7 Simple Strategies to Read More in 2024

Here’s how you start

Want to learn more this year?

One of the most timeless ways to do this is through good books.

Now people only want to turn to overly simplistic YouTube videos or expensive courses to find what they’re looking for, potentially for free, at the library.

But reading isn’t only about information or new insights.

It can also entertain and even help you develop empathy.

I read 22 books last year, but I usually average 30-plus.

My wife hit ~70 books this past year, and has scaled 100 books read in the past.

If you’re looking to make reading a bigger part of your life in 2024, here are 8 strategies you can pocket away.

Strategy 1: Craft your reading routine

Long gone are the days of haphazard reading habits. Establish a consistent reading routine to make sure you prioritize it.

In other words, plan when you’re going to read. This doesn’t sound fun or easy, but we all fall into simple “habits” like watching TV or scrolling on your phone. So be purposeful to unbreak ones like that — and it may mean adding time to your calendar. Try it.

Prioritize reading in your schedule, and treat it like a vital task.

“There is no friend as loyal as a book.” — Ernest Hemingway

Strategy 2: Set realistic reading goals

Let’s not get too crazy here.

Only read 1 book last year? Let’s try 5.

Read 10? Let’s go for 15.

Going from 0 to 100 is a little insane. But if you break your goal, there’s no reason why you can’t keep going.

Just don’t make it too daunting to start.

Strategy 3: Diversify your reading list

Venture into different genres, authors, and perspectives.

You’ll also want to mix it up to keep it interesting.

If you’re only reading Charles Dickens (one of my goals this year is to read a Dickens novel!), then a) you could get bored fast and b) those books are long.

It’s okay to mix in fun books with more serious ones, non-fiction with fiction, short and long books.

Strategy 4: Use different formats

Embrace different formats for your reading.

I’ve “read” books by alternating between an audiobook and a physical copy.

Or an ebook and a physical book.

Audiobooks offer an easy way to absorb knowledge while accommodating various lifestyle modes.

Strategy 5: Create a reading space

Create a dedicated reading space. Make it comfortable, inviting, and free from distractions.

Find a good chair.

Buy a nice lamp.

Have a table and put books on it. Maybe include a notebook if you’re taking notes.

I like to take notes on paper while reading a physical book and then copy it over to my digital tool at a later date.

“We read to know we are not alone.” — C.S. Lewis

Strategy 6: Share your reading journey

Social media is a great place to share what you’re reading.

In the past, I’ve used Twitter threads or took photos of book covers and added them to Instagram.

You can then comment on what you read and maybe others will join in, too.

Goodreads is the ultimate place for this, even though it‘s not always the greatest place.

Strategy 7: Don’t be afraid to stop a book

If a book isn’t doing it for you, then pick up another one.

There’s no reason to force your way through it. You’re not in school anymore (unless you are in school, then yes, keep at it!).

There are a ton of books, so find what you like, especially if you haven’t read seriously in a while.

Feel free to comment or ask me any questions about re-starting your reading journey.

Here’s a Reading Journal template that you can use to keep up with what you read this year! Happy reading!