What’s the first thing that you think of when it comes to reading? Do you envision squinting at tiny print, struggling to make out the complicated words staring up at you? Or do you see a nerdy bookworm spending all day in the library?

I have always been an avid reader, but had never set a goal to read a certain amount of books before. This past year in 2024, I made a goal to read 50 books, and was able to surpass that goal by reading 67. You can too! Maybe you would like to get into reading but feel like you don’t have enough time. If that’s you, I’m here to encourage you that with a little discipline and the right mindset, you can become a reader.

SET A GOAL

The first step to read more is to simply set a goal. Whether that is five, twenty, or fifty, it helps to know what number you want to work towards. I find that setting a goal motivates me to compete against myself to obtain that goal. I use an app called Goodreads (honestly probably my favorite form of social media). When you create an account, you can set a goal for how many books you want to read for the year. There is nothing more satisfying than marking off a book, putting you one step closer to hitting your goal. It’s a visually satisfying way to keep track of your reading. Additionally, you can also see the reading challenges that your friends have made as well as the books that they are reading. Using the app makes me more excited to keep reading as I discover new books!

PLAN WHEN YOU’RE GOING TO READ

Just like with planning when you’re going to do your homework, or scheduling time for a workout, it helps to have an idea of when you have time during your day to read. Personally, I have a set time every day to read my Bible in the morning. I read a variety of fiction and nonfiction books, so I usually plan on reading a nonfiction book during almost every lunch break I have throughout the workweek, as well as spend 45 minutes to an hour reading a fiction book at night. And of course I’m able to spend a little more time reading on the weekend as time allows.

CHOOSE READING OVER OTHER ACTIVITIES

This is probably the hardest thing to do, but I promise that when you take inventory of how many hours you spend on your phone or watching TV, you will discover a lot of time that could be put towards reading instead. Rather than putting on a movie or show at night before bed, I turn out the lights and read my Kindle. Instead of scrolling on my phone while waiting for my tires to get changed, I choose to read. Our society is so ingrained in technology that it seems difficult to not watch endless Instagram reels every day or binge your favorite show, but the satisfaction that comes from reading a good book is so much greater. Your health benefits even more as well as you increase your knowledge and spend time away from technology.

GET CREATIVE

The final tip I have is to get creative! If you have never enjoyed reading nonfiction, don’t force yourself to read it! You’re much more likely to read and finish a book that actually interests you than to try to force yourself to read something that drags on. Re-read books that you already love–those count too! If you think reading is just for introverts and don’t want to waste time that you could be spending with others, host a cozy reading day with your friends! Start or join a bookclub that will motivate you to finish the book so you’re not the only person who hasn’t finished it. If you simply don’t have enough time in the day to pick up a physical book, listen to an audiobook in the car or at the gym. There are so many different ways to get more into reading; you just have to find the method that works best for you.

Anyone can get into reading, whether that is re-discovering your love for books or picking up a book for fun for the first time. It’s all about your mindset. Now, let’s defy the nerdy image of a bookworm in your brain and make reading popular again!