How to Build a Reading Habit and Stick to It

Reading is one of the most enriching habits you can develop, yet it’s easy to let it slip when life gets busy. Whether you're trying to read more books or simply want to enjoy the act of reading for the personal benefits it brings, building a regular reading habit can be rewarding. To create a lasting reading habit, it helps to set realistic reading goals. Setting goals that are too ambitious can leave you feeling overwhelmed, so it’s better to start small. Aiming for a chapter a day or 15-20 minutes of reading each day is a great way to ease into it. By breaking things down into manageable chunks, you can make consistent progress and feel motivated to keep going.
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It’s also important to choose books that excite you. Many people struggle to read more because they’re not reading books that truly interest them. While it’s great to challenge yourself with genres outside your comfort zone, make sure that the reading experience is something you enjoy. Whether it’s fiction, memoirs, or self-help books, choose material that sparks your curiosity. This will help make reading feel more like a rewarding activity rather than a chore, which can be motivating.

Incorporating reading into your daily routine is one of the best ways to ensure you stick to it. Try dedicating specific times during your day to read. Whether it’s during your commute, before bed, or during lunch breaks, find a time slot that works for you. Creating a routine where reading becomes as natural as any other habit, like brushing your teeth, makes it much easier to stick with it in the long term. If mornings work better for you, try waking up 10 minutes earlier to read a chapter before starting your day. If evenings suit you better, reading before bed can be a relaxing way to wind down.

Distractions can also be a major barrier when trying to establish a reading habit. Whether it’s social media, TV, or other demands on your time, distractions can make it hard to focus. To make reading more effective, try to limit these distractions. Create a quiet reading space, turn off your phone or put it on airplane mode, and dedicate that time solely to reading. Even just 20 minutes of uninterrupted reading can make a significant difference and help you form the habit.

Tracking your progress is another great way to stay motivated. Use a journal, or apps like Goodreads or StoryGraph, to track the books you’ve finished and the ones you’re currently reading. Some apps even allow you to set goals for how many books you want to read in a year. Watching your progress can help maintain motivation and remind you of the positive impact reading is having on your life. Celebrating small wins, such as completing a chapter or finishing a book, can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence to continue.

Sometimes, you might start reading a book and realise it’s just not for you. That’s completely fine! One of the biggest myths about building a reading habit is that you must finish every book you start. If a book isn’t grabbing your attention, don’t feel bad about putting it down and trying something else. Reading should be an enjoyable experience, not a task you feel pressured to complete. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to pick up a different book that piques your interest more.

If you find yourself struggling to stay engaged with one book, consider reading multiple books at once. Switching between genres or different types of books—like a non-fiction book for education and a light novel for relaxation—can keep things fresh and prevent boredom. Having a variety of books to choose from allows you to read depending on your mood, which makes it easier to maintain the habit.

Finally, if you’re finding it difficult to sit down with a physical book, consider incorporating audiobooks into your routine. Audiobooks allow you to ‘read’ while you’re doing other tasks like driving, exercising, or cleaning. They’re a great option for staying on track with your reading goals without needing to dedicate extra time. Audiobooks make it possible to enjoy books while staying on the go, and they can be just as engaging as reading the traditional way.

Building a reading habit takes time, patience, and consistency. By setting realistic goals, choosing books that genuinely interest you, and carving out time in your day to read, you’ll be well on your way to developing a lasting reading habit. Don’t stress about reading quickly or finishing every book—just enjoy the process and let your love for reading grow naturally. Happy reading!