Every January, the same ritual begins: you set an ambitious Goodreads goal, promising yourself this will be the year you finally become the reader you’ve always wanted to be. Fast-forward a few months—and suddenly, the books are untouched, your to-be-read list is growing like a weed, and your phone’s screen time is higher than ever.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
In today’s fast-paced world, reading often takes a back seat to easier, more passive forms of entertainment. After a long day, it’s far more tempting to let a YouTube algorithm entertain you than to crack open a novel. But if you’re here, chances are you want to read more—you just haven’t figured out how to make it stick.
Most advice out there focuses on the how: use an e-reader, listen to audiobooks, set up a daily reading target, join a book club. While these are helpful, they don’t always address the deeper issue.
To truly build a consistent, joyful reading habit, you need to shift your mindset. Here’s how.
1. Stop Waiting for the “Perfect Reading Moment”
We’ve all pictured it: a quiet evening, curled up in a cozy blanket with a steaming cup of tea, soft music playing in the background as we lose ourselves in a book. But life rarely gives us such picture-perfect moments—and waiting for them is one of the biggest reasons we don’t read as much as we want to.
Reading doesn’t have to be a sacred event. It can happen in the in-between moments: in the waiting room, during your commute, while standing in line. Keep a book in your bag or load your phone with audiobooks or e-books.
And yes, scrolling Instagram feels easier. But you might be surprised how those quick five-minute scrolls could be replaced with a few pages—and how much better you’ll feel afterward.
Just be careful not to fall into the “productivity trap.” Not every second needs to be optimized. But if you want to read more, be intentional about using some of your downtime for books instead of endless feeds.
2. Read What You Actually Enjoy—Not What You Think You Should
Forget the classics, the “must-reads,” or what’s trending on BookTok. Want to dive into romance, graphic novels, fan fiction, or even cozy mysteries set in Victorian bakeries? Do it.
Reading should feel like a treat, not a task. When you follow your curiosity, you’ll be more likely to pick up your book regularly—and actually finish it.
Later, when reading has become part of your routine, you can stretch your tastes and try new genres. But in the beginning, let yourself enjoy what you enjoy. Your reading habit will grow naturally from there.
3. Let Yourself Quit Books (Guilt-Free)
One of the most liberating things you can do as a reader? Stop finishing books you don’t like.
Seriously. If a book isn’t clicking with you—put it down.
Dragging yourself through pages you’re not connecting with doesn’t build a reading habit. It builds resentment and avoidance. So give each book a trial run. Try 20–30 pages, and if it’s not working, move on.
Life’s too short to force yourself through books that don’t bring you joy or interest. You’re not failing—you’re making space for books you do love.
4. Yes, Audiobooks and E-books “Count”
Some purists might argue that audiobooks or reading on your phone doesn’t “count.” They are wrong.
Reading is about engaging with stories and ideas—not about the format. If an audiobook helps you rediscover the joy of a good story during a long commute, that’s reading. If you’re flipping through pages on your Kindle while waiting for your coffee order—that’s reading.
Whether it’s a hardcover novel, a digital page, or a voice in your headphones, the end result is the same: you’re building your reading habit in a way that fits your lifestyle.
5. Start Small—And Build From There
Many people set grand reading goals—like finishing a book a week—only to feel defeated when they fall behind. Instead, focus on tiny, achievable steps.
Start with 10 minutes a day. Or a single chapter. Or five pages. The goal is to build momentum, not rack up numbers.
Personally, I find time-based goals (like 30 minutes a day after lunch) more sustainable than page counts. Whatever you choose, keep it realistic. Once you start seeing progress—no matter how small—it’ll encourage you to keep going.
To stay on track, try logging your reading daily or use apps like StoryGraph to visualize your progress. Celebrate the wins, however small.
Final Thoughts: The Real Key to Reading More Isn’t Time—It’s Intention
You don’t need more hours in the day to read. You need to shift how you think about reading.
Stop waiting for the perfect time. Let go of other people’s reading rules. Follow your joy, and drop the guilt. Read in ways that work for your lifestyle. Set small, consistent goals.
When you shift your mindset, the habit follows.
