Is one of your resolutions to read more in 2023? Here are 14 simple tips and tricks that can help set you up for success, without making reading feel like a chore.
1. Bring a book with you wherever you go.
Always have a book on hand when you leave the house. If you don’t feel like lugging one around, try e-books on your phone or kindle. If you have an idle moment (i.e. waiting at the doctor’s office) you’ll be glad you brought a book! Bring a book to work, too. Although working 8+ hours a day plus commuting can take up a huge chunk of our days, one way to sneak some reading in is to read on our work breaks.
2. Listen to audiobooks.
Catch up on those chores while catching up on your reading! Audiobooks can be a great way to multitask. Play an audiobook while you’re folding laundry, doing cardio, or cooking dinner. You just might find that these mundane everyday tasks become a bit more enjoyable!
3. Read motivational books.
A good old-fashioned self-help book can be a great way to read more while also feeling inspired to improve your life. Some titles you might enjoy include The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson, You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero, and Atomic Habits by James Clear.
4. Read educational books.
Is there something you’ve been meaning to learn about, whether it be ancient history, running a business, or basic computer coding? Why not pick up an informative non-fiction book on your topic of choice? Not only will you be reading; you’ll also be learning about that thing you’ve been putting off learning about all these years. It’s a win-win!
5. Set daily, weekly, or monthly goals. (A chapter a day keeps the doctor away.)
Set a small, attainable goal for yourself every day, every week, and/or every month. Maybe you’ll commit to reading a chapter a day, or 100 pages a week… Maybe you’ll commit to reading 20 minutes per day, or 1 book per month… It’s totally up to you!
6. Swap your phone out for a book.
When you find yourself mindlessly scrolling, hide your phone and switch to a book. I think this is the single most effective yet difficult thing we can do (for those of us addicted to mindless scrolling.) I shudder when I see my screen time. If I devoted even a quarter of that time to reading, I’d have read triple the books – AT LEAST – in 2022.
7. Read what you want to read.
Read what you want to read and feel absolutely no shame! It’s OK if you’re not devouring the classics or flying through the hottest new releases. Don’t force yourself to read a genre that you hate just because other people like it or because you want to be more “well read.” Read smutty romance novels, formulaic thrillers, obscure indie books, picture-filled graphic novels, or whatever your heart desires! There’s no right or wrong way to read. If you want to read more, you’ll have to actually enjoy the stuff you’re reading!
8. Join Goodreads.
Join a site where you can track your reading, like Goodreads or Storygraph. Not only can you track what you’re reading, but you can create to-be-read lists, access themed booklists, see what your friends are reading and, of course, join the annual reading challenge.
9. Join a book club.
Check out your local library and see what book clubs they have to offer, or maybe start your own book club with some friends. That way you won’t have to overthink what to read next and get decision paralysis (there are SO MANY BOOKS to choose from). You’ll know exactly what to read and when to read it by, and maybe you’ll make friends in the process. It’ll be a bonus if they’re also bookish!
10. Read short books.
Is reading a chunky book a little too daunting? Read something short instead! Try graphic novels, poetry collections, plays, short stories, or novellas. Sometimes we just need to get back into the habit of reading, and a great way to do so is to experience that beautiful feeling of accomplishment after finishing a book.
11. Consume bookish media.
Get involved with the bookish online community, whether it be through Bookstagram, BookTube, BookTok, bookish blogs and podcasts, etc. Be an active participant and post your own book reviews, book pics and videos, or simply participate quietly. It’s a great way to keep books on your mind while also getting some recommendations from fellow readers across the interweb.
12. Go to the library.
Books can get expensive and they take up lots of space. One way to save money and space while reading more is to frequent your local library. They have free books! It doesn’t get much better than that! And many libraries even offer an e-book/e-audiobook collection through the Libby app.
13. Find or create a cozy reading space.
Sometimes all we need is a cozy atmosphere to get us in the reading mood! Maybe you’ll enjoy reading in a quiet corner of your local library. Maybe you’ll discover a little coffee shop with some great coffee and good vibes. Maybe you’ll want to create your own cozy reading nook in the comfort of your own home.
14. Don’t force yourself.
Whatever you do, do NOT put too much pressure on yourself. Take a break from reading if you need! It seems we always want to be doing something and squeezing as many things as possible into our days in the name of productivity. But the thing is…it’s okay to embrace the art of doing nothing sometimes, or to just relax without a book or device under our noses. Once reading starts to feel like a chore, it becomes counterproductive and that’s a surefire way to make you read less, not more.
Do you have any other tips and tricks for reading more? Share them in the comments!
Pawsitive Reads 