Buzz
Image Credit: jayk7 / Getty ImagesGrowing up, I was an avid reader, devouring books with enthusiasm. I got my first library card at just four years old, scribbling my name in messy handwriting. Back then, I’d borrow stacks of books, losing myself in stories purely for the joy of discovery and escapism. However, as adulthood set in, the demands of life and the allure of social media as an easy distraction gradually pushed reading to the sidelines. My phone became my go-to for mental breaks, and even after finishing college, reading for pleasure felt like a distant memory—I managed only two books in 2023, which was a wake-up call to make a change.
Despite my constant craving for fresh insights and captivating narratives, I realized I needed to rethink how I approached reading. Dr. Katy Milkman, author of How to Change, emphasizes this point: “Many believe that understanding the importance of staying fit, acquiring new skills, saving money, or eating well will naturally drive them to act. However, if the daily tasks required—like exercising, studying, budgeting, or eating healthily—aren’t enjoyable, we’re unlikely to stick with them, no matter how significant the long-term goal. The key is to find ways to make the process more enjoyable.”
Thanks to the rise of #BookTok, platforms like Barnes and Noble, ThriftBooks, and Bookshop have seen a surge in book-related content, signaling a revival in reading culture, particularly among younger audiences. My personal journey to rediscover regular reading led me to uncover several simple and affordable methods that not only helped me achieve but surpass my reading target for the year.
5 Tips to Reignite Your Reading Habit
1. Leverage an E-Reader, Tablet, or Smartphone
Dr. Milkman explains, "The most effective strategies for rebuilding a habit are those that address the root cause of the disruption. Often, people overlook identifying the obstacles, which is the crucial first step. The solution depends entirely on the specific barrier."
My reliance on my phone for quick entertainment became a significant hurdle in rekindling my reading habit. To overcome this, I invested in a Kindle, which shifted my perspective on reading. It became an activity I could enjoy anytime, anywhere, rather than something confined to specific moments. I viewed it as a stepping stone—switching from phone scrolling to a Kindle felt more manageable than jumping straight to physical books.
You don’t necessarily need a Kindle—perhaps you’re reading this on your phone or tablet. Consider downloading e-books or audiobooks for moments like long commutes or waiting in line. Utilizing the devices you already own can make it easier to incorporate reading into your everyday life.
2. Set Up a Libby Account
By obtaining a card from my local public library, I gained access to apps like Libby and Hoopla, which provide a wealth of library resources, including e-books and audiobooks. This was a turning point in rebuilding my reading habit. Not only could I access e-books for free on my preferred device, but I could also get them immediately.
Hold times can vary depending on a book’s popularity or the number of digital copies available at your library. I suggest creating an account and placing holds on books you’re potentially interested in—you can always postpone delivery until you’re ready. Libby also supports multiple library cards, so if one library has a long wait, you might borrow the book sooner using another card.
3. Monitor Your Progress
“Tracking your progress can be incredibly beneficial as it helps measure your advancement toward goals and keeps you accountable,” Dr. Milkman explains. “Repetition is essential for forming habits.” Personally, keeping track of the books I’ve read has motivated me to read more frequently. I rely on the Goodreads app to organize books into three categories: Want to Read, Read, and Currently Reading. My extensive "Want to Read" list ensures I always have options, whether I’m at the library, a bookstore, browsing Libby, or scanning my own shelves. Watching my "Read" list grow brings me closer to my goal and fuels my motivation. Marking a book as "Currently Reading" lets me update my progress with page numbers and follow a completion bar, offering a satisfying visual representation of my journey. Dr. Milkman adds, “The more rewarding and frequent the behavior, the more likely it is to become a habit.”
Joining a book club is another great way to stay accountable in a social environment. Alternatively, you can create your own system—mark reading days on a calendar, use a spreadsheet to log books, or keep a simple list on a bookmark or in your phone’s Notes app. Just like reading, the easiest method to track progress is the one you’ll stick to, so choose what works best for you.
4. Pick the Right Books
During high school and college, my reading was mostly limited to nonfiction. I wondered if stepping outside my comfort zone could reignite my passion for reading. I decided to explore books with captivating writing and fast-paced plots. Discovering my love for psychological thrillers introduced me to a whole new genre I had previously overlooked, as I had unknowingly confined myself to familiar types of books.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider revisiting books you enjoyed in your younger years or exploring similar genres and writing styles. Finding the right book might require some experimentation, so be patient and remember that not every book will resonate with everyone.
5. Establish Clear, Realistic Goals With Meaning
To build any habit, our minds require specific, actionable goals to stay focused and motivated. However, overly ambitious goals can hinder progress. Dr. Milkman explains, “Failing to follow through on goals and habits is common, even when we’re enthusiastic about starting. One reason is inertia—we naturally take the easiest path, and if a new habit doesn’t align with our current routines, it can be challenging to begin.”
For 2024, I set a modest reading goal of five books for the year, allowing roughly two months per book. This flexibility let me experiment with integrating reading into my daily life without the pressure of strict daily or weekly targets. If smaller milestones work for you, incorporate those too! For me, the key was having a realistic and adaptable goal to work toward.
Lessons From Rediscovering Reading
Above all, be kind to yourself. If a book doesn’t resonate with you or life interrupts your reading routine, don’t dwell on it—guilt only adds unnecessary pressure. My initial goal of five books provided a forgiving framework, helping me rediscover the joy of reading without stress.
Most importantly, approach reading with purpose. I reflected on why increasing my reading mattered so much to me. The answers—my childhood love for books, my desire to improve my writing (since writers are readers), and my eagerness to learn—created a compelling vision of how my life could transform by nurturing this habit. Once I understood my why, all that remained was to pick up a book and begin.
