Read More Books: 10 Simple Rules to Boost Your Reading

How to Read More Books: 10 Simple Rules to Boost Your Reading

Do you want to read more books but feel like you don’t have enough time? This guide will show you 10 easy rules to help you read a lot more books this year. We’ll cover how to change your environment, manage your digital life, and make reading a natural part of your day.

What You’ll Learn

You will discover practical strategies to overcome common reading roadblocks. Learn how to design your surroundings, both physical and digital, to encourage reading. We’ll also explore how to use spare moments, embrace different reading formats, and shift your mindset to become a more consistent and enjoyable reader.

1. Design Your Bedroom for Reading

Many people say they don’t have time to read, but then spend hours on social media. A simple fix is the “pillow rule.” Keep a Kindle or a physical book on your bedside table. Charge your phone outside your bedroom.

1. Place your book or Kindle on your nightstand.
2. Charge your phone in a different room.
3. When you get into bed, your only option is to read.

This removes the temptation of social media apps. It’s about making your environment support the habits you want. This small change can make a big difference in how many books you read.

2. Organize Your Digital Space for Reading

When you grab your phone, you often go to the apps you use most, like social media. To make reading easier, change your phone’s home screen. Move social media apps to a different screen or delete them.

1. Put your Kindle app as the first app on your home screen.
2. Add other useful apps like habit trackers or calendars nearby.
3. Consider adding Kindle or Audible widgets to your home screen.

This makes reading the default choice when you open your phone. It’s about making it harder to access distractions and easier to start reading.

3. Use Everyday Tasks to Listen to Audiobooks

Most people don’t have hours of free time for reading. The “multitasking rule” helps by using time spent on simple tasks. When your hands are busy with something routine, listen to an audiobook.

1. Listen to audiobooks while doing chores like washing dishes.
2. Enjoy audiobooks during your commute.
3. Use them while waiting in line or doing other mindless activities.

This can create an extra 30 to 60 minutes of “reading” time each day. It turns time you might have spent listening to music or nothing into learning time.

4. Read Multiple Books at Once

Sometimes you get stuck on a book because it’s difficult or not engaging at that moment. Instead of forcing yourself to finish, try reading multiple books at the same time.

1. Have a fiction and a non-fiction book going on your Kindle.
2. Consider having separate books for different moods or times of day (e.g., a spiritual book to help sleep).
3. Switch between books based on your energy and interest levels.

This approach helps you stay engaged and prevents you from getting bored or frustrated with a single book. It allows you to pick up what appeals to you at any given moment.

5. Give Yourself Permission to Quit a Book

We often feel like we *must* finish every book we start, like in school. This mindset can make reading feel like a chore. Give yourself permission to abandon books you don’t enjoy.

1. If a book isn’t holding your attention, it’s okay to stop reading it.
2. Don’t feel guilty about moving on to something else.
3. Life is too short to spend time on books you don’t enjoy.

This rule frees you from the pressure of finishing. It ensures you spend your reading time on books that truly engage and benefit you.

6. Read What You Love First

Many people feel they should read “smart” books or classics. However, these can be difficult and discouraging when you’re starting out. The best way to become a reader is to read what you love.

1. Start with books that are easy to read and exciting, like thrillers or popular fiction.
2. Read engaging books until you genuinely enjoy the act of reading itself.
3. Once you love reading, you can gradually challenge yourself with more complex books.

Reading enjoyable books builds your reading skills and your desire to read. It’s like starting with light weights at the gym before trying to lift heavy.

7. Gamify Your Reading Progress

Making reading feel like a game can boost motivation. Tracking your progress makes it more engaging.

1. Use apps like Goodreads, which can sync with your Kindle.
2. Log the books you start and finish.
3. See your reading statistics, like the number of books read per year.

Seeing your progress visually can be very motivating. It turns reading into a rewarding activity where you can see your achievements grow.

8. Read and Listen at Faster Speeds

There’s no rule that says you have to read or listen at a slow pace. You can train yourself to absorb information faster.

1. Experiment with listening to audiobooks at 1.5x or 2x speed.
2. Practice reading faster by trying to eliminate subvocalization (hearing words in your head).
3. As you get used to faster speeds, you can comprehend more in less time.

This allows you to get through more material without sacrificing comprehension. It’s simply a more efficient way to consume content.

9. Treat Books Like Impulse Buys

When someone recommends a book, don’t hesitate. Buy it right away without overthinking it.

1. If you hear about a book you’re interested in, buy it immediately on Kindle or Audible.
2. Don’t worry too much about the cost; think of it as an investment.
3. You can always discover these impulse buys later when you’re ready to read them.

This removes the friction of acquiring books. Sometimes, these impulse buys can lead to life-changing ideas years later, making them incredibly valuable.

10. Adopt the Identity of a Reader

Your self-identity plays a huge role in your habits. If you tell yourself you’re not a reader, you won’t read much.

1. Start telling yourself, “I am a reader.”
2. Always have a book you’re currently reading, whether physical or digital.
3. When you have downtime, your instinct will be to pick up a book, not your phone.

By embracing the identity of a reader, you naturally start behaving like one. This mental shift is powerful and will drastically increase the number of books you read.

Conclusion

Reading more books isn’t just about the number; it’s about the knowledge, inspiration, and entertainment you gain. By applying these rules, you can make reading a consistent and enjoyable part of your life.

Source: 10 Rules to Read More Books (YouTube)