated and excited about your reading choices. 
• Mix it up: Don't be afraid to include books outside of your comfort zone. A reading list can be a great opportunity to try new authors, genres, and styles of writing. 
• Keep track: Once you've created your reading list, keep track of your progress and adjust as needed. You may find that you need to switch up your choices or make changes to your goal, and that's okay.

5. Join a book club

Joining a book club can provide you with the motivation and accountability to read more. Plus, it'sa great way to engage with literature, connect with like-minded individuals, and explore different perspectives on books. Look for book clubs in your community or online, or search for local book clubs through your library, bookstore, or community center. Before joining a book club, make sure you understand the group's expectations and guidelines. This may include how often the group meets, how books are chosen, and what types of discussions are encouraged. Consider joining a book club that focuses on the types of books you enjoy reading. This can help ensure that you're engaged with the material and interested in the discussions. Remember to be open-minded, as book clubs are a great opportunity to explore new genres and authors. Be open to trying new things and embracing different perspectives.

6. Read books that you enjoy

I try to explain this to students all the time. Reading shouldn't feel like a chore. If you're not enjoying a book, it's okay to put it down and move on to something else. Reading books that you enjoy will make the experience more enjoyable and encourage you to read more. When you're engaged and interested in what you're reading, you're more likely to make time for it and feel motivated to continue.

Reading books that you enjoy can actually be a fun and pleasurable experience. Whether it's a gripping thriller, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking memoir, reading can be a source of entertainment and relaxation. Reading can have a positive impact on your mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. When you're engrossed in a good book, you're able to focus your attention and temporarily escape from the demands of daily life.

Even books that are purely for entertainment can expand your knowledge and understanding of the world. Whether it's learning about a different culture, historical event, or scientific concept, reading can broaden your perspective and enhance your critical thinking skills. Reading can also inspire you to pursue your own interests and passions. Whether it's a memoir about someone who overcame adversity, a self-help book that encourages personal growth, or a biography of a successful entrepreneur, reading can motivate and inspire you to make positive changes in your own life.

7. Eliminate distractions

Eliminating distractions is a crucial aspect of developing a consistent reading habit. When you're reading, it's important to eliminate as many distractions as possible so that you can focus on the book. This could mean turning off your phone, finding a quiet place to read, or using noise-cancelling headphones.

With so many digital distractions available, it can be challenging to find the time and focus to sit down and read. Smartphones are one of the biggest sources of distractions. Turn off your phone or put it on silent mode when you're reading to avoid interruptions from notifications, calls, or texts.

Choose a quiet and comfortable space where you can read without distractions. This could be a cozy nook in your home, a quiet corner in a coffee shop, or a secluded park bench. Reading requires concentration and focus, so avoid multitasking while you're reading. Don't try to read while watching TV (admittedly one of my own biggest flaws), cooking dinner, or doing other things like checking your email. Give yourself permission to fully immerse yourself in the reading experience.

Reading more books is a habit that can have a positive impact on your life. By setting realistic goals, prioritizing reading, making use of audiobooks, creating a reading list, joining a book club, reading books that you enjoy, and eliminating distractions, you can reach your reading goals and discover a world of knowledge and entertainment in the process.

Remember, developing a consistent reading habit is a journey, and it's okay to start small and build up gradually. With persistence and dedication, you can achieve your reading goals and discover a world of knowledge, imagination, and inspiration through the books you read. So, pick up a book, find a comfortable spot, and let the reading adventure begin.

Happy reading!

Additional Resources

Audible is an audiobook platform that offers a wide range of books in audio format. You can use it to listen to books while you're on the go or doing other activities.

Book Riot is a website that offers book recommendations, reviews, and news for readers. It's a great resource for finding new books to read and staying up-to-date on the latest book trends.

Goodreads is a social media platform for book lovers. You can use it to keep track of your reading progress, discover new books, and connect with other readers.

Libby is a free app that allows you to borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library. You can use it to access a wide range of books without having to buy them.

The Massachusetts Center for the Book is a nonprofit organization that promotes literacy, reading, and the literary arts in Massachusetts.

The New York Times Best Sellers List is a weekly list of the most popular books in the United States. It's a great resource for finding new books to read and staying up-to-date on the latest book trends.

Reading Rockets is a website that provides resources for parents and teachers to help children develop a love of reading. It offers tips, strategies, and activities for improving reading skills and building a lifelong reading habit.