How to Make Time for Reading

Tips for creating a reading routine you can stick to this year.

Jan 17, 2023

When you’re a reader you start to get used to the smart remarks about how nice it must be to have time to read. Let this be a reminder that you have time for anything you prioritize! You can make time to read too. Here are a few helpful tips if one of your resolutions for 2023 is to make more time for reading.

Set a reading goal.

Whether it’s a specific number of books, the number of pages/chapters read per day or setting aside a certain amount of time to read each day, it’s important to set a reading goal you can commit to.

Some ideas to get you started:

read 12 books in 2023 (one a month)
read 1 chapter each day
read for 20 minutes before bed

Always carry a book with you.

I’ve mentioned it before, but I’m always reading more than one book. I usually have one going on my Kindle, a physical book on my bedside table, and an audiobook to listen to at work. If you carry your Kindle with you (or even just keep the app on your iPhone or iPad) you can read while you’re waiting in carlines and in doctor’s offices. You will be so surprised at how much you’re able to read in a month even if it’s only 10 minutes at a time.

Read at the same time every day.

Creating a rhythm to your day will help your reading habit stick. If you like to start your days screen-free, maybe start your mornings off by reading a chapter of a book. If reading helps you relax before bed, commit to ending your day with a book.

Join a book club.

Maybe you’re someone who is more externally motivated. A book club might be the perfect fit for you. There’s nothing like a deadline and a little peer pressure to keep you on task! I find book club book picks are often fantastic which is an added incentive. This month I’m reading Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson for a local book club!

Don’t be afraid to quit a book.

You may see me mention DNF in this newsletter from time to time. In the reading world, that stands for “did not finish”. If a book isn’t holding your interest, set it aside! There are too many books to read to waste your time reading something that’s not serving you.

What’s your best tip for reading more? Leave your advice in the comments so others can see it!