How To Build A Reading Habit: 10 Practical Tips For Busy Professionals

I've been blogging about books for 11 years, and I'm out of ideas for blog posts, so I decided to ask our AI robot overlords for blog post topics. The AI suggested: "How To Build A Reading Habit: 10 Practical Tips For Busy Professionals."

Sounds good. I read between 60 and 100 books a year. The robot overlords demand to know how I do it.

I'm flattered that the AI thinks I'm a "professional." I'm not a professional anything, but I'm definitely "busy." I live with a five-year-old child, I'm going to EMT school, and I'm a park ranger. Here's how I fit reading into my schedule.

📕  How To Read More Books  🔖

1. Set a reading alarm. This has been the single most helpful thing I've done to develop a reading habit. I have an alarm on my phone that goes off every day at 8pm. That's my signal to turn off the TV, put down the phone, and read a book. I usually get an hour or two of reading done before I fall asleep.

2. Keep a book in your bag. Have you ever thought about how much time you spend waiting? You wait at doctor's offices and airports. You wait for your kids to finish school. You wait for your significant other to get ready for a night out. Maybe you should read while you wait instead of scrolling on your phone. Bring a book wherever you go and put your waiting time to good use. (I've read many, many books while waiting for trains and buses.)

3. Only read good books. Easier said than done. If you want to build a reading habit, you have to stay motivated to read. Forcing yourself to finish a bad book will kill your motivation. If you don't like the book you're reading, don't finish it. Ditch it and find a different book.

4. Figure out your reading tastes. There are a lot of books in the world. Choosing one to read can be overwhelming, so it's helpful to walk into a bookstore or library with a game plan. Are you in the mood for a dark book or a happy book? Is there a topic you'd like to learn more about? Is there an author you love? Don't hesitate to ask the booksellers or librarians for recommendations. It's their job to help you find a book you'll be excited to read.

5. Audiobook and multitask. Audiobooks are books. If your local library supports the Libby app, then you might have access to hundreds of free audiobooks. You have to get a library card, download the app, and choose a book. The book will be on your phone! You can listen anywhere! I listen to audiobooks while exercising or doing tedious office stuff at work.

6. Follow bookish content creators on social media. This is not just a shameless plug for my Pinterest account. Filling your online spaces with bookish content will motivate you to read more. It's like subtle peer pressure. You'll be surrounded by passionate bookworms who give excellent book recommendations. You'll see reviews of intriguing books you'll want to read right now.

7. Talk about what you're reading. You don't have to start a book blog or a TikTok account. Just talk to your friends, family, coworkers, or complete strangers. You'll be surprised at how many bookworms are in the world. I'm shocked at how many I found at my boxing gym because you don't picture bookworms punching each other in the face. They do! There are bookworms everywhere. Interact with people who understand and support your reading goals.

8. Pay attention to how you waste your time. Are you watching a movie you've seen before? Are you doom scrolling? You could be reading! I quit Twitter and have no regrets because it was a massive waste of time. Whenever I was tempted to open Twitter, I picked up a book instead. I suddenly had more time for reading! (Also, I refuse to call it X. Twitter is the only thing I'll dead name.)

9. Track your reading. Finishing books can motivate you to read more books. You don't need a Goodreads account or a complicated spreadsheet (though, those things are fun). Just jot down the title and author of every book you read. Then give the book a star rating. Looking back at all the books you conquered will show you how much progress you've made toward your goal. It'll also help you discover what types of books you love and loathe.

10. Join a library or book club. How do you feel about deadlines? If they help you stop procrastinating, then consider getting a library card or joining a book club. Library books have due dates. You might prioritize reading if you have to finish the book by a certain date. I will often stay up way past bedtime to read a library book that's due the next day. Or, you can join a book club. Book clubs will push you to read because you have to finish the book before the meeting. It might be awkward if you don't.

I hope these tips are helpful!

Please tell our AI overlords how you build a reading habit.