Every year I set my Goodreads reading challenge to 52 books, roughly 1 book a week. I’ve done this religiously for the past 6 years and each year, I’ve surpassed that reading goal by 10-20 books.
I don’t think reading should be competitive –read because it’s fun! But I do love the feeling of adding another book to the top of the finished pile each week. Ultimately, reading has become a incredibly effective self care tool. It’s a set amount of time where my mind can focus on one thing instead of the 30 anxious thoughts I’m typically preoccupied with. How much I read isn’t really that important, to me or anyone else, but these three rules help me consistently finish at least one book each week, regardless of how long it is.
Always bring a book.
Channel your inner Rory Gilmore and toss a book or 3 into your bag before you head out each day. You’d be surprised how much reading you can fit in while you’re waiting for the train or during your morning commute. The same way I’d never leave home without my eyes, I never walk out without a book or my Kindle in hand.
When I’m traveling, I prefer to grab my Kindle to have as many books on hand as possible. Apps like Libby and Scribd are also great to have on hand when I’d rather listen to an audiobook than a physical or ebook copy.
Trade screen time for page time.
Most adults spend upwards of 17 hours looking at screens. Overconsumption of screen time leads to less sleep, more stress and killer eye strain. Just trading a few of my Instagram scrolling sessions or an afternoon deep diving into TikTok doesn’t just help me read more, it’s great for my overall wellbeing.
Put down anything you aren’t loving.
I’ve heard lots of friends say they would read more, but they’re still trying to finish that one book that they can’t quite get into, but everyone else seems to love. Reading shouldn’t be like sitting at the table until your veggies are done. If you’ve been fighting to get through a book and haven’t gotten invested a chapter or two in, put it aside and grab something else. Don’t waste time or energy reading books you don’t like!