How to Build a Reading Habit You'll Actually Stick To

Reading is a rewarding and enriching habit, but for many of us, it can be tough to turn it into a consistent part of our daily lives. We’ve all had moments when we’re excited to read, only to find ourselves distracted, too tired, or too busy to pick up a book.

If you’ve struggled to make reading a habit, you’re not alone. But the good news is, it’s easier than you think to build a reading routine that sticks. In this post, we’ll break down why reading habits are hard to form and share some simple strategies to help you make reading a part of your everyday life.

Why Reading Habits Are Hard to Build

You’ve probably experienced the frustration of wanting to read more but finding it difficult to stick with it. There are several common obstacles that make reading habits hard to form:

1. Motivation. The desire to read may be there, but motivation can be elusive. Some days, it’s hard to get started, and once you’re in the middle of a busy day, the idea of sitting down with a book doesn’t feel as appealing as other distractions.

2. Focus. With constant notifications, emails, and social media updates, staying focused on a book can be a real challenge. Distractions pull you away from the pages, making it harder to get lost in a good read.

3. Time. Finding the time to read can be another big hurdle. With busy schedules, reading often feels like a luxury, and we tell ourselves we’ll read when we have more time. But the truth is, it’s easy to underestimate how much time you actually have throughout the day to read.

Building Your Reading Habit: Simple Strategies to Get Started

The good news is, you don’t need hours to form a reading habit. The secret is to start small, stay consistent, and track your progress. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Set Small, Achievable Goals. Start by committing to just five minutes of reading a day. It sounds simple, but it works! Once you build the habit of reading for five minutes, it’ll become easier to extend that time as you get into the flow of things. The key is to avoid setting huge goals right away and to start with something manageable. Over time, those small steps will add up to big changes.

2. Track Your Progress. Seeing how much you’ve read can be incredibly motivating. By tracking your reading, whether it’s the number of pages or the minutes spent reading, you’ll gain a sense of accomplishment that encourages you to keep going. Many people find that tracking their reading progress boosts their commitment and helps them stick to their goals.

3. Make Reading a Daily Routine. Consistency is key to building any habit. Find a moment in your day when reading fits naturally into your schedule. Whether it’s during your commute, right before bed, or while waiting for your coffee to brew, identifying a regular time to read will make it easier to stay on track. The more consistent you are, the more reading will become part of your daily routine.

4. Minimise Distractions. A big challenge to reading is staying focused. Try to create a reading environment where distractions are minimised. Put your phone on silent or in another room to avoid notifications. If possible, read in a quiet space where you can truly focus on the book.

5. Join a Reading Community. Being part of a community of readers can help keep you motivated. Whether it’s through a book club, social media, or apps that track your progress, connecting with others who share your love of reading can provide encouragement and accountability. Plus, it’s a fun way to discover new books!

The Benefits of Building a Reading Habit

Once you’ve built a consistent reading habit, you’ll start to experience the many benefits that come with it:

• Mental Stimulation: Reading keeps your brain active and sharp, improving memory and concentration.

• Stress Reduction: Getting lost in a book is a great way to escape from the stress of daily life.

• Increased Knowledge: Reading exposes you to new ideas, perspectives, and information.

• Improved Focus: Regular reading improves your ability to focus, both in and outside of your reading time.

Ready to Get Started?

Building a reading habit doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small, track your progress, and create a routine that works for you. By taking consistent steps, you’ll soon find that reading becomes a natural part of your day, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can read over time.

If you’re ready to start your reading journey, stay tuned for more tips and strategies in our upcoming posts. We’ll show you how to stay motivated, overcome distractions, and make the most of your reading time.