Do you want to know how to read more books? So do I.
I’m a writer crunched for time. I’m also a writer that wants to read more books.
I read not only for my profession, but for my enjoyment as well. Before I was a writer, I was a reader. Reading became my escape from the every day.
Reading also was a way for me to see that there were others ways of doing, of being, of living in this world. Both real and fictional ways of living. As a young girl who devoured many types of books, I learned about dollar cost averaging (I read financial tomes.). I imagined what it’d be like to start my own Babysitter’s Club (sparked by the famous series). I even pondered what it’d be like to have my own secret garden (inspired by the popular book by the same title).
As an adult, life became busier. I have more obligations and responsibilities than I did as a child. Thus, I have less time to read. (Also, Facebook didn’t exist in the 80’s.) Last year, I wanted to take control of the busyness and read more. I read, but I didn’t read as much as I would’ve liked. Unfortunately, I spent more time on social media than reading. But I decided not to give up on reading more in 2016. This time around, I’m doing things differently. Here are five quick tips to squeeze in more reading even if you’re crunched for time:
How to Read More Books, Tip #1 – Pick Books that You Enjoy
What’s the point of reading a book if you don’t like it? If there are authors, topics, or genres that you enjoy, focus on those.
How to Read More Books, Tip #2 – Read One Page a Day
That’s right. One page a day. A lot of times people don’t read more because they set unrealistic goals. Building habits is all about starting small…very small…like one page a day small. Over time, you’ll be motivated by your mini-success and exceed the goal.
How to Read More Books, Tip #3 – Listen to Audiobooks
Yaasss! Audiobooks are a busy reader’s best friend. I can listen to audiobooks anywhere: while washing dishes or walking or driving. And it’s so simple, just push ‘play.’
How to Read More Books, Tip #4 – Read One Book at a Time
This is a big one for me. I am easily enticed by ALL the books. ALL. THE. BOOKS. I’m often tempted to switch from one book to the other. But then I don’t finish a book. So this year, I’m making a concerted effort to read one book at a time. I slipped away from this promise to myself last week so writing this is keeping me accountable 🙂
There you have it. Easy ways to read more books even if you’re crunched for time.
Want to read the first post in the mini-habits series? Click here.
Do you have a goal to read more in 2016? What are you reading now? I’d love to hear about it!
I’m so with you, Preslaysa! Reading is my favorite hobby. I make time for it. I do a few things to get more reading in–I read a chapter of a Christian living book each weekday morning, I got a Kindle app for my iPhone, and I jot down every book I read in an Evernote file along with the date completed. Works for me!
Oooh! I love how easy you make it for yourself to read. That sounds so much better than having easy access to a Facebook or Twitter app on the phone or computer. Thanks for stopping by, Jill. You rock 🙂