This is Part 2 of 2 in a series. Read Part 1 here.
As we were talking about in Part 1…
We all want to be reading more, but it’s hard to find the time.
Reading is one of the main ways we grow and learn.
If you want to get better at something, read about it. But you know that.
The problem is that it’s hard to find the time to actually do it.
Let’s continue with the next 6 strategies to read more books this year than most people read in their entire life…
1. Set a Daily Page Goal
Daily page goals are important.
Sure, you can set a time goal if you want, but page goals are much more measurable.
If you’re trying to read 20 books, it’s much easier to figure out how long that will take when you have a page goal, instead of a time limit.
2. Be Accountable
Whether it’s a reading club, your spouse or a friend, find an accountability partner.
This works best when you are both reading and holding each other accountable.
Accountability is a key part of sticking with your goals.
3. Cheat
When you read, you should be underlining, highlighting, taking notes or whatever you need to do to absorb more information.
In the past, if I had a reading goal and I was running short, I would just grab a great book that I already read and just read the parts I gave attention to the first time.
Or you can always change it up and just read the parts you didn’t underline and highlight. You may have missed something.
By the way, this still counts as reading another book, even if it’s for the second time.
It’s not all just about reading as many books as possible, but that sure makes for great motivation.
Of course, if you find that this is the only way you’re reading and your not actually reading new books, you may be over-utilizing this strategy.
You can’t cheat all the time!
4. Fill Your Wasted Time
You should always carry a book with you. You never know when you’re going to need it.
How much time do you spend standing in line, sitting in a waiting room or using public transportation?
Don’t fill that time by mindlessly surfing your Facebook news feed. Read a book.
If you aren’t able to read in public, take headphones with you everywhere you go and listen to audiobooks.
It’s helpful to have a notepad so you can make notes while you’re listening. It helps to keep your mind on your book instead of on everything around you.
5. Find Your Limit
How many books can you read at one time?
Some people read 5 different books at a time on 5 different topics.
I’ve known people that read a book on finances and a book on health in the morning, then later in the evening they read time management and finally close the night with a good fiction book.
If that’s you, great! If it’s not you, don’t do it! For many people, it’s just unproductive, but you may be able to handle it.
Only read the amount of books you can retain at one time.
It’s usually best to finish one book before starting another, but only you know you!
6. Strategically Pick Your Books
A yearly reading goal breaks down into a monthly goal. Of course, it also goes down to the week and the day.
You should always know how many books you need to read to meet your goal.
If you need to read 3 more books in a week, you’ll need to pick books that fit that goal.
That may mean pulling out some of those short books on your “to-read” list. If you’re ahead on your goal, go for the longer books.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t about pride or ego. This isn’t about reading more books so you can brag about how many books you read. That’s just silly.
You’re missing the point if you think that’s what this is all about.
Reading is one of the most important things you can and should be doing. I’m trying to help you do that. For more knowledge, wisdom and ability…not for bragging rights.
Make reading a priority. Create your “to-read” list right now and get to it.
You don’t find the time to sleep or eat, you make the time and just do it. Treat reading the same.
If you missed part 1, go back and read it here. Then read more on creating and sticking with your new habits here.
Photo Credit: Pixabay