What’s Stopping You from Reading Books? Common Barriers and How to Overcome Them

March 5, 2025

Reading books has long been a cherished hobby and an important form of personal development. Whether it's fiction to escape into another world or non-fiction to learn something new, books have the power to enrich our lives. However, many of us struggle to find time or motivation to read regularly.

If you've been meaning to read more but just can't seem to pick up that book, you're not alone. Several common barriers can prevent us from reading as much as we’d like.

In this blog post, we'll explore the most frequent obstacles to reading and, more importantly, offer practical tips on how to overcome them. Whether you're dealing with time constraints, distractions, or a lack of motivation, we’ve got you covered.

1. Lack of Time: The Busy Schedule Trap

The Barrier:

One of the most common reasons people don’t read as much as they want is simply a lack of time. Between work, family, social obligations, and other responsibilities, it can feel like there’s no time left to sit down with a book. Life gets busy, and reading may slip to the bottom of the priority list.

How to Overcome It:

Set Small, Achievable Goals: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try to set small, manageable reading goals. Instead of committing to reading a chapter a day, aim for just 10 minutes of reading a day. Even small reading sessions can add up over time.
Incorporate Reading Into Your Routine: Find pockets of time during your day that you can dedicate to reading. For example, read for 10 minutes during your lunch break, or read a few pages while waiting in line or on public transportation. By integrating reading into your routine, you’ll naturally make it a part of your day.
Use Audiobooks: If you have a busy schedule that doesn’t allow for sitting down to read, consider listening to audiobooks while you're commuting, exercising, or doing household chores. Audiobooks are a great way to "read" when you’re on the go.

2. Distractions and Lack of Focus

The Barrier:

In today's fast-paced, tech-heavy world, distractions are everywhere. Between social media, constant notifications, and the allure of other forms of entertainment, it's hard to maintain focus while reading. You might find yourself skimming pages, losing track of the plot, or putting the book down after a few minutes because your mind is wandering.

How to Overcome It:

Create a Quiet Reading Space: Find a quiet, comfortable spot where distractions are minimal. Whether it’s a corner of your room, a cozy café, or a park bench, a distraction-free space can help you focus.
Limit Digital Distractions: If you’re reading on a digital device, turn off notifications or enable "Do Not Disturb" mode. Set your phone out of reach to minimize the temptation to check emails or scroll through social media.
Set a Timer for Focused Reading Sessions: Try using the Pomodoro Technique, which involves reading for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. Repeat this process to maintain focus. Short, focused bursts of reading can help keep your attention on the book.

3. Reading Fatigue: Mental Exhaustion and Burnout

The Barrier:

Reading requires mental energy, and sometimes after a long day of work or school, the idea of concentrating on a book can seem exhausting. When your brain is already tired, the last thing you want to do is engage with dense, heavy material.

How to Overcome It:

Choose Lighter Material: If you're feeling mentally drained, opt for lighter reading material, such as short stories, graphic novels, or feel-good fiction. These types of books can be easier to digest without requiring too much mental effort.
Take Breaks: If you’ve been reading for an extended period, give yourself breaks to avoid burnout. It’s okay to put the book down for a while and come back to it later when you’re feeling more refreshed.
Set Realistic Expectations: Don’t force yourself to read for hours at a time. Set a goal that aligns with your energy levels. Even 10–15 minutes of reading before bed can be a rewarding practice without overwhelming yourself.

4. Lack of Motivation or Interest

The Barrier:

You may find yourself struggling to stay motivated to read, especially if the books you’ve chosen don’t excite you. Reading can feel like a chore if you're not engaged with the material. Without the right motivation, it's easy to put the book down and move on to something else.

How to Overcome It:

Read What You Love: It sounds simple, but it’s crucial to pick books that genuinely interest you. If you’re not connecting with a book, don’t be afraid to put it down and try something else. There’s no shame in not finishing a book if it doesn’t bring you joy or hold your attention.
Set Fun Challenges: Create fun reading challenges for yourself. For example, aim to read a book from a different genre, a book by a new author, or a book recommended by a friend. Challenges like these can inject some excitement and novelty into your reading routine.
Join a Book Club or Reading Group: Connecting with other readers can reignite your passion for books. Being part of a book club or reading group provides a sense of accountability and exposes you to new genres and perspectives, keeping your reading experience fresh and enjoyable.

5. Overwhelmed by the Number of Books to Read

The Barrier:

With so many books out there, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. You may feel paralyzed by choice or guilty for not reading all the books on your shelf. This can lead to indecision and avoidance of picking up a book altogether.

How to Overcome It:

Simplify Your Choices: Instead of trying to tackle your entire reading list at once, narrow down your choices to a small selection. Focus on one book at a time to make it less overwhelming.
Prioritize Books that Align with Your Interests: Look at your reading list and choose the books that are most aligned with your current interests or mood. You’re more likely to stick with reading when you’re excited about the material.
Set a Reading Plan: Create a reading schedule or set a timeline for your books. This will help you prioritize which books to read next and give you a sense of direction. You can also set a goal for how many books you want to read each month or year.

6. Financial Constraints: The Cost of Books

The Barrier:

For some readers, the cost of books can be a significant barrier. Physical books, especially new releases or hardcover editions, can be pricey, and buying books regularly can quickly add up. E-books are often cheaper, but not everyone wants to read digitally.

How to Overcome It:

Use Libraries: Libraries are an excellent resource for free access to a wide variety of books. You can borrow both physical books and e-books for free. Many libraries also have audiobooks available for borrowing.
Take Advantage of Book Sales and Discounts: Watch for sales, discounts, or subscription services like Audible or Kindle Unlimited. These options allow you to access books at a lower cost.
Book Swaps: Consider organizing a book swap with friends or joining a local book exchange group. This allows you to share books you’ve already read while discovering new ones without spending money.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve found yourself struggling to read more, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are plenty of ways to overcome the barriers holding you back. Whether it’s finding more time, eliminating distractions, or picking up the right book, there’s a solution to every reading challenge.

By addressing the common barriers to reading and incorporating strategies that work for your lifestyle, you can rekindle your love for books and make reading a consistent, enjoyable part of your life. So, what’s stopping you from picking up that next book? The first step is to acknowledge the challenge—and then take action.

What Stops You from Reading Books? FAQs

Why am I struggling to find time to read books?

Many people struggle with time management, but scheduling short reading sessions or setting realistic goals can help you find time to enjoy books.

What if I get distracted easily while reading?

Try reading in a quiet, distraction-free environment, and consider using techniques like the Pomodoro method to maintain focus during reading sessions.