This week my kindle informed me that for 15 weeks straight, I spent time reading. This was a new record for me. After reviewing my reading insights, I read about three days a week in those 15 weeks. In January 2021 alone, I read 24 days out of the month. Not too shabby. After reviewing my reading data, I was proud but not surprised; reading is what I love to do. I believe as an author and public speaker, stretching my intellectual capacity by reading is what I’m supposed to do. I know others have a hard time making reading a habit. We all know the benefits of reading, such as increased vocabulary, lower depression, and stress reduction. Even if it’s just for twenty minutes a day, reading is a good investment of time. Here are some tips to make reading a habit that I’ve learned over the years. 

Make Reading Easy For You

Some people listen to audiobooks; others like physical books; you may be like me and enjoy using a tablet to read. Whatever your preferred formula for reading is, go for it! Don’t allow anyone to tell you how you should read. Find what works for you and work it. Reading can be challenging to incorporate into your life, so you must find ways to fit it into your schedule. You can listen to audiobooks in the shower, read a physical book right before going to bed for twenty minutes, or start a book club with two of your friends. Reading is like exercise; there is no one way to do it; you have to find what works for you and stick with it. Make reading easy by finding ways to read that fit your comfort level regardless of what that looks like to others. 

Read Books You Like 

I had a professor once tell me about a list of books that one must read to be considered “an intelligent person.” His list consisted of Gilgamesh, Homer, and other epics that I didn’t find interesting. I believe that reading is similar to music, everyone has their preferences. I’m not a man who is going to sit around reading The 48 Laws of Power or Rich Dad Poor Dad, over and over again. I prefer autobiographies and only read non-fiction books. My advice for anyone looking to read more would be to read books that you like. So often we think that we have to read certain books to be considered intelligent or productive. If you want to read romance, go for it. Fiction stories, read them. Reading is a lot more enjoyable when you aren’t forcing yourself to read something you don’t like. Read books you enjoy and find interesting. 

Put Books Down You Don’t Like 

To follow up on my second point, if you start a book and find that you don’t like it as much, it is okay to put it down. You don’t have to finish every book that you start if you don’t like it. There have been times when I’ll start a book thinking it will be a fantastic reading experience, and I will be utterly disappointed. My rule of thumb is if I can’t breeze through the first 50 pages, I will stop reading the book. Would you ever dread through a song you don’t like or watch an entire movie that just isn’t picking up? Probably not; the same is true for books. If you are working through a book and it’s not meeting your needs, think about why and put it down. Try to find another book that will give you what the last book didn’t. 

Have Accountability 

In January, when I read 24 days out of the month, a big reason this happened was because I was leading a book club for my church. Each week for an hour and a half, we would discuss a book, and I lead the discussion. No matter what I had going on, what family drama I was experiencing, or how I felt every Tuesday at 7:30, I had to talk about what we were reading as a church. Being held accountable was the best factor in keeping me on track with reading.

I advise you to seek accountability with your reading habit. You can start a book club with two friends or call a friend once a week and rant about the new book you’re reading. Having individuals around to hold you accountable is a great way to form a habit. 

Count Time, Not Pages 

I have been the type to obsess over how many books or pages I’ve read. At the beginning of 2021, I told myself I wanted to read a book a week, which was fine for about two months, and then I got tired. I also learned that when I was speed reading focusing on pages and book numbers, I missed the content of the actual book. You may have friends that can read a book a week, or a day or whatever “impressive” speed they can, and that’s them. You focus on reading for a certain amount of time per day. Make it a point to count time, not pages. 

It is also true that not all books are created equal. You can read 50 pages of my book, Dealing with this Thing Called Life, and that may take you only 20 minutes, where 50 pages of Aristotle’s Poetics may take you a lot longer. Focus on how long you read, and be specific about it. You may want to read for an hour a day, in 10-minute intervals, or read for just 15 mins a day before bed. Find your formula and stick to it, focusing on time, not pages. 

Reading is an invaluable skill. When you start reading extensively, you will notice a difference in your thinking, vocabulary, and attention span. My favorite thing when I’ve read an excellent book is to bring it up in everyday conversation. Reading makes you intelligent, more empathetic, and has a world of benefits. I hope that these tips help you in becoming a habitual reader too. Happy reading!