How to Read More Books (Even If You Have No Time)
We all want to read more books. Whether it's for personal growth, professional development, or simply escaping into a great story, reading enriches our lives in countless ways. But between work, family, and daily responsibilities, finding time to read can feel impossible.
The good news? You don’t need unlimited free time to read more books. With the right strategies, even the busiest person can significantly increase their reading habits. In this guide, we’ll explore practical, time-saving hacks to fit more reading into your daily life.
1. Make Reading a Daily Habit
The biggest reason people don’t read more isn’t lack of time—it’s lack of habit. Just like brushing your teeth or drinking coffee, reading should become a natural part of your daily routine.
How to Build the Habit:
Start Small: Commit to just 5-10 minutes a day.
Pair Reading With Another Habit: Read while drinking your morning coffee or right before bed.
Set a Daily Reminder: Use an app or a simple sticky note to remind yourself.
Over time, these small habits will compound, and reading will become second nature.
2. Embrace Audiobooks
Think you have no time to read? You probably have time to listen. Audiobooks allow you to consume books while doing other tasks like commuting, cooking, or exercising.
Best Ways to Use Audiobooks:
Listen During Your Commute: Turn your drive or subway ride into a mini-library.
Exercise and Read: Listen to an audiobook while walking, running, or lifting weights.
Household Chores + Books: Cooking, cleaning, and folding laundry become prime reading time.
Try Audible here for free for an endless supply of audiobooks
3. Always Carry a Book (or eReader)
Idle time is wasted time. Those minutes spent waiting at the doctor’s office, standing in line, or sitting through long meetings could be used to get through a few pages.
How to Take Advantage:
Keep a physical book in your bag or car.
Download an eReader app on your phone to read anywhere.
Check out Kindle Paperwhite for an easy, glare-free reading experience.
4. Use the 10-Page Rule
Instead of worrying about reading a whole book, commit to just 10 pages a day. This tiny habit can have a huge impact—10 pages per day equals 3,650 pages per year, or about 15 books annually!
How to Stick to It:
Set a goal of at least 10 pages before bed each night.
Use a bookmark and stop at exactly 10 pages if needed.
Over time, you’ll often read more than planned because you’ll be hooked!
5. Make Reading Social
Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity. When you involve others, you’ll feel more accountable and motivated.
Ways to Make Reading Social:
Join a Book Club: Online or in-person book clubs keep you on track.
Share Your Progress: Post about your current read on social media.
Buddy Read: Pick a book with a friend and discuss it together.
6. Ditch Books You Don’t Enjoy
One of the biggest reading roadblocks is feeling stuck in a book you don’t love. If a book isn’t grabbing you, don’t force it—move on to something more engaging.
How to Decide When to Quit:
Follow the Rule of 50: If you’re not hooked after 50 pages, drop it.
Remember, there are millions of great books—don’t waste time on ones that bore you.
Pick books that genuinely excite you, not just ones you “should” read.
7. Use Speed-Reading Techniques
Reading faster means finishing more books. While comprehension is key, a few simple strategies can help you increase your reading speed.
Speed-Reading Tips:
Use a Pointer: Guide your eyes with your finger or a pen.
Stop Subvocalizing: Avoid reading each word in your head.
Read in Chunks: Take in multiple words at a time.
8. Schedule Reading Time
You schedule important meetings, so why not schedule reading? By setting aside dedicated reading time, you’re more likely to make it a priority.
How to Schedule Reading:
Morning Reading: Start your day with 10-20 minutes of reading.
Lunch Break Reading: Swap social media scrolling for book time.
Evening Wind-Down: Replace Netflix with a book before bed.
9. Read Multiple Books at Once
Having more than one book in progress allows you to read depending on your mood and situation.
How to Manage Multiple Books:
One Fiction, One Non-Fiction: Balance entertainment with learning.
One Physical, One Audiobook: Read one at home and listen to another on the go.
Mood-Based Reading: Pick a book that matches your energy level.
10. Track Your Progress
Tracking your reading habits keeps you motivated and helps you see improvement over time.
Ways to Track Reading:
Use a Reading Journal: Write down books read, notes, and thoughts.
Try a Reading App: Apps like Goodreads help log books and set goals.
Set an Annual Goal: Aim for a certain number of books per year.
Final Thoughts: You DO Have Time to Read
The truth is, most of us have more time to read than we think—we just need to use it wisely. By building small habits, making use of audiobooks, and sneaking in reading throughout the day, you can dramatically increase your reading without feeling overwhelmed.
Try implementing even just one or two of these strategies and see how your reading transforms. Before you know it, you’ll be finishing more books than you ever thought possible.
So, what book will you start with today? 📖
