I used to think people who read thousands of pages or finish full-length articles without zoning out must have been born with some kind of superpower. How do they even do it? Are they secretly part of a secret book club with magical concentration potions? Because for me, reading, especially without checking my phone every two minutes, felt like a real struggle.
If you are someone who can’t read more than a paragraph before your mind drifts to tomorrow’s lunch or that Instagram reel you saw 15 minutes ago, high five, friend. This blog is especially for people like us who find it hard to read but still want to develop this superpower.
But the real question is, will someone like us even read an article on how to read more? Well, if you have made it this far, I say we are doing great already. So, let’s jump in and explore how to make reading a habit, not a headache.
1. Choose a Time That Works for You
Are you a morning bird or a night owl? Some people enjoy reading with their morning tea, while others find peace flipping pages under the blanket at 1 a.m. Try and test both times and see what suits your energy and focus levels. The best time to read is the time when your brain says, “Hey, I can do this.”
2. Pick Your Peaceful Spot
Your reading space matters. You can’t expect to get lost in a mystery novel while your sibling is binge-watching a thriller beside you. Find a quiet corner, switch off unnecessary distractions, and make that place your official “reading zone.” A calm environment is equal to better focus.
3. Start Small, Stay Consistent
Don’t aim for a full chapter from day one. Start with a single paragraph or a page. Be consistent. Quantity will naturally increase once the habit is built. Reading isn’t a race; it’s a rhythm. Build that rhythm at your own pace.
4. Read What You Love
Forget what’s trending. Read what you enjoy. Be it romance, thriller, humor, or self-help, go with your heart. When you enjoy the content, reading no longer feels like a task. It becomes a treat.
5. Use Reading Trackers
Just like we track steps, sleep, and water intake, why not track reading? Use reading apps or you can write to track your progress. It feels rewarding to see that streak go up. Plus, it keeps you motivated on lazy days.
6. Set Micro Goals
Don’t stress about finishing a book in a week. Instead of completing the book in a week, commit to 15–30 minutes of reading per day. You can try the Pomodoro method, 25 minutes of reading, 5 minutes break. These small goals make the habit purposeful, and small wins build momentum.
7. It’s Okay to Quit a Book
Yes, really. You don’t have to finish every book you have started. If a book doesn’t engage you after 50 pages, drop it guilt-free. This keeps your curiosity alive and prevents reading from becoming a chore.
8. Find Reading Buddies
Your circle matters. When your friends read, you’ll be tempted to read more. Swap books, share reviews, or start a mini book club. You’ll be amazed at how energizing reading can feel when it’s a shared habit.
9. Create Reading Cues (Inspired by Atomic Habits)
We always heard that our environment matters and shapes our habits more than we realize, and this is so true. You are not lazy, you are surrounded by cues pulling you elsewhere. But you can reverse this:
- Make reading obvious. Leave a book on your pillow each morning. When you return to bed, it’s a visual nudge to read a few pages.
- Bring reading to your home screen. Move apps like Kindle, Audible, or Pocket to your phone’s front page. Bury Instagram in a deep folder. Out of sight, out of mind.
- Design a sacred reading space. Whether it’s your beanbag chair or a cozy cafe table, train your brain to associate that space only with reading.
10. Make Reading Feel Rewarding
We’re more likely to repeat habits that feel good.
- Read things that excite you, even if it’s a comic, a fan fiction, or your favorite author’s tweets. Don’t judge your taste.
- Choose books that solve your current problems. If a book helps you feel better or grow smarter, you’ll naturally crave more of it.
How to Build a Reading Habit at Work
Yes, you can read in the office without looking like you’re slacking.
- Start a Lunch Break Book Club. Keep it casual. 15-minute discussions over lunch about a shared book can do wonders for both bonding and building reading habits.
- Use “focus breaks” to read. Instead of scrolling endlessly during your 10-minute tea break, read one article or a couple of pages.
- Place reading materials in visible spots. Keep a book or Kindle on your desk. When the eyes wander from work, they might just land on a paragraph worth reading.
- Read work-relevant content. Choose books or blogs related to your profession. It’ll keep your reading aligned with your growth.
- Manager tip: Encourage your team to read by sharing book recommendations or offering short learning articles during internal communications. When leaders read, the team follows.
Final Thoughts
Reading is not just a habit, it’s a mindset. If you’ve struggled with it before, that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you can’t do it now.
You don’t need 10 hours a week or a 500-page novel to be called a reader. Start with one paragraph, one page, one moment. Build your habit in bits and pieces, and trust me, one day, someone will call you the “super-reader” and wonder how you do it.
And then, you’ll smile and say: “Page by page, my friend.”
