Last year I read at least 12 books and that is my goal for 2016. I like to read at least one book per month if not more. I enjoy reading and it doesn’t require a huge investment of time and I consider it a huge investment in self-improvement. If you want to read more in the coming year, here are a few tips:
Tip 1: Always Have a Book
This one may sound obvious, but the best way to increase the amount of books you read is to always have a book. Gaps of a few weeks without any reading material means several less books you can read each year. Worse, time spent without a book breaks down your reading habits so it can be harder to start again.
If always having a book to read sounds to constrictive, maybe you’re reading the wrong books. You need a passion for finding new ideas and learning. If the book isn’t interesting you won’t finish.
Tip 2: One Book at a Time
I try to never read more than one book at a time. There are a couple reasons for this:
- You can’t read two books simultaneously, so having two books partially completed isn’t going to accelerate the amount you are reading.
- Each book uses up your mental space, making it more likely to forget critical details when switching between books.
- You keep reading a bad book instead of tossing it. Either keep reading a book or get rid of it. Don’t put it on “hold” while you skim through other books.
- Reading one book keeps you focused.
Tip 3: Fill Spare Time with Reading
Spare time is the small windows of five to ten minutes you have nothing to do. This could be waiting at the doctor’s office, a spare ten minutes at the end of your lunch break. Reading is the perfect filler for spare time.
Usually I can find a total of one to two hours each day in spare time. With that amount you can easily read thirty books a year on spare time alone. The only requirement to utilize spare time is that you carry a book with you.
Tip 4: Cut the Television and Internet Surfing
The next way to get more reading time is to cut television watching and internet surfing. This means stop watching programs that have zero entertainment value or rechecking your facebook, twitter, and instagram for the fiftieth time.
Create the habit of reading whenever you don’t have something planned. Television and internet usage can be great, if you are watching shows you enjoy or making good use of the internet. But if the shows aren’t adding anything to your day, turn them off and pick up a book.
Tip 5: Keep a To-Read List
My to-read list is my Amazon shopping cart filled with books recommended to me. Motivating yourself to read a current book is as simple as having books after it to read. My to-read list motivates me to finish a current book because I’m interested in getting the next book. If you don’t like buying your books you can check them out from your local library.
Tip 6: Get Started
I don’t need to tell you the benefits of reading books. The more you read the benefits will become evident. Find yourself an interesting book and get started today.
