How to read more
Advice written by someone who doesn’t read, but is trying to read more.
Between 2018 and 2022, I was reading on average 16 books each year. So far in 2026 I’ve read 0… Whenever I travel, I’ll pack a book, hoping I’ll crack it open. But it remains untouched, and when I get back, I put it back on the shelf until I try again months later.
I want to read again. So I’m writing some advice as a person who doesn’t read and wants to read more.
Inspiration has expiration
I’ve always loved this saying. When you’re inspired, that inspiration doesn’t last forever. Eventually it’ll dissipate. And if you didn’t take advantage of the inspiration, it becomes harder to find the motivation to do the thing.
So if you’re inspired to read a book, do it immediately. Follow the inspiration before it expires.
You don’t have to finish every book
If you’re not liking a book, and you’re finding it hard to read it’s ok to not finish it. Don’t force yourself to finish a book you’re not into.
It’s easy to get caught up on finishing every book you start. But if you do not feel like reading it, you don’t have to finish reading it.
Switch between books
You can read multiple books at the same time. We don’t watch one TV show at a time, or only listen to one album at a time, or only play one video game at a time. Back in school, there was often reading assignments from multiple classes that required us to read multiple books at the same time.
If you become bored with a book, or hit a wall, just switch to a different book you’re more into. This makes it easy to follow the inspiration and keep the habit up if you’re able to bounce around different books.
Join a book club
Sometimes the hardest part is deciding what to read. Joining a book club can be an easy way to find great reads and holds you accountable to reading more.
It can be an in-person book club, a virtual book club, or just follow the recommendations of an influencer or podcast host you list. There are so many book clubs out there; find one that interests you and jump right in.
Make time for reading
This is what I struggle with a lot. When is the best time to read? In the morning? Before bed? On your commute? On the weekends?
For reading to happen, you have to schedule time for it. Pick a time that works best for you. And it’s ok if your routine changes. But if you never pick a time to read, you’ll never read.
The more you read, the more you’ll read
When I was reading multiple books a year, it was an easy habit. The more I read, the more I wanted to keep reading. The more books I finished, the more books I wanted to finish. Once it becomes a habit, it makes it easier to keep the momentum.
That’s the advice I have. Time to put it to the test and see if I can start reading more again.
What tips and tricks do you use to read more?
Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours.
T
