Do you want to read more but just can’t seem to make it happen?

Do you have an ever growing TBR pile?

Jumpstart your reading with these 5 habits.

People always asked me how I manage to read so many books a year . There is no one size fits all answer for this. My ability to read quickly and have good comprehension works for me, but that doesn’t mean that I can tell everyone to just read quickly.

I have compiled the 5 tips to read more as a better response to that question. Some, or all, of these might help anyone read more books.

Habit #5 to Read More Books: Creating a TBR list of books you like

This seems obvious, right? You would be amazed at how many books we add to our list because they are all over #Bookstagram or we saw them all over the blog world. Read the synopsis, keep in mind how realistic your time for reading is, and pick books that you really want to read!

Along those lines, do not be afraid to DNF a book if you aren’t feeling it. Put it down, walk away. Maybe you will feel differently later, maybe you won’t but it is ok to not finish a book you are not enjoying.

Never force yourself to read a book that you do not enjoy. There are so many good books in the world that it is foolish to waste time on one that does give you pleasure.

Atwood H. Townsend

Habit #4 to Read More Books: Be Realistic and Positive

Most of us have a lot going in our lives. Work, school, children, and just life in general take up much of our time. We have to be realistic about the kind of time we have to devote to reading.

If you rarely pick up a book, you might not want to start with the goal of reading 10 books next month. Be honest with yourself, pick one book you want to read, apply these tips, and read that book. Don’t set yourself up to dread reading. A habit of keeping a positive attitude towards reading can make it something you look forward to.

Habit #3 to Read More Books: Set a Timer

I actually started to do this for reading because I can get carried away and pass 4 hours in one sitting. Maybe you want to read more but also you want to watch TV, browse social media, or go for a run.

Whatever it is, set a timer. If you set a time for TV, for Instagram, for reading you will not allow yourself to keep bingeing and skip over that time.

Working in Education has taught me that I timers/timing things incredibly helpful with children so if you have children you can do this with them as well to help you get time for reading.

Habit #4 to Read More Books: Create a Mood

Otherwise known as getting comfortable and take out those distractions. Find a spot that is comfortable for you to relax during that time you set aside with the timer. Whether it’s at home, in a reading nook, in bed, in the park, or in a hammock on your patio (my favorite spot) it should be comfortable and distraction-free.

Habit #1 to Read More Books: Take a book everywhere

If you take nothing away from this post, make this a habit. I firmly believe the reason I get through so many books is because I have access to a book at all times. If you aren’t interested in carrying a big book/kindle everywhere. Keep books on your phone with any of these apps:

• Amazon Kindle App
• Libby
• Apple Books
• Google Play Books
• Overdrive
• Nook
• Kobo

You can also keep audio books around to make it easier to listen in the car or with headphones while waiting.

My reading goal every year hovers between 100-140 books because I love reading. All 5 of these habits are things that I actually do to be able to make time for reading in my life. Starting slow and picking up these habits can definitely get you to your reading goal!

If you are looking for book recommendations check out my Books Category!

Do you have any great tips or habits that help you read more?

Share them below!

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