Finding the time to read more. . .

One of my goals this year was to read more. I did an exercise where you think about what your ideal day looked like and despite being an avid reader as a child, I realised I barely read anymore. So, I decided to create time for reading.

Here are some of my top tips on how to fit time into your busy schedule that will help you read more and enjoy it. πŸ™Œ

1.     Set a realistic goal. 🎯 Don’t try to read 100 books in a year if you barely read 10 last year. Start with a number that is challenging but achievable for you, and track your progress using apps like Goodreads or Bookly. πŸ“±

2.     Choose books that interest you. πŸ“– Don’t force yourself to read books that you don’t like, just because they are popular or recommended by someone else. Find books that match your taste, mood, and curiosity. You can use websites like What Should I Read Next or Whichbook to discover new books based on your preferences. 🌐

3.     Make reading a habit. πŸ•’ Reading is like any other skill, it requires practice and consistency. I have now made a habit of reading as soon as I get into bed in the evening. I try to read a chapter a night, but even if it’s just for 15 minutes, it still counts! Find a time and place that works for you, and stick to it. You can also use apps like Habitica or Forest to motivate yourself and track your reading habits. 🌳

4.     Join a book club or a reading challenge. πŸ™‹β€β™‚οΈ Reading can be more fun and rewarding when you share it with others. Join a book club or a reading challenge that suits your interests and goals. You can find them online or offline, on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Reddit, or Meetup. You will meet new friends, get book recommendations, and have lively discussions. We’re planning our own online book group soon so keep your eyes peeled if you fancy joining!πŸ—£οΈ

5.     Have fun and be flexible. 😊 Reading is not a chore, it’s a pleasure. Don’t stress yourself over reading speed, page count, or genres. Read at your own pace, switch books if you get bored, and explore new topics. Remember, the goal is to enjoy reading, not to finish reading. πŸŽ‰

I hope these tips will help you read more and have a great reading year. Let me know in the comments what books are you reading right now, and what are your reading goals for this year. πŸ™Œ

Liz Wright