One of the most important activities for personal growth and development is reading. A lot of people would like to read more books in a year but don’t know how to achieve this goal. Reading not only broadens our perspectives and vocabulary but also allows us to unwind and relax. However, with busy schedules and endless distractions, it can be difficult to find the time and motivation to read.
Here are seven strategies that can help you read more books in 2023:
Start Small
If you’re new to reading or haven’t read in a while, start with shorter books. This will help you build your confidence and build the habit of reading. You can also get into the habit of reading graphic novels, comic books, or manga; these stories will fill up pages with illustrations making it more enjoyable and way quicker to finish.
Set a Reading Goal
Decide how many books you want to read and make it a concrete goal. A good rule of thumb to follow would be to read twelve books this year; that’s just one book per month. Write it down and track your progress as the months go by. You may find yourself reading more than one a month depending on the length and your interest in the narrative.
Make Time for Reading
Choose specific times of the day to read. A lot of time is used up commuting to and from work, use that time to read a few pages while in traffic. You can also read while standing in long lines, during your lunch hour, or winding down before bed. Whatever time you set aside, make sure you’re intentional about reading.
Join a Book Club
Joining a book club is a great way to stay motivated to read. It gives you a sense of accountability, and you’ll be able to discuss the books with others. If you’re an introvert like me and aren’t too keen on meeting up with people in person, you can always join online book clubs on Discord, Goodreads, Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
Use Audiobooks
If you’re struggling to find time to read physical copies of books, try listening to audiobooks instead. This allows you to read while doing other tasks. You may find you move through books faster when listening to the story read out to you as opposed to reading on your own.
Find Books You’re Interested In
Always try to look for books in genres or topics that you enjoy. This will make reading more enjoyable and you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Another thing to keep in mind is that you can always drop a book that you have lost interest in, there’s no need to keep going when it’s become a chore to get through a book.
Read Multiple Books at the Same Time
Reading multiple books at the same time isn’t as daunting as you think it is. Choose fiction for light reading and entertainment, while you can choose a non-fiction book for self-improvement. You can also go with your mood at the time and what you would like to accomplish when selecting what to read.
Reading should be a fun and enjoyable experience, and by following these strategies, you can make it a regular part of your life. With a little bit of effort and dedication, you’ll be able to read more books in no time!
