Wanting to read more is one of the most common personal goals, and one of the easiest to abandon once life gets busy, usually because the plan was too ambitious from the start.
Read in smaller windows than you expect
Waiting for a long, uninterrupted stretch of free time to read often means it never happens. Ten minutes before bed or during a commute adds up to meaningful progress over weeks, even if it feels small in the moment.
Keep a book somewhere you'll actually see it
A book on a nightstand or in a bag gets read far more often than one left on a shelf across the room. Small changes in visibility and access matter more than motivation alone.
Give yourself permission to stop a book
Forcing yourself through a book you're not enjoying is one of the fastest ways to stall a reading habit entirely. Abandoning a book that isn't working is often what makes room for one that will.
Mix formats based on your situation
Audiobooks work well during chores or commutes, while physical books or e-readers suit quieter moments. Using the format that fits the moment, rather than sticking to only one, increases how much reading actually happens.
Track books loosely, not competitively
A simple list of what you've read can be motivating, but turning it into a strict numeric goal can make reading feel like an obligation rather than something you look forward to.