If you’ve been wanting to dive deeper into books but struggle to find the time or motivation, you’re not alone. In today’s world, we’re so attached to our screens, wouldn’t it be nice to cultivate reading more? In our busy lives, making room for reading can feel like a challenge, but with a few simple strategies, you can easily turn it into a daily habit. Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, unwind, or simply discover new stories, these tips will help you read more consistently and make the most of every page. Let’s explore how you can reignite your love for reading and fit it into your routine.
Each year I set a personal reading goal, but I’ve learned that the number of books you read isn’t what matters most. Don’t let like BookTok make you feel like reading less than 100 books a year isn’t enough. It’s not about keeping up with trends or hitting arbitrary numbers. It’s about enjoying the process, immersing yourself in stories that inspire you, and loving what you read. Whether it’s one book or fifty, the value lies in the experience, not the tally. Let’s focus on quality over quantity and make reading something you look forward to.
1. Read what you LOVE
Reading should be enjoyable, not a chore. Just like working out, your best workouts are the ones you’re excited to do, the same goes for reading. You don’t need to force yourself to read the classics, dense non-fiction, or challenging literature IF those aren’t what excite you. You also don’t have to only read self-help books, sometimes there is a pressure to read to only learn or better yourself. But reading really can be an escape, like watching a tv show is. If fantasy, thrillers, or lighthearted novels are what you love, then read those! The key to reading more is to read what genuinely interests you. When you’re engaged with a book you love, reading becomes a joy rather than an obligation.
2. Set Clear Goals
Start by setting a clear and achievable reading goal. Whether it’s a certain number of books per month or pages per day, having a target gives you something to aim for and keeps you motivated. You might decide to read one book a month, or perhaps set a goal to read 20 pages each day. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s realistic and fits into your lifestyle. The key is to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on yourself. Remember, your goal should enhance your reading experience, not turn it into a chore. Feel free to adjust it as needed to suit your pace, interests, and the flow of your life.
3. Track Your Progress
Tracking the books you read and your progress can be incredibly motivating. Use a journal, a reading app, or even a simple checklist to note down the books you’ve finished and your thoughts on them. Watching your list grow as you complete more books is a satisfying way to see how far you’ve come and reflect on what you’ve enjoyed most.
Personally, I log every book I’ve read, and the date I finished it, in both the Storygraph app and Goodreads. (Yes, I use both! They each have their pros and cons, and I couldn’t give up one over the other.) It’s a fun way to easily track your reading, discover new books, see what your friends are reading, and read through others’ reviews for recommendations!
June 2025 update: I now use Fable for all my book tracking! This platform is so good, I ditched the two mentioned above because not only is it absolutely stunning, but it keeps me organized with beautiful lists, yearly reading goals, and even daily streaks!
4.You’re Allowed to Quit Books
One of the best things you can do for your reading life? Quit a book that’s not for you!
There’s a common belief that once you start a book, you have to finish it, which can turn reading into a chore. But a book is just a medium for content, and if it’s no longer bringing you value or enjoyment, it’s perfectly okay to put it down. Life’s too short, and there are countless amazing books out there, there’s no reason to push through one that doesn’t captivate you. You can always return to it later if you feel like it, but don’t force yourself to finish something that isn’t resonating with you right now. Giving yourself this freedom can actually help you read more by keeping the experience enjoyable.
In fact, one of the biggest barriers to reading more is feeling obligated to finish a book you’re not enjoying. If a book isn’t sparking your interest, don’t hesitate to move on. Reading should be a pleasure, not a burden and embracing this mindset will make it easier to find books that truly excite you.
5. Join a Book Club or Reading Challenge
Sometimes, a little external motivation can go a long way. Joining a book club gives you a social aspect to your reading, providing both accountability and the pleasure of discussing books with others. Alternatively, participate in a reading challenge, like reading a certain number of books in a year or exploring books outside your usual genre. These activities can introduce you to new books and keep you motivated to read regularly.
Reading is a beautiful past time that we hope, will never go out of style. In today’s world it’s so easy to get caught up in the constant connection to our technology. Which in itself is a fantastic invention! But we all know, our phones and computers come with distraction, stress, burnout and terrible attention spans. In order to keep our minds challenged and our attentions sharp, let’s not forget about reading. It’s a wonderful way to unwind and get lost in a story. If you’re looking for some good reads, check out Cornelia’s top picks, linked on her Amazon.
And if you’re looking to continue your journey as a reader, and perhaps a writer, check out our blog post “15 Fall Journal Prompts to Reset for a New Season” Fall is all about cozying up with a new book and putting our thoughts on paper. Let’s do this together!
Let us know some of your favourite reads! We’d love to hear them.
XOXO
Meg & Cornelia
