Want to Read More Books? Real Tips for Cultivating a Reading Habit

“I’m too busy to read.”

“I can’t focus.”

“Every time I pick up a book I get interrupted.”

"What's the point?"

There are a lot of very real, justifiable reasons people have for not reading books. Thanks to living in a digital age where our attention is constantly being stolen from us, and to a broken system in which people are forced to work longer hours for less pay, reading books is not only a low priority for many but feasibly impossible due to the constraints of our modern existence. I get it.

But there are also very real, justifiable reasons for making reading a priority. If that is your goal, read on for strategies I have personally used to build a strong–even obsessive–reading habit.

1. (If focus is an issue) Always keep a book next to your phone.

I started doing this as a way to curb my phone usage. Whenever I felt the compulsive urge to pick up my phone, I would pick up the book instead. This still takes self-discipline, but achieves two goals at once by curbing a bad habit and building a better one.

2. (If you don’t have time to read) Carry a book with you in your purse or backpack.

If you’re going to a bank, store, doctor’s office, restaurant, or anywhere else there’s the possibility you’ll be waiting for any period of time, take advantage of that free time you’re given by squeezing in some reading. A book makes good company.

3. (If you need uninterrupted time) Keep books on your nightstand.

I know reading in bed is pretty common–shout-out to my fellow addicts who can’t sleep without reading first!–so this tip is for people who don’t read in bed. Just keep a few books there and see what happens. Maybe you’ll pick one up the next time you have insomnia. Maybe as your habit develops you’ll start going to bed earlier so you can have time to read.

4. (If you can’t focus or are too busy to read) Set a timer on your watch or phone.

How much time are you willing to spare? Ten minutes? An hour? Set a timer, and don’t put down the book until it goes off. Make sure you allow for at least a few minutes of space after the timer goes off so that you can reach a good stopping point, like a chapter end or other break in the text. If a lack of focus prevents you from absorbing what you read, just start that part over next time. Hey, you’re not losing out on anything.

5. (If [insert any reason]) Read what you like.

I’ve tried so many times to read Pride and Prejudice, but I have never gotten past the first page. I’ve had the same result trying to read other Jane Austen novels. This is English-major heresy, and I am still trying to overcome my shame. But you know what? Life is too short and there are too many books out there to read. I have read and enjoyed many other classics and will continue to do so. Yes, your tastes can change over time, so it’s worth the occasional revisit to a book you may not have liked before, but why make things harder on yourself? If you are new to reading as a hobby, I say check out a ton of different kinds of books from the library and if one doesn’t grab you on the first page, move on to the next one.

6. (If you don’t see the point) Read this.

As with any habit, you have to have a motivation for building it. Connect with your reason first. If none of the above reasons resonate with you, don’t feel bad about being an occasional, rather than habitual, reader. I am blessed with the privilege of time and space to read, making it easier to keep up the habit.

How often do you read? Are you a habitual reader? I’d love to hear any other tips you have!