"I didn’t plan to become an avid reader. Yet, over the past year, I've finished 30 books, discovered a love for new genres, and found myself reading almost every day."
These words prove that cultivating a reading habit is not only possible—it can become a rewarding part of your daily routine.
Unlike the overwhelming pile of tasks and distractions that fill our lives, reading is an activity that can enrich your mind, provide knowledge, and offer an escape. But like any habit, developing a consistent reading routine requires effort, patience, and the right strategy.
If you’ve struggled to form a reading habit—or find it hard to stick with books—here are a few simple steps that can help you finally develop a reading routine that sticks.
1.Set Clear, Achievable Reading Goals
Just like any habit, setting goals is the first step toward building consistency.
Start by defining your reading goals—they don't have to be grand at first. For instance, aim to read one book per month, or read for just 10 minutes a day. Once you reach these small goals, you can gradually increase the number of books or time spent reading.
SMART goals are a great way to keep track:
- Specific: "I want to read one chapter a day."
- Measurable: "I want to finish one book by the end of the month."
- Achievable: Start with something that feels realistic given your schedule.
- Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your interests and lifestyle.
- Time-bound: Set deadlines to keep yourself accountable.
Example: "I want to read for 20 minutes every day before bed for the next two weeks."
By creating goals that are specific and measurable, you can track progress and build momentum.
2.Create a Reading Schedule
Reading doesn’t have to be something you “find time” for—it’s about making time for it. Incorporating reading into your daily routine is the key to building consistency.
Here’s how to do it:
- Set a Daily Reading Time: Whether it’s first thing in the morning, during lunch breaks, or just before bed, pick a time each day when you’re most likely to read and stick to it. It’s easier to build a habit when you make it part of your routine.
- Start with Short Sessions: If you’re struggling to read, don’t overwhelm yourself. Start with 10-15 minutes of reading per day. Once this becomes part of your routine, you can extend the time.
- Use Time-Blocking: Treat your reading time like any other important task. Block off a specific time in your calendar and commit to it.
3.Choose Books That Excite You
The biggest reason people abandon reading is that they’re not reading books they enjoy. If you’re not interested in the book you’re reading, it will be hard to build momentum.
- Pick books that match your interests: Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, self-help, or graphic novels—choose books that genuinely spark your curiosity.
- Read what feels right: If you’re not enjoying a book, don’t force it. Move on to something else. Reading should feel enjoyable, not like a chore.
- Use Recommendations: Ask friends, join book clubs, or follow book bloggers to get ideas for books you might like. If someone you trust recommends a book, it can feel easier to commit to it.
Bonus Tip: Make a list of books you’re excited to read. Seeing that list grow will motivate you to keep reading and tackle your next book!
4.Use Audiobooks and eBooks.
Sometimes, we struggle to read physical books because of time constraints or distractions. Audiobooks and eBooks are great tools to help you keep reading without adding stress to your routine.
- Listen to Audiobooks: Audiobooks are perfect for busy schedules. You can listen during your commute while exercising, or while doing household chores. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can finish a book while multitasking.
- Try eBooks: If you find it hard to carry around physical books, consider using an eReader or your phone’s Kindle app. eBooks are portable and convenient, making it easy to read on the go.
- Try a Reading App: Apps like Audible for audiobooks or Kindle for eBooks let you carry an entire library with you.
5.Track Your Progress and Celebrate Milestones
Tracking your progress is a great way to stay motivated and see how much you’ve accomplished. Not only does it give you a sense of achievement, but it can also help you assess whether you’re hitting your reading goals.
- Use Goodreads: This app helps you track your reading, set yearly book goals, and connect with a community of readers. Seeing your progress in real time can push you to read more.
- Create a Reading Journal: Write down your thoughts about the books you’re reading and any interesting ideas or quotes you come across. Journaling will help you engage with the material, making it a more fulfilling experience.
- Celebrate Milestones: Once you reach a reading milestone, like finishing a book or hitting your goal, celebrate! A small reward, like a favorite treat or watching an episode of your favorite show, will keep you motivated to continue reading.
6.Make Reading Fun
The best way to make reading a habit is to make it enjoyable. Don’t treat it as a “task” to cross off your to-do list, but rather as an activity that brings you joy.
- Join a Book Club: Reading is more fun when you can discuss it with others. Online book clubs or local meetups provide opportunities to engage with fellow readers and discover new books.
- Mix It Up: Read different genres or formats to keep things fresh. If you’re used to reading novels, try graphic novels or biographies. Changing things up can keep your reading experience exciting.
- Create a Cozy Reading Nook: Whether it’s a comfy chair by the window or a quiet corner of your house, make a special reading space where you can escape into your books.
Final Thoughts
Developing a reading habit doesn't happen overnight, but with the right strategy and a bit of dedication, it’s completely achievable. Start small, pick books you love, and build a routine that works for you. Over time, reading will become as natural as any other daily activity—and you’ll find yourself finishing more books than you ever thought possible.
Remember: the goal isn’t to read more books for the sake of it—it’s about enjoying the process and expanding your horizons one page at a time. So, what’s the book you’ll start reading today?
Let me know in the comments or share your tips for developing a reading habit!
