How To Read More Books Before The Year Ends (12 Tested Tips)
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How To Read More Books Before The Year Ends (12 Tested Tips)
How to read more books before the year ends? This was something I recently asked myself as we are halfway through the year and I’m not even halfway through my reading goals.
“I don’t have the time, I’m really busy”. You’ve probably said that before.
And I’ve definitely said that before.
Recently, I’ve been busy hustling at a full time job and some freelance gigs too.
I really want to read more and hopefully make it through my reading goal this year.
I tested out 12 different ways that has helped me read more in past couple of months, I hope some of these tips work for you:
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Read More Than One Book At A Time
Being a mood reader, sometimes I struggle with completing a book simply because my mood changes pretty quickly which leads me to desire another type of book or genre.
Here’s what I realised worked best for me – read a nonfiction and fiction book at the same time.
When I usually get tired of reading non-fiction, I’ll switch it up by reading fiction.
Before you know it, you’ve read two books instead of one.
FOR YOU: Reading More Than One Book At A Time (Pros and Cons)
Identify What Is Stopping You
Before we try to solve a problem, we need to identify what the problem is.
What is the blockage here?
Is it time you’re struggling with?
Is it not being able to find a book that interests you?
Maybe you’re burnout from reading or you’re going through something way more serious in regards to mental health (please seek help if you suspect this).
There was a point I was mentally not doing great, so I left reading for a month or two.
After identifying and solving what was going on in my head, I was able to do the things I love again.
Not trying to scare you, but finding out what exactly is stopping you from reading is important.
Awareness is the first step.
DNF That Book!
I struggle so hard with this. I know some readers do too.
I simply cannot DNF a book and that keeps me from reading other books.
Before you know it, a month goes by and you’ve read zero books (screams internally).
SO, DNF THAT BOOK!
If you can’t DNF it, read two books at once (check out the first point).
FOR YOU: Should You DNF A Book? (How To Decide)
Read During Breaks At Work
This might not apply to everyone.
But if you are able to read during lunch breaks, it could be a way to read a couple of extra chapters throughout the day.
I used to have an e-book on my phone so that if i’m done with my work tasks earlier than expected, i’ll read a couple of chapters on my phone (yes, I was engrossed in a book).
Read In The Mornings And Nights
This is a tip that has helped me read a whole series of 8 books while working a 9-5 job.
Although this is something I tried a couple of years ago, it did work.
I read every morning before work while having my breakfast and every night before bed.
Are you going to be able to read 10 books a month with this method? Probably not (if you can, that’s awesome).
Either way, the goal is to read more and this will definitely help when compared to not reading it all.
Read Along Audiobooks
This is a new tip I discovered recently.
I don’t listen to many audiobooks but recently I tried reading fantasy books (wasn’t easy to get into) and read it along with an audiobook.
What I noticed – audiobooks help you read way faster.
You can even skim through the lines real quick because you’re absorbing information by listening instead of reading.
FOR YOU: 8 Must-Know Bookstagram Tips For Beginners (Read Before Starting A Bookstagram)
Read From An E-Book Reader
I bought a kindle from amazon and it did help me read more.
In fact, I read a book of 500-600 pages in the span of 3-4 days (this is a pretty good accomplishment to me as I’m juggling a full-time job, plus freelancing).
Not only that, if you share a room with a sibling or roommate, you might have to switch off your lights and be respectful of the other person in the room.
Therefore, your reading time is limited.
But with a kindle, you can read more in the dark without straining your eyes.
So yes, e-books are a great way to read faster and reading faster means reading more.
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Curate A Reading Space
Your space is sacred.
You’re most likely not going to enjoy reading in a messy and smelly room. So, tidy up and light some candles.
I bought a comfortable chair to work and read for longer hours. I also decorated my table with candles and flowers.
While all this is mainly for a convenient working environment, it works great as a reading space too.
It helps me not only read more, but to write more blog posts (which makes me happy!).
Read Shorter Books
This is something I’ve tried doing to not only read more but to get back into the reading habit after years of leaving the habit due to my busy university routine.
Completing shorter books like poetry and short stories really do help make you feel accomplished and brings you closer to your reading goal.
If your daily schedule is really packed and you feel you may not even be able to read a book in a month, opting for shorter books is a great idea.
Carry A Book With You
Before heading out of the house, grab a book and stash it in your bag.
Instead of reaching for your phone when you’re out and about, why not reach for a book.
This would be a great way to read more, especially when you’re waiting for a bus or waiting in line for hours.
Buddy Read
If you have someone to keep you accountable, you’re most likely to read more. Buddy reading is a great option to read more books before the year ends.
Why?
Because if you struggle with a consistent reading habit, buddy readings will discipline you to accomplish small reading goals with respective deadlines.
Which means you’ll read more and you’ll read faster!
A buddy read usually consists of 2-3 people.
if you’d like to know how to buddy read effectively, read – Buddy Reading: 6 Steps Every Bookstagrammer Needs To Know.
Join A Book Club
If you would like more of a reading commitment, book clubs are great.
It may be time consuming but it is definitely a helpful way to read more if you’re really serious about getting towards your yearly reading goal.
There are more people in a book club, which means more people to help with accountability.
If you feel this is too big of a commitment for you, try buddy reading instead.
There you have it, 12 tips on how to read more books before the year ends.
Although we like chasing our reading goals, it is good to remember every once in a while that reading is a hobby, it’s supposed to be fun.
If it is starting to feel like a chore, you might want to adjust those reading goals into something more realistic so you don’t fall into a book slump.
