20 Tips for Building a Reading Habit

I used to tell myself I just wasn't a "reader."

It felt like a permanent part of my identity. I saw friends devouring books while my nightstand collected a dusty pile of good intentions. I wanted to be that person who could get lost in a story but my phone was always more appealing. My brain, wired for the instant dopamine hits of video games and endless scrolling, just didn't have the patience.

Sound familiar? If you're anything like I was, you probably want to read more. You buy the books. You make the plans. But life gets in the way. It feels like another chore on an already endless to-do list.

I get it. I’ve been there. I had to completely rewire my brain to break free from addictions to gaming, overeating, and just plain laziness. Building a reading habit felt just as impossible as losing 110 pounds did at the start. But here’s the secret I learned: it’s not about finding huge, uninterrupted blocks of time. It’s about small, consistent steps that build on each other.

If you’re ready to finally become the reader you want to be, here are 20 simple tips that actually work.

Start by Changing Your Mindset

The biggest barrier isn't time. It's pressure. We think we have to read "important" books or finish every single one we start. Let's fix that first.

First, give yourself permission to start small. I’m talking ridiculously small. One page a day. Five minutes before you go to sleep. When I started my health journey, I didn't begin by running a marathon. I started by walking around the block. The same principle applies here. A small win builds momentum.

Next, read what you genuinely enjoy, not what you think you should be reading. If that’s a thriller, a romance novel, or a book about building model trains, go for it. The goal is to make reading a pleasure not a punishment. You’ll naturally move on to other genres once the habit is in place.

Finally, and this is a big one, quit a book if you’re not enjoying it. Life is too short to slog through something that feels like homework. Dropping a book isn't failure. It's respecting your time and making space for a book you’ll actually love.

Make Reading a Part of Your Day

Habits don't just appear. We have to intentionally build them into our lives. You don’t need to overhaul your entire schedule. You just need to find the small pockets of time that are already there.

Think about your daily routine. Could you read for 10 minutes while you drink your morning coffee? Can you swap 15 minutes of evening social media scrolling for a chapter in a book? I built my entire work routine around short, focused bursts of energy. I treat reading the same way. I schedule it like an appointment. It's not optional. It's just what I do at 9 PM.

Here are 20 tips to get you started. Pick a few that feel right for you and give them a try.

1. Start Small. Commit to just one page or five minutes a day. Anyone can do that.
2. Pick What You Love. Forget the classics for now. Read what genuinely excites you.
3. Quit Books Without Guilt. If you're 50 pages in and hate it, move on.
4. Always Have a Book With You. Physical book, e-reader, or phone app. Be ready for any moment of downtime.
5. Schedule It. Put it in your calendar like a meeting. Protect that time.
6. Use "Dead Time." Read while waiting in line, on your commute, or during a lunch break.
7. Try Audiobooks. They’re perfect for listening while you drive, clean the house, or go for a walk. It all counts as reading.
8. Habit Stack. Pair reading with a habit you already have. For example: "After I brush my teeth at night, I will read for 10 minutes."
9. Create a Reading Nook. Find a comfy chair and good lighting. Make it a place you want to be.
10. Go Digital. An e-reader like a Kindle can be less intimidating than a thick book and lets you carry a whole library in your bag.
11. Visit a Library or Bookstore. Sometimes just being surrounded by books is enough to spark inspiration. Make it a fun outing.
12. Set a Specific Goal. Aim to read one book a month, or 12 books in a year. A clear target is easier to hit.
13. Track Your Progress. Use an app or a simple notebook to list the books you’ve finished. Seeing that list grow is incredibly motivating. It’s like seeing the numbers on the scale go down; it’s proof your effort is working.
14. Join a Book Club. Reading can be a great way to connect with others.
15. Talk About What You Read. Tell a friend about the book you’re enjoying. Explaining it helps you remember it better.
16. Don't Compare Your Pace. Someone on social media reading 100 books a year doesn't matter. Your journey is your own.
17. Read Before Bed. It’s a great way to unwind, disconnect from screens, and signal to your brain that it’s time to sleep.
18. Take Notes. Underline passages that stand out. Write your thoughts in the margins. This makes reading an active, engaging experience.
19. Reread a Favorite. Sometimes it's comforting to return to a story you already love.
20. Connect Reading to Your Purpose. For me, reading became a powerful tool in my faith journey. Reading scripture, the writings of the Church Fathers, or books by wise Christians helped me find answers and deepen my relationship with God. Whatever your goals are—to be a better leader, a more patient parent, or to simply learn a new skill—there’s a book that can help you get there.

Building a reading habit is a quiet act of rebellion in a noisy, distracting world. It’s a way to reclaim your attention, feed your mind, and invest in your own growth. It won’t happen overnight, but with a little intention and a lot of grace, it will happen.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Don’t wait for the "perfect" time. It will never come.

What’s the one book sitting on your shelf that you’ve been meaning to read? Pick it up right now. Just read the first page. That’s it. That’s your first small win.