Start With Your ‘Why’
Before you download a tracking app or make a towering to-be-read pile, take a moment to reflect. Why do you want to read more? Is it for pure escapism? To learn a new skill? To feel more connected to the world? There’s no wrong answer. Knowing your personal
motivation will help you choose books that genuinely excite you, rather than ones you feel you should read. Reading shouldn't feel like a chore. Reconnecting with your purpose is the first step toward building a habit that feels like a pleasure, not a task.
Assess Your Current Reading Life
A successful reset requires an honest, gentle audit of your current habits. Don't judge, just observe. When do you currently read, if at all? What gets in the way? For many, the biggest obstacle is the phone. Scrolling through social media can easily eat into potential reading time. Also, consider if you’re in a reading slump, where nothing seems to hold your interest. This is completely normal. Understanding your personal roadblocks is essential for creating a plan that actually works for your life, not against it.
Set Goals That Bend
Big, audacious goals like “read 50 books this year” can feel overwhelming, especially mid-year. Instead, focus on creating realistic, flexible, and sustainable goals. Instead of a book count, try a process-based goal. For example, aim to read for just 15 minutes each day or finish one chapter before bed. You could also aim to read one book a month. The key is to start small and build momentum. An achievable goal makes it easier to stay consistent, and consistency is what builds a lasting habit.
Curate an Inviting To-Be-Read Pile
Your reading list should feel like an invitation, not an obligation. If your current to-be-read pile gives you a sense of dread, it’s time to refresh it. Choose books that match your current mood and energy levels. Mix it up with different genres and formats. Consider a short, fast-paced novel, a graphic novel, or an audiobook to ease back in. Audiobooks are a fantastic way to read while commuting, exercising, or doing chores. And don’t be afraid to reread an old favourite; revisiting a beloved story can be the perfect way to remember why you love reading.
Schedule Your Reading Time
Good intentions often fail without a concrete plan. If reading is important to you, give it a dedicated spot in your schedule, just as you would for exercise or a meeting. You don't need to block out hours. Look for small pockets of time in your day: the morning commute, your lunch break, or the 20 minutes before you go to sleep. Leaving a book in a designated “reading spot,” like your bedside table or your favourite armchair, can also act as a powerful visual cue. By making it a planned part of your routine, you train your brain to know that this is book time.
Track Your Wins, Big and Small
Tracking your progress can be a powerful motivator, but it’s important to keep it gentle. This isn't about creating performance pressure. It’s about celebrating your consistency. You can use a simple notebook, a calendar, or an app to log your reading. Seeing your progress, even if it’s just a few pages a day, provides a sense of accomplishment that encourages you to keep going. And remember the most important rule: if a book isn’t working for you, give yourself permission to stop reading it. Life is too short to read books you don't enjoy.
