How to Read More Books This Year: 7 Tips for Hitting Your Reading Goals

We all have those New Year’s resolutions or mid-year goals, and for many, reading more books is at the top of the list. You’re not alone! The challenge is how to squeeze reading into a busy life full of work, social commitments, and the never-ending distractions from our phones. But don’t worry—whether you’re aiming to read one more book or fifty, these 7 tips will help you boost your reading game and hit those literary goals with ease!

Here’s your fun guide to reading more books this year.

1. Set Realistic and Specific Goals

Let’s face it, we often set goals that are so lofty they make us feel overwhelmed. Instead of saying, “I want to read 50 books this year,” focus on realistic goals that fit your lifestyle. If you’re new to reading or have a jam-packed schedule, maybe 12 books (one per month) is a good start. If you’re a seasoned reader but just need some structure, try aiming for 20 or 30 books.

One effective method is to break down your goal into bite-sized pieces. For example, if you want to read 20 books this year, that’s about 1.6 books a month—totally doable, right? By making your reading goal more manageable, you’ll be more motivated to stick with it.

Tip: Use a reading tracker app like Goodreads or a bullet journal to track your progress. Seeing those numbers climb will keep you on track and give you that sweet sense of accomplishment.

2. Schedule Reading Time Every Day

If you don’t make time for reading, it’s easy to let the days slip by without cracking open a book. Just like with exercise or meal planning, creating a routine will help you stay consistent. Pick a time of day that works best for you—whether it’s early morning before the hustle starts, during lunch breaks, or in bed before you fall asleep.

Start small by committing to just 10-15 minutes of reading each day. You’d be surprised how quickly the pages fly by once you get into the habit. Over time, you’ll be able to extend those sessions as reading becomes part of your daily routine.

Tip: Treat reading like a daily task. Set a reading reminder on your phone or calendar to ensure you’re prioritizing it!

3. Keep a Book with You at All Times

Have you ever been stuck in a waiting room, on public transport, or in line at the coffee shop, scrolling aimlessly through your phone? These are perfect opportunities to sneak in some reading! Always carrying a book with you (whether it’s a physical book, e-book, or audiobook) means you can turn idle time into productive reading time.

Instead of losing 10 minutes to social media, you could knock out a few chapters. By being prepared, you’ll always have an escape into your latest literary adventure.

Tip: Download an e-reader app on your phone so you’ll always have your current read in your pocket. If you prefer audiobooks, apps like Audible or Libby can make listening on the go easier.

4. Embrace Audiobooks

Reading doesn’t have to mean staring at a page or screen. Audiobooks are a fantastic way to consume more books while multitasking. You can listen to a gripping novel while doing chores, commuting, working out, or even while cooking dinner. It’s a great way to maximize your reading time without having to sit down and turn pages.

For those who feel like they don’t have the time to read, audiobooks can transform “dead time” into valuable reading hours. Bonus: many audiobooks are read by amazing voice actors, making the experience even more entertaining!

Tip: Try setting a daily audiobook listening goal of 20-30 minutes while doing activities you’d usually consider “mindless.” You’ll finish books faster than you think!

5. Build a Reading Community or Join a Book Club

Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity! Joining a book club or finding friends who share your reading goals can create accountability and motivation. Being part of a reading community also introduces you to new genres, perspectives, and books you might never have picked up on your own.

Discussing a book with others adds depth to your reading experience and can motivate you to keep reading regularly so you can participate in the conversation. It’s like having a gym buddy, but for books!

Tip: Join a virtual book club or start a small reading group with friends. You could even set up a fun reward system for completing books, like treating yourselves to a movie or dinner night.

6. Ditch the Books You’re Not Enjoying

Life’s too short to read books you don’t love! If you’re dragging your feet through a novel you just aren’t connecting with, it’s okay to put it down and move on to something else. Forcing yourself to finish a book you don’t enjoy can make reading feel like a chore, which is the opposite of what we want.

It’s completely okay to stop reading a book that isn’t grabbing your attention. In fact, doing so can free up time to discover a book you’ll truly love, making your reading experience far more enjoyable.

Tip: If you’re not hooked by the first 50-100 pages, give yourself permission to set it aside. Reading should be fun, not forced!

7. Create a To-Read List to Stay Inspired

Having a To-Read list (TBR for short) is a great way to keep yourself excited about reading. Whenever someone recommends a book or you discover a title that piques your interest, jot it down. Your TBR list can act as a motivator, showing you just how many exciting books are waiting to be read!

The beauty of a TBR list is that it can help you stay organized while also giving you options. Whether you’re in the mood for a light romance, a gripping mystery, or an inspiring non-fiction, your TBR list will always have something ready for you.

Actionable Tip: Keep a digital or physical reading list and make it a goal to tick off books as you go. You can organize it by genre or even rank the books you’re most excited to read next.

Make Reading a Fun Priority This Year

Reading more books is not only achievable, but it can also be a ton of fun with the right strategies in place. By setting realistic goals, incorporating audiobooks, making time for reading, and keeping a book handy, you’ll find yourself immersed in more stories than ever before. Remember, reading isn’t a race—it’s about finding joy in the journey and the books that transport you to new worlds.

So, grab that book, start that audiobook, or crack open that e-reader, and let this be the year you finally hit those reading goals!