A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.
-George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons
Books take us to new worlds and teach us new ideas. But finding time to read isn’t always easy. Life gets busy. Work, family, and endless to-do lists leave little room for sitting down with a good book.
The good news? You don’t need hours of free time to read more books. With a few simple changes, you can fit reading into your life.
In this post, I’ll share five easy ways to read more books in less time. These are simple tips that work for busy people.
Let’s get started!
1. Set Clear Reading Goals
First of all be clear about how many books you want to read. Already make a list and then develop a strategy accordingly.
If you want to read 20 books a year, spend about 15- 20 minutes daily on reading.
Track Your Reading Progress
Tracking your reading journey is motivating and insightful.
- Use apps like Goodreads, Notion, or Trello to log books and set goals.
- Keep a journal where you list completed books, favorite quotes, and reflections.
- Review your progress monthly to identify patterns and adjust goals.
2. Fix Reading Time in Your Daily Schedule
If you want to read more, make it a part of your daily routine. Pick a specific time each day to read, and stick to it.
For example, you could read:
- In the morning: Start your day with 10-15 minutes of reading while drinking your coffee.
- During your lunch break: Use this quiet time to squeeze in a chapter instead of scrolling through your phone.
- Before bed: Read 10 minutes before sleeping.
3. Listen to Audiobooks
If you’re too busy to sit down with a book, listen to the one. Audiobooks are a fantastic way to “read” while driving, working out, or cooking.
Use platforms like Audible, Libby, and Scribd. They offer thousands of titles across genres. Many libraries also provide free audiobook access.
4. Choose the Right Books
Not every book deserves your time and attention. To read more efficiently, focus on books that interest you and align with your goals.
Consider these questions:
- Does this book add value to my personal or professional life?
- Will I enjoy it?
- Is it the right level of difficulty?
If a book doesn’t resonate with you after the first few chapters, move on to the next one.
5. Use Speed Reading Techniques
Speed reading isn’t about racing through a book but reading more efficiently. Learn techniques like skimming, scanning, and chunking to absorb information faster.
- Skimming involves glancing over text to pick out key ideas.
- Scanning focuses on finding specific details quickly.
- Chunking trains your eyes to read groups of words instead of one word at a time.
Use Spreeder, Acceleread, or Bionic Reading to practice speed reading. Start with easy texts first, then gradually apply them to more challenging reads.
Conclusion
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Dr. Seuss (American children’s author)
Reading more books in less time is totally possible. It just takes a few smart strategies. Start by setting clear goals. Know what you want to read and why.
The key is consistency. Start small and stick with it. Over time, you’ll read more books without even realizing it. Keep going, and enjoy the journey!
You may also like: “13 Life-Changing Books That Will Transform Your Worldview“
FAQs
How many books can you realistically read in a year?
It depends on your schedule and goals, but even reading 20 minutes daily can help you complete 20–25 books annually.
What are the best apps for tracking reading progress?
Goodreads, Notion, and Libby are great tools for logging your reads, finding recommendations.
How can I focus better while reading?
Create a distraction-free environment, set a specific time for reading, and break sessions into manageable chunks.
