How to Read More Books This Year

Reading more isn’t about finding extra time

Every year, countless people set a goal to read more books. They buy bestsellers, create reading lists, and imagine spending quiet evenings immersed in great stories or learning something new. Yet as the months pass, many of those books remain unopened on a shelf.

The problem usually isn’t a lack of interest in reading—it’s the belief that reading requires large blocks of free time.

In reality, consistent readers rarely find more time than everyone else. They simply build reading into their everyday routines.

Reading more is less about motivation and more about creating habits that make books a natural part of your day.

Make reading easy to start

One of the biggest obstacles to reading is friction.

If your book is tucked away on a bookshelf while your phone is always within reach, it’s easy to choose scrolling over reading.

Keep a book where you’ll naturally see it—on your bedside table, in your bag, on your desk, or even in your car for moments when you’re waiting.

If you prefer digital reading, keep an e-book or reading app easily accessible on your phone or tablet.

The easier it is to pick up a book, the more likely you are to do it.

Read a little every day

Many people believe they need an uninterrupted hour to make progress.

They don’t.

Reading for just 10 to 20 minutes a day can add up surprisingly quickly. Even a few pages during your morning coffee, lunch break, or before bed can amount to several books over the course of a year.

Consistency matters far more than marathon reading sessions.

Some days you’ll read fifty pages.

Other days you may only read five.

Both move you forward.

Stop feeling guilty about unfinished books

Not every book deserves to be finished.

Sometimes a book simply doesn’t match your interests, your current goals, or your stage of life.

Many people continue reading books they’re no longer enjoying because they feel obligated to finish what they started.

In reality, forcing yourself through books you dislike often makes reading feel like a chore.

It’s perfectly reasonable to set a book aside and choose another one that genuinely holds your attention.

Reading should inspire curiosity, not obligation.

Read what genuinely interests you

One of the fastest ways to build a reading habit is to choose books you’re excited to open.

Don’t feel pressured to read only classics, award winners, or books that everyone else seems to be discussing.

If you enjoy history, biographies, fantasy, psychology, science fiction, business, travel, or memoirs, lean into those interests.

The more enjoyable the experience, the more likely you’ll return to it.

Your reading list should reflect your curiosity—not someone else’s expectations.

Make books part of your lifestyle

Reading becomes easier when it’s connected to existing routines.

You might read a few pages before bed instead of scrolling through social media, listen to audiobooks during your commute, or keep a book with you whenever you expect to wait in line or travel.

Some people enjoy joining a book club or sharing recommendations with friends, which adds a social element and helps maintain momentum.

The goal isn’t to race through as many books as possible. It’s to create a habit that naturally fits into your daily life.

Ultimately, reading more books isn’t about finding perfect conditions or waiting for extra free time. It’s about making reading accessible, enjoyable, and consistent. By keeping books close, reading a little each day, letting go of books that don’t engage you, choosing topics that genuinely interest you, and weaving reading into your everyday routine, you can build a habit that lasts well beyond a single year. The number of books you finish matters far less than the knowledge, ideas, and enjoyment you gain from the pages you choose to read.