Last Updated on: September 21, 2023
How many books have you read last year?
For many working people, reading more than five books a year is already a remarkable feat because of the busyness of our modern life.
There are many reasons why people lessen or stop reading altogether after graduation. The most common that I hear are:
- (1) having less time because of work and other responsibilities,
- (2) reading is dull, and watching it is easier to absorb.
However, reading offers more than just a past-time. It can help us learn more, improve focus, motivate, and even fall asleep more easily.
So for those who want to pick up the habit of reading, here are some tips.
The following are some of the ways I learned over the years.
Table of Contents
1. Always Have a Book Nearby
Traveling? Eating? Restroom? Bedside?
To read more, we must always have a book nearby. ALL THE TIME.
Placing a book in places you often go to, especially inside the house, increases the likelihood of picking them up and hopefully reading them.
For instance, having a book beside your bed makes reading more convenient before going to sleep.
Taking a book inside the restroom (e-books) gives you a few moments to read while you are getting busy.
A book in your bag allows easy access when waiting in line or for someone.
2. Never Judge a Book By Its Format.
Whether you love reading in print, e-books, or audiobooks, it wouldn’t matter much as long as you want to read.
Bookworms, book lovers, and even researchers often discuss the importance of what book format to read to gain maximum effect. But personally, any book format that is convenient and effective is the best.
We don’t have to be too loyal to only one type, and we should also never judge another person solely on their preferred book format. Every media type also has its advantages and disadvantages.
A hard copy is my personal preference because it allows me to have that feeling of actually ‘reading.’ It shows my progress since the left side is getting thicker while the right side is thinner, and it has its “book smell.”
Hard bounds are also the best type for bedside books. Which, according to studies, prepares your brain to sleep.
The disadvantages, however, are the hefty price tag and shelf space which comes with it.
On the other hand, soft copies are best when traveling and commuting since you just need an e-book reader like a Kindle or your phone.
They also provide the advantage of free downloads, lower costs, and virtually require no shelf space.
Audiobooks are often antagonized and tagged as ‘not real books,’ and people reading them are called ‘cheaters.’ But audiobooks are still books regardless of people’s opinions.
They unconventionally convey information through the ears instead of the eyes, which is advantageous for driving people.
3. Lessen Social Media and TV Consumption
There have been statistics that the average adult spends 1.67 hours on social media and 3.7 hours watching television. (The time on social media may be much higher now).
Just imagine the possibility. How many books will you read just by spending 1-hour less on Facebook and facing a book? Even a 30-minute reading per day will help you learn more.
4. Set a Daily Page Goal
“Eat an elephant, one bite at a time.”
Sometimes, a book may be challenging to read, especially if it’s too dry. So setting a small attainable goal for each day will help you overcome it.
Start by reading ten pages a day before gradually increasing it. A 300-page book completed after 30 days is way better than not finishing at least one.
5. Read Multiple Books At a Time.
Another unpopular opinion about reading is that it is okay to read multiple books simultaneously.
Try reading one novel and one self-help or reference book simultaneously. These two books may differ in content but will help you read more in a year.
You can also read a soft copy of a novel during break time, an audiobook while driving, or a business book before bed.
6. Read During Your Commute.
Working far from home is a hassle for many, especially those living in nearby provinces while working in the Metro. They are spending more time on the road and less at home.
Reading during your commute is an effective way to make use of your time productively. For instance, a one-hour commute can be an excellent opportunity to read at least 20 book pages.
Reading while in waiting lines is also a great opportunity to read more.
7. Join Goodreads
Goodreads is one of the best, if not the best, reading companions on the Internet. It is the social media for bookworms.
It has many functions that can motivate you to read, like listing all the books you have read, to be read, or currently reading.
You may invite friends to see what they are reading or get book recommendations. You can even follow your favorite author (if they are on Goodreads).
But aside from these features, the best thing about Goodreads is the Book Reading Challenge. You can set a reading goal for the year and easily monitor your progress.
It will also summarize all your activities of the year, like the books you read, the shortest and longest books read, the total number of pages, and so much more.
8. Find An Accountability Partner
Having an accountability partner in everything you do keeps you motivated. It would help if you found someone with the same goal as you, in which case to read more.
You can exchange your reading progress or even have some healthy competition. Every month, the person with the least books read must treat the other.
Joining a book club can also help you find an accountability group and include a social aspect in an activity commonly associated with introverts.
9. Know When To Stop Reading a Book.
Some books are just page-turners that you can spend hours reading it. In comparison, there are times when a book is not attractive enough or just not your type.
For me, 25% of the book is my threshold before deciding whether to fully commit to the book or move on to the next one.
Life is too short. And as much as we would like to read, responsibilities keep getting in our way.
To read more, we must decide whether to continue or move on to the next on our list.
When you know it’s hopeless to complete, nothing is wrong with stopping on something. Think of it as a sunk cost. Remember that there are more books out there just waiting to be read.
Final Thought:
Reading more books is achievable. You just need to let go of habits that do not add value to your life while adding habits that will help you grow as an individual.
Try counting your life in books, and you will notice our time is limited. Happy reading
