A Simple Trick to Read More Books Even if You Have No Time

You want to read more books, but life feels like a constant sprint. There’s good news: you already have plenty of time. You just haven’t learned how to use it yet.

Life has a way of piling things on. Work, family, chores, the endless stream of tasks—it all leaves you feeling like there’s simply no space left for something as enriching as reading. I hear you. I’ve been there, staring at a stack of unread books, feeling a pang of guilt. But what if I told you the secret to reading more isn’t about magically carving out huge, dedicated blocks of time? It’s far simpler, and it’s right there, hidden in plain sight.

The Secret Weapon: Unlocking “Found Time”

Here’s the core idea, and it’s a game-changer: your day is full of tiny, unproductive pockets of time. We’re talking about those 5-10 minute gaps where you typically scroll through your phone, stare into space, or just passively wait. These aren’t big, glorious stretches of leisure, but they are incredibly powerful when harnessed.

Most of us significantly underestimate just how much these small moments add up. Think about it: if you manage to read for just 10 minutes, three times a day, that’s 30 minutes daily. Over a week, that’s 3.5 hours of reading. That’s enough to finish a substantial book every week or two without ever needing to “find” a solid hour to sit down. This isn’t about reading faster; it’s about reading smarter, consistently, and without the pressure.

It’s about transforming what feels like “no time” into frequent, bite-sized reading sessions. The beauty of this approach is its low-pressure nature. You’re not committing to a marathon; you’re just engaging in a quick sprint whenever the opportunity arises.

Your Practical Blueprint to More Reading

Alright, let’s get down to how you actually do this. This isn’t rocket science; it’s about shifting your habits and being prepared.

Always Carry Your Reading Material.
This is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a physical book, a slim e-reader, or a reading app on your phone, your current book needs to be as accessible as your wallet or keys. The moment you have a few minutes, you shouldn’t have to go on a treasure hunt for your book. It should be right there, ready to open. This simple step eliminates a huge barrier to entry. I’ve found having my e-reader in my bag means I can grab it the moment I sit down for a quick break.
Identify Your “Dead Time” Opportunities.
Start observing your day with new eyes. Where do you find yourself passively waiting?
- In line at the grocery store or coffee shop.
- Waiting for an appointment at the doctor’s office.
- During your commute on public transport (not if you’re driving, obviously).
- While your coffee brews or dinner heats up.
- During commercial breaks if you’re watching TV.
- Sitting in the car waiting to pick someone up.
- Those few minutes before a meeting starts.
  These are goldmines—perfect 3-15 minute slots just begging to be filled with something more enriching than aimless staring.
Replace Scrolling with Reading.
This is where the rubber meets the road. Most of those “dead time” moments are currently filled with scrolling through social media, checking news feeds, or playing a quick game. It’s a habit. It feels easy. But it’s not really serving you. Make a conscious decision: when you hit one of those pockets of time, open your book or reading app instead of Instagram or the news. This isn’t about judgment; it’s about conscious choice. For me, quitting gaming and doom-scrolling was a huge step. Once I replaced that instant gratification with reading, I felt a noticeable shift in my overall calm and how much I learned. It takes a little discipline at first, but it quickly becomes second nature.
Set Micro-Goals, Not Macro-Goals.
Don’t tell yourself you need to “read for 30 minutes.” That feels daunting. Instead, set incredibly low barriers to entry. Aim for:
- “I’ll read one page.”
- “I’ll read until the light turns green.”
- “I’ll read just a single paragraph.”
  The goal isn’t necessarily to finish that page, but to start. Once you start, momentum often takes over. One page often turns into two, then five, then a chapter. The biggest hurdle is almost always just getting started, and micro-goals smash that hurdle to pieces.
Habit Stack Your Reading.
This is a classic technique. Attach a short reading session to an existing, established daily habit you already do without thinking.
- “After I finish my first cup of coffee, I’ll read for seven minutes.”
- “Before I check my email, I’ll read five pages.”
- “While I wait for the kettle to boil, I’ll read a couple of paragraphs.”
  By linking a new, desired behavior (reading) to an old, automatic one, you make it much easier to integrate into your routine.

Why This “Trick” Is So Powerful (The Psychology Behind It)

This isn’t just a random collection of tips; it leverages fundamental principles of how we form habits and make changes stick.

First, it makes the desired action—reading—incredibly easy and obvious. The book is always with you, the goal is tiny, and the opportunities are abundant. When something is easy, your brain is far less likely to resist it.

Second, it capitalizes on the compounding effect of small, consistent actions. Research in habit science, exemplified by James Clear’s work on Atomic Habits, clearly shows that building small, consistent habits is far more effective for long-term change than attempting infrequent, large-scale efforts. Each small reading session builds a bit of momentum, a bit of knowledge, and a bit of confidence. Over time, these tiny bits compound into significant progress—finishing multiple books a year, feeling more informed, and enjoying the quiet contemplation that reading offers.

Finally, this approach addresses the mental hurdle of “not having enough time” by breaking reading into manageable, low-effort chunks. It reframes reading from a big, intimidating commitment into a series of small, achievable wins. Each time you pick up your book for those 5-10 minutes, you reinforce the habit and feel a sense of accomplishment, which makes you more likely to do it again. It’s about building a reading life, one small moment at a time.

Conclusion

Reading more doesn’t have to be a monumental task. It doesn’t require drastic life changes or finding hours you don’t have. It simply requires a shift in perspective and a commitment to utilizing the small pockets of time that already exist in your day. Arm yourself with your reading material, look for those “dead time” opportunities, replace passive scrolling with active reading, set micro-goals, and stack your habits.

Start today. Pick one small moment, one tiny window of time, and commit to opening your book instead of your phone. You’ll be surprised at how quickly those scattered minutes add up, and how soon you’ll find yourself turning the final page of another book, all thanks to a trick so simple it’s brilliant.