“Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere.”
Reading more books is a goal many of us set for ourselves each year, yet studies show that the average person in the US only reads twelve books annually. With hectic schedules, endless distractions and towering TBR lists, it’s no surprise that reading can be relegated to just another task on a never-ending to-do list. The pressure to meet reading goals – or to keep up with others – can take the joy out of reading. But, what if there were a way to read more books without the stress? In our guide here at What We Reading, we’re going to take you through practical, stress-free strategies to help you read more books this year, no matter how hectic your schedule is. From setting realistic goals to creating a reading routine that works for your schedule, these tips guarantee to help you rediscover the joy of reading and make it an effortless part of your day!
Why Reading More Books Feels Overwhelming
Many people set out with the best intentions to read more books, but life so often finds a way of blocking their progress. Lack of time is one of the biggest barriers—between work, family, and social commitments, carving out even twenty minutes a day can feel impossible. Decision fatigue also plays a role. With thousands of books released yearly, choosing what to read next can be overwhelming, leaving many readers indecisive.
There’s also the pressure to meet ambitious reading goals, whether it’s a personal challenge or keeping up with avid reading influencers on social media. This pressure can turn reading from a relaxing escape into a source of stress. You may feel guilty for not finishing books fast enough, abandoning ones you don’t enjoy, or falling short of your goals.
It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in these struggles. Reading more books doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your free time or turning it into a competition. Focusing on small, manageable changes allows you to create a neat reading habit in your life.
Set Realistic Goals
When it comes to reading more books, setting realistic goals can make all the difference. Whilst it may be tempting to aim high – like reading fifty books in a year – lofty targets can quickly lead to burnout or feelings of failure if life gets in the way. Instead, small, obtainable goals are much more helpful for building a sustainable reading habit.
Start by breaking your goal into manageable chunks. For instance, instead of focusing on the total number of books you want to read, aim to read one chapter a day or spend twenty minutes reading each evening. These smaller, bite-sized goals are easy to work into your schedule and allow you to make steady progress without the risk of being overwhelmed.
Another great approach is to set goals based on your current lifestyle. If weekdays are packed, commit to reading for an hour every Sunday morning. If you commute, consider swapping your phone for a book or audiobook (worked for us!) By tying your goals to your routine, you’ll establish reading as a natural part of your day.
Remember, progress matters more than perfection. Missing a day or two doesn’t mean you’ve failed – it’s part of the process. The key is to focus on developing a enjoyable and rewarding habit. By setting realistic goals and celebrating even the small wins, you’ll find yourself reading more books this year – without the stress or pressure. As your progress grows, so too will your confidence as a reader.
Create A Reading Routine
Building a reading routine is one of the most effective ways to read more books without feeling overwhelmed. By making reading a consistent part of your daily routine, you turn it from an occasional habit to an enjoyable habit. The secret is to weave reading into moments you already enjoy or tasks you do regularly.
One simple way to start is by pairing reading with another activity. For instance, read a chapter of a book whilst drinking your morning coffee or listen to an audiobook during your workout. Associating reading with these existing habits helps integrate it naturally into your schedule.
Another strategy is to set aside dedicated time blocks for reading. If daily reading feels daunting, try carving out a specific time once or twice a week. A quiet hour on Sunday or twenty minutes before bed each evening can work wonders for your reading progress. Make this time a priority, treating it as an important check-in with yourself.
Consistency is much more important than the number of pages you finish or the number of books you digest. Even just a few minutes of reading every day adds up over time. The goal isn’t to rush through your TBR list but to create a routine that feels enjoyable and sustainable.
To make your reading routine stick, consider keeping your book close by. Place it on your nightstand, desk, or wherever you spend your downtime. You’ll be more likely to pick it up when spare time comes about.
Remember, a good reading routine isn’t about speed or quantity – it’s about showing up regularly and enjoying the process. Over time, these small, consistent efforts will help you read more books this year while keeping the experience stress-free and rewarding.
Choose Books You Love
One of the easiest ways to read more books this year is to focus on choosing books you genuinely enjoy. When you’re excited about what you’re reading, you’re far more likely to make time for it – and far less likely to feel overwhelmed or unmotivated.
Start by reflecting on the genres, authors or topics that really resonate with you. Do you love fast-paced thrillers? A swoon-worthy romance? Or a thought-provoking memoir? Identifying what you enjoy most can help you curate a TBR list that feels exciting rather than intimidating.
To build a personalised TBR list, consider recommendations from friends, book bloggers or platforms such as Goodreads. But don’t feel pressured to follow every trend. Your list should reflect your tastes, not what others expect you to read. Include a mix of genres or formats – such as audiobooks or graphic novels – to keep things fresh and flexible.
Giving yourself to DNF (Did Not Finish) books that don’t strike a tune with you is also important. Life is too short to struggle through a book you’re not enjoying. Putting down a book doesn’t mean you’ve failed – it means you’re prioritising your time and energy on something more enriching. A great way to approach this is by following the ‘50-page rule’: if a book doesn’t have you hooked by page fifty, it might be time to move on.
Choosing books you love is about more than just finishing a reading goal – it’s about making reading a joyful and fulfilling part of your life. By focusing on stories that capture your imagination, you’ll naturally want to read more, and the process will feel less like a chore and more like a treat.
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Leverage Technology And Tools
Technology has made it easier than ever to read more books and stay organised whilst doing it. E-readers, audiobooks and reading apps can transform the way you approach reading, helping you to fit more books into your schedule.
E-readers like Kindle or Kobo are perfect for readers on the move. They’re lightweight, portable and can store thousands of books, making it easier than ever to dive into a new story anytime, anywhere. Plus, features such as adjustable text size and built-in dictionaries enhance the reading experience.
Audiobooks are another game changer, especially for multitaskers. Whether you’re commuting, cooking or exercising, listening to a book lets you ‘read’ whilst tackling other tasks. Apps like Audible, Libby or Scribd offer huge audiobook libraries, so you’re guaranteed to stumble across something that suits your tastes.
To track and organise your reading, apps like Goodreads and StoryGraph can be exceptionally handy. They allow you to design TBR lists, set reading goals and monitor your progress. Many apps also provide personalised recommendations based on your reading history.
Library apps such as Libby provide free access to e-books and audiobooks, making them an excellent choice for budget-savvy readers. Simply connect your library card and explore a wealth of titles at no extra cost.
Making Reading Social
Reading never has to be a solitary activity. In fact, making it a social experience can vastly increase motivation and make things more enjoyable. One of the best ways to do this is by joining book clubs or sharing your reading goals with friends. Having someone to discuss books with can deepen your understanding and spark new interpretations, while the camaraderie of a group helps ensure everyone stays on track with their goals.
If in-person book clubs aren’t an option, there are endless online communities where you can connect with fellow readers. Again, Goodreads is the place, allows you to join groups, participate in challenges and share reviews and recommendations. There are also forums dedicated to specific genres so you can find like-minded readers sharing your interests.
For an added boost of motivation, consider taking part in reading challenges like the ‘Read Harder’ challenge hosted by Book Riot. These challenges provide a fun structure and can push you to explore new genres you may have never considered before.
You may also want to create your own reading challenge with friends, such as setting a goal to read a certain number of books each month or picking a theme to follow together. The sense of community and shared purpose will not only make reading more enjoyable but can also help you reach your goals with less pressure.
By turning reading into a social activity, you’ll find even more joy in the process and be motivated to read more.
Avoid Burnout And Comparison
In a world where social media often casts the spotlight on reading achievements – like the number of books finished or the speed at which they’re read – it’s easy to turn reading into a competitive activity. Whilst it’s great to have reading challenges and goals, benchmarking your progress against others can easily lead to burnout and strip the joy from the experience.
Reading should be a personal journey, not a race. When you focus too much on hitting a specific number of books or outdoing other readers, it can make reading feel like a task rather than a pleasure. Instead of fixating on quantity, shift your focus to quality and enjoyment. Slow down and savour the books you truly love, without feeling pressured to finish quickly or move on to the next story.
If you ever find yourself overwhelmed or exhausted by reading, it may be time to practice some self-care. Take reading breaks and allow yourself time to step back when needed. Sometimes, a brief hiatus can refuel your love for reading. Try alternating between books and other activities you enjoy – whether it’s spending time outdoors, indulging your hobbies or simply taking a nap.
Furthermore, allow yourself to put down a book that’s no longer engaging or enjoyable. It’s okay not to finish every book you start. By choosing to read only when it excites or nourishes you, you’ll fulfil your reading experience and prevent burnout.
Remember, reading is meant to be a relaxing escape and an enjoyable experience. Focus on the pleasure of reading, and the numbers will fall into place.
Wrap Up
Reading more books this year doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By setting realistic goals, creating a consistent routine, choosing books you love, leveraging technology and making reading a social activity, you can savour a reading journey minus the stress. Take small steps, and let your reading habits grow naturally.
As you embark on your reading adventure, don’t forget to prioritise enjoyment over numbers. The true beauty of reading lies in the experience, not in the quantity of books you finish. Whether it’s a handful of pages per day or a chapter a week, every step you take will bring you closer to your goals.
As C.S. Lewis said: “We read to know we are not alone.” So, grab that book that’s been on your TBR stash for too long and dive in! Take that first step and enjoy the journey it leads you down.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
