How to Get More Reading Done: 10 Tips

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You know there’s plenty to gain from reading more books and articles. But when you get home after a long day and you’re tired, you may just want to turn on the TV, lie on the couch, and veg out. Or, you may find yourself logging into Facebook or watching YouTube videos to relax and pass the time away. Then, before you know it, it is bedtime and you’ll have no time left in the day to read.

If this describes you, you’re not alone. But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can get more reading done by following these 10 tips:

Always have a book or article with you. When you carry a book or article around with you, it’s less likely that you’ll play with your phone or daydream whenever you’re caught waiting for something. If you use your waiting time to read, you’ll be able to read more in the long run.
Set aside reading time every night before you go to bed. Even 10 or 15 minutes of reading before you go to bed can help you unwind and make progress on your reading.
Get enough sleep. It’s hard to read when you’re sleep-deprived. If you’re well-rested, you can focus on your reading and not nod off.
Use an e-reader. That way you can carry many books or articles with you easily and you can also adjust the font sizes.
Listen to audio books. These are great for driving commutes, road trips, and time exercising on a treadmill or stationery bicycle. But even when not traveling or exercising, audio books can be a great option for you if you prefer to do your reading by listening.
Keep a list of books that you’ve read. It’s exciting to see the list growing as time goes by, which will further encourage you to read more.
Keep a list of books that you want to read. This list represents all the knowledge that you’d like to gain in the future. Referring to this list and updating it regularly will help you stay motivated to keep reading.
Choose to read what you want to read. You may have a stack of books and articles that you feel you should read. But what really matters (and what will help you read more) is that you read what you want to read. Seek recommendations from people who like the same books that you like. Read book reviews and see what piques your interest. Look for books written by authors you already know and like.
Give yourself time to get into a new book. Don’t pick up a new book when you’ve got only five minutes to spare. It may take a while to get into a new book. But once you’re engaged, you’ll find it easier to keep reading. Conversely, if you’re not enjoying a book after you’ve read 50 pages or so, then perhaps you should stop. There’s no rule that says you have to finish every book you start. People who read a lot find reading to be pleasurable, not a chore.
Befriend other readers. You’ll read more and better texts when the people around you recommend good reading material to you. Your reading will also be reinforced when you have people to talk to about what you read.

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