7 Tips To Actually Read More in 2024

Reading is life-changing, no matter what book you choose to read. But sticking to this habit can be difficult at times.

Wanting to read more has always been a goal of mine.

Lately, I’ve been reading more self-improvement books, and I think some of them have genuinely changed my life.

The habit of reading isn’t easy, I know first hand. However, I have found ways that make it easier. Hopefully, I’ll hit my reading goal this year (40 books)!

Choose the Right Book

Reading books can be daunting, and that fear is often the main reason why it is difficult.

Trying to finish thick books written on topics that are of no interest to you is an uphill battle. Instead, find books that make you excited to read. Here are some examples:

• Movies you enjoyed that were originally books
• Friends’ recommendations
• Which genre do you like most?

For example, if I tried ploughing through a 500-page book about the history of the universe, I would probably fall asleep in seconds. On the other hand, reading a short fiction book would be easier.

After reading an easier book and finding joy in it, I can then progress to other books.

Physical Books Are Awesome

Online reading might be more convenient and cheaper than physical books, but there are still perks that physical books have over online ones:

• Help us retain information better
• Flipping physical pages & feeling the texture of a book can make reading more appealing
• Easier on the eyes
• Gives a sense of ownership, making it more compelling to read

To get hold of a physical book, it is as easy as visiting your local library, or simply buying one for $10 to $30.

This really is a very low cost considering someone has spent thousands of hours drafting, writing and editing it. You can learn from someone’s life experiences, all condensed into a 300-page book, in a matter of days.

Reading is one of the only mediums of knowledge-sharing that is so affordable for the insane amount of information you can learn.

Shaping Your Environment

It’s nearly impossible to read more when there are no books around you.

Keeping physical books in the space around you (e.g. on your table), acts like a small reminder in the back of your mind to read.

If you are reading e-books, try optimising your phone’s home screen to encourage reading. For example, placing your reading app on the first page that shows up when opening your phone.

I’ve found placing my Kindle app next to social media ones, encourages me to read when I’m bored instead of checking social media.

This follows one of the principles from James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, which is to build a good habit, decrease friction to do it. Likewise, to quit a bad habit requires an increase in friction.

Shaping your environment to decrease friction between you and reading helps you read more.

Have Multiple Options

Sometimes, I’m just not in the mood to read a serious book on self-improvement. Having 3 to 4 books that I read at the same time gives me the flexibility to read an easier fiction book instead.

This way, I’m still reading and learning new things,

Just something that I feel more like reading at that time.

Without these options, it is much easier to feel fatigued and start reading less and less.

Listen to Audiobooks

There are many ways for you to start listening to audiobooks (Options include Libby and Audible). For me, they were quite the game-changer.

For one, you can listen to audiobooks anywhere, anytime. For example,

• When travelling to and from work
• While doing chores
• When you’re too tired to read physical/ e-books

Some books that seem really difficult to read can become much easier when someone is reading them to you. This often helps to overcome any anxiety to read a particular book.

Set Manageable Goals

Having a goal of the number of books you would like to read, or the amount of time you want to spend reading is a huge motivation.

Goals like 100 books a year are great, but they are a bit obscure and it is easy to reach the middle of the year only reading 20.

Instead, try making the time frames a little shorter, like a book a week. This can then be shortened to ‘x chapters a day’, or ‘x minutes a day’.

Don’t be too stressed when you miss one day, or read one less chapter than you would like. That’s okay. Keep the momentum going and don’t miss 2 days in a row. Get right back at the habit and don’t give up.

Change Your Identity

It is significantly easier to read more when you believe that you are a reader. You are one of those people. Do what you think a reader would do.

Instead of saying things like, ‘I don’t read’ or ‘I’m not a reader’, say ‘I am someone who reads’. A simple mindset shift is really quite powerful.

Conclusion

Reading consistently isn’t easy, but there are ways to make it easier. The tips above have truly helped me read and learn more, and I hope they can help you too!

I hope you found this article insightful. Thanks for reading!

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