Most folks I talk to want to read more than they do. Over the years, I've picked up several strategies to read more.
Here they are in no particular order.
1. Always have a book handy
Stephen King once wrote about how he always has a book with him (Source). When he has downtime, he gets to reading.
The amount of time doesn't matter (one minute or ten minutes). Consistent reading is what counts.
You'll be surprised by how much you can read in the in-between moments of tasks and obligations.
2. Set aside consistent, small amounts of time
Schedule ten or fifteen minutes in the morning, afternoon, and evening to read.
This is an efficient way to move through some books.
FYI - I heard this tip from my friend, Rob Maine, who heard it from our friend, John Starke. Both are worth a follow on the socials.
3. Choose what you read
People say they don't read a lot, yet reading on social media or the internet adds up.
I'm not interested in handing out the best-reading-material trophy. You must judge for yourself.
What do you want to read?
Social media
Internet articles
Magazines
Books
Saying yes to one means saying no to another. Life is short; read what you want and don't feel bad about it.
4. Listen to Audiobooks
Pastoring and parenting annihilated once-enjoyed hours of undisturbed reading.
Thankfully, I discovered audiobooks. While I still prefer a paperback and retain more that way, audiobooks have kept me in the reading game.
Listen on walks, your commute, or while doing yard work.
Also, be sure to check out your local library's apps. For us, the selection is wide enough that I listen to 99% of my books for free.
Get to Reading
Life is full, and I find life most fulfilling when I'm consistently reading, learning, and growing as a person.
It requires intentionality, but with a bit of effort, you can read more.
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