How to Read More Books - 10 Actionable Tips

If you are looking for tips or ideas on how to read more books, you are not alone. Many people want to read more, but something or the other comes up, and they are unable to do so.

One of the biggest challenges with reading is that you need to focus on the text, which is not easy no matter where you are. Even when you are alone in your room, there are plenty of things that can distract you in a second. It could be your phone, noises outside, or even your own thoughts.

Plus, audiobooks have also impacted people’s reading habits. Why read when you can listen to audiobooks while doing other things, right?

However, reading books is different from listening to audiobooks. Audiobooks can never fully replace reading. Yes, they are convenient in some ways, but they are not the same as reading. Which is why building a reading habit is necessary.

This article is for you if:

• You were a serious reader but need to rebuild the habit
• You are a new reader and need an effective strategy to include more reading in your life

Let’s get started.

Why Most People Don't Read more 

Most people do want to read more, but they get pulled away by distractions in many forms. It’s usually not a lack of interest—it’s distractions, limited time, unrealistic expectations, and things like overhyped content on platforms like TikTok competing for attention.

That’s why it’s important to understand these obstacles. If you don’t, it’s easy to fall into the same cycle—starting with motivation and ending with disappointment.

Most common reasons people don’t read more:

• Busy schedules
• Phone distractions
• Choosing the wrong books
• Unrealistic reading goals
• Inconsistent habits

Out of these, choosing the wrong books is one of the biggest reasons people struggle to read.

Think about it. When the Harry Potter books were being released, many readers would stay up all night just to keep reading even with school the next day. At that moment, nothing else mattered.

That’s what the right book does.

When you’re genuinely interested, you don’t need extra motivation, because you naturally make time for it.

So the first thing you should do is simple: find the right book. If you’re not enjoying what you’re reading, don’t force it. Quit and pick up something else. Reading shouldn’t feel like a chore.

Once you find a book you enjoy, building a reading habit becomes much easier.

Of course, other challenges like phone distractions, time constraints, and inconsistent habits still matter—but they become far easier to manage when you actually want to read.

10 Actionable Tips to Read More Books

Whether you are a book reader or want to start reading, these 10 actionable tips can help you achieve your goals. Choose the steps that resonate with you and make sure that you enjoy the process. 

1. Set a Small Daily Reading Goal

Start with something so easy you can’t avoid it—like 10 pages a day or just 15 minutes of reading. The goal isn’t to impress anyone; it’s to build consistency. Once reading becomes part of your daily routine, you can naturally increase your pace without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Always Carry a Book With You

Keep a book within reach at all times—whether it’s a physical copy, the Kindle app, or an audiobook. Small pockets of time—waiting in line, commuting, or sitting idle—add up quickly. Having a book handy turns wasted minutes into reading opportunities.

3. Replace Screen Time With Reading Time

Most people spend hours scrolling without realizing it. Try swapping just 20 minutes of screen time—especially before bed—with reading. Reducing time on apps like Instagram or TikTok can instantly create space for books.

4. Create a Reading Routine

Reading becomes easier when it’s tied to a specific time of day. Whether it’s in the morning, during a lunch break, or before sleeping, a fixed routine removes the need to “find time.” It becomes automatic, just like brushing your teeth.

5. Choose Books You Actually Enjoy

One of the biggest mistakes people make is forcing themselves to read books they think they should read. Instead, pick books that genuinely interest you—whether it’s fiction, business, self-help, or biographies. When you enjoy the book, reading stops feeling like a task.

6. Quit Books That Don’t Hook You

If a book isn’t engaging you after 50 pages, it’s okay to stop. Life is too short to read books you don’t enjoy. Dropping a boring book doesn’t make you inconsistent—it helps you stay consistent by keeping reading enjoyable.

7. Use Audiobooks During Dead Time

Audiobooks are a powerful way to “read” without setting aside extra time. You can listen while commuting, walking, cleaning, or working out. This turns otherwise unproductive time into meaningful learning or entertainment.

8. Track Your Progress

Tracking what you read builds motivation. You can keep a simple journal or use apps like Goodreads to log your progress. Seeing your list grow creates a sense of accomplishment that keeps you going.

9. Join a Reading Community

Being part of a reading community—whether it’s a book club, online group, or reading challenge—adds accountability. When others are reading alongside you, you’re more likely to stay consistent and finish what you start.

10. Read Multiple Books at Once

You don’t have to stick to one book at a time. Try reading different types simultaneously—maybe one serious book, one light read, and one audiobook. This allows you to match your reading choice with your mood and energy, making it easier to keep going every day.

A Real Example: Building a Reading Habit in 21 Days

One of our contributors decided to test these ideas by committing to a simple 21-day reading challenge. Instead of setting an overwhelming goal, they focused on reading just a few pages each day. To stay consistent, they set a daily reminder, treating reading like any other important task. There was no pressure to read for hours or finish a book quickly, just a commitment to show up every day.

They also made a smart adjustment: choosing shorter books with illustrations. This made the reading experience feel lighter, more engaging, and less intimidating. Short books are easier to complete, and that sense of finishing something regularly created a positive momentum. Each completed book acted like a small win, reinforcing the habit and making it easier to continue.

By the end of the 21 days, the biggest change wasn’t just the number of books completed—it was the confidence they built. Reading no longer felt like a chore. It became enjoyable, consistent, and something to look forward to. 

This approach proved that when you start small, choose the right material, and stay consistent, your reading habit—and even the quality of your reading—naturally improves.

Final Thoughts 

Reading more books doesn’t require drastic changes—it starts with small, intentional steps. A few pages a day, the right book, and a consistent routine can completely transform your reading habit over time. You don’t need more time—you just need a better system.

Now it’s your turn.

Start today. Pick one book, set a small daily goal, and commit to it for the next 7 days. No pressure, no perfection—just consistency.

Your future self will thank you for every page you read today.

Disclaimer - This is for fun reading and entertainment. Make sure that you do your own research before committing to building any habit. What works for one person may not work for you.