In a culture where people are constantly bombarded with distractions, it’s hard to stick to the task of reading. Maybe you’re working full-time, have kids, or just don’t feel like you’ve got the time to dive into a book when you can be watching Netflix instead. But reading is the best way to expand your mind — and even binge-watching TV can’t compare with the depth of story that comes from a good book. Here’s how to make it easy to reap the benefits of keeping one or two books on hand at all times. You never know which book has the power to change your world until you open up its pages.
1. Take a book or two with you - even if it’s on your phone.
If you want to read but don’t have the time, the major thing I’d recommend— and something I’ve found to be practically essential— is to keep a book with you at all times. This includes having an ebook on my phone for on-the-go reading or carrying a real book with me when I leave the house. Instead of checking emails or scrolling through social media, if I have even five minutes to spare, I will pull up the ereader on my phone or listen to an audiobook. This stimulates my brain in a positive way, keeping my calm, focused, and inquisitive minded throughout the day, instead of dropping out and zoning in to my screen. If you have a hard time remembering what you read, you can always jot down notes in your planner or screenshot that page when you’ve read something you want to remember later.
2. Create a reading time block in your schedule.
‘Reading more’ can change from a dream into an achievable goal if you actively carve a space in your life for it. Decide what time of day would feel the most exciting and luxurious to sneak in a read. It’s important that it feels slightly decadent to you in order to fend off any “shoulds” or “have-tos”. Reading is something you get to do. Whether it’s an early morning reading session before the rest of the family wakes up, or an evening soak & read in the tub. Start Finishing is a great book to dive into if you’re interested in implementing better systems into your daily routine.
3. Create a reading ritual.
To be successful at reading books, you need to establish a habit of reading. When they say habits take 21 days to develop, this is true for good and bad habits alike. In fact the very idea of a habit was originally described as something that was done every 21 days . If your goal is to read more, you’ll need to set a plan and stay consistent. Consider your motivation for reading- why are you motivated to read? Are you reading to learn about a new culture, hobby, or career interest? Keep that motivation in mind as you adjust to your new habit and you’ll be an avid reader in no time.
4. Define what you want.
Setting a goal, whether it’s to read a certain number of pages, a certain number of books during the year, or to read more books from a specific genre, is crucial to maining your motivation. Setting a reading challenge or goal is something I enjoy and has helped me make reading a priority. Doing so helps give me a sense of accomplishment. It’s always easier to keep going if you have an intrinsic motivation to read- an inner desire to read for a specific purpose. You can learn more about priority setting in The Indistractable Online Book Club.
5. Put down the dull ones.
Many of us feel like we have to finish a book once we’ve picked it up. That’s simply not true, and it might be holding back your reading goals. Unlike your mom’s meatloaf as a child, If you don’t like it- don’t finish it.
6. Join a book club and read with kindred spirits.
If you’re looking for an online book club to join– we have over 100 book clubs running on the hiitide website and app for you to choose from.
Check out these upcoming hiitide Online Book Clubs. Think Like a Rocket Scientist by Ozan Varol, Spark Change by Jennie Lee, and Words That Change Minds by Shelle Rose Charvet.
7. Renew your library card.
If you’re anything like me, you used to love the library. The book limit was always a fun challenge- if I can only take out 4 at a time, what will I choose? When we grow older, our early days as a bibliophile may fade away. Rekindle your nostalgic joy for books with a library membership. You’ll be able to experiment with new genres and read things that might surprise you. If you do patronize your local library- consider donating to them so that the next generation can enjoy them too.
8. Peruse your local bookshops.
Is there anything more exciting than wandering around an indie bookstore? Next time you have an hour to spare, find a Google bookstores in your neighborhood or a neighboring city and take yourself on a date to the one that looks the most interesting. Who knows? You might meet new friends or a special someone there- hello, extra motivation!
9. Create a rainy day kit.
Rainy day kits are the perfect solution for those days when you’re feeling as grey as the weather. Instead of bingeing Netflix in your pjs, open up your kit to find a fresh book and some snacks or a candle, nicely wrapped for you. This is the ultimate form of self-care. If you’re looking for a new rainy day read, look no further than Byron Katie’s Loving What Is for the ultimate journey toward inner peace.
10. Sign up for a book subscription.
Books are not just for introverts. There are a fine selection of book subscriptions out there just waiting to be discovered by you! With hiitide’s keyholder subscription you get a community of new friends and little bonus’s from the authors along the way. If you like to own a physical book, and prefer to support a local company, you can search on Etsy for book boxes or online through your local bookstore, and combine that service with hiitide’s keyholder subscription.
When you surround yourself with others who enjoy reading, it is easier to find the inspiration to read. Over the past few years, I’ve been able to read hundreds of books, with the support of my online book communities. Following book enthusiasts on social media and book club platforms not only means you’ll get great recommendations, but it also means you’ll gain a community to hold you accountable to your goals.
Check out our entire Marketplace of Online Book Clubs here.
Have you tried any of these book reading tricks? Tell us how it went by tagging hiitide on your socials!
Written by Angie Sunshine, a star Curriculum Designer at hiitide.
