So you want to read more? I don’t know how many times I have heard these statements ” I don’t have time to read” or ” I can’t remember the last time I read a book.” Sound familiar? I used to be like that but since I started interviewing authors I have found that they get so excited if I actually read the book before the interview. So the big question is how do you make time to read? Well here are some tips that will help you get your set reading goals accomplished.
Create a Daily Page Goal
The first way to begin reading more is to set a daily page goal. At the beginning of your journey, start small. It’s good to aim for five to ten pages if you don’t regularly read as this will get you into the habit of picking up a book daily.
As time goes on, you may find that you want to challenge yourself even more. You might set a new goal to read twenty, thirty, or even fifty pages a day. A good reading goal should stretch you but not overwhelm you.
I have also learned that if I have an “x” amount of days to read a book I take the number of days and the number of pages in the book. and divide it up into reading segments for each day. Does it allows work nope but still it sets realistic goals for me.
Choose a Reading Routine
Besides knowing how much you’ll read, it can be helpful to know when in the day you’ll get your reading in. For example, you might decide that instead of checking your email on your phone in the mornings, you’d rather take those 20 minutes and reading a few pages. I know I like to set my timer for 20 minutes right after I get out of the shower on lazy days so I am reading while drying off.
Some people opt to read before bed. But be careful with this approach. It’s easy to fall asleep in the middle of your reading and if you prefer to read horror or other disturbing content, the book may negatively impact your sleeping patterns.
Take Advantage of Wait Times
Thanks to the rise of electronic readers, it’s easier than ever to carry a book (or five) with you. Pay attention to wait times during your day and use those to get a few pages in rather than mindlessly scrolling social media.
I used to love reading while I was waiting in the carpool line for my girls. Sometimes I would get there early just so I have built-in reading time in my day.
Keep a TBR Stack
If you’re not familiar with the expression, a “TBR” stack or pile is a “to be read” catalog of books you plan to read. You can create a special category for TBR books on your bookshelf or add a few books you can’t wait to read onto your tablet in a special folder.
By keeping material around that you’re excited to read, you’ll look forward to snatching a few minutes here and there. In fact, you may find yourself reading more often and for longer periods of time.
Reading is a wonderful hobby but don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need to spend hours on it every day. Even reading for as little as 15 minutes can be a fun and relaxing escape from everyday life.
