How to Read More Books in Less Time

How to Read More Books in Less Time: Smart Tips for Busy People

Books can change your life. They teach you new things, open your mind, and take you on amazing journeys. But with work, school, and everything else, finding time to read can be hard. If your to-be-read pile is growing faster than you can keep up, don’t worry. You’re not alone — and there’s a way out.

Why Do People Struggle to Read More?

Let’s be honest — most of us want to read more but just can’t seem to find the time. Some common reasons are:

Busy schedules

Distractions from phones and TV

Feeling tired after a long day

Reading slowly or losing focus

Choosing the wrong kind of books

The good news? You can beat all these problems with a few small changes.

1. Set a Reading Goal

Start by setting a simple, clear goal. It could be:

One book a month

10 pages a day

15 minutes of reading before bed

Goals help keep you motivated and give you something to aim for. Track your progress and celebrate small wins.

2. Create a Reading Habit

Reading more is all about making it a habit. The best way to build a habit is to add it to something you already do every day. For example:

Read after breakfast

Read during your commute (audiobooks work great too!)

Read before you sleep

Even just 10–15 minutes a day can add up to dozens of books a year.

3. Always Keep a Book With You

Carry a book or use a reading app on your phone. That way, you can read while waiting in line, riding the bus, or during a break. These small moments add up more than you think.

4. Try Audiobooks

Too tired to read? Listen instead! Audiobooks are a great way to enjoy stories or learn something new while:

Walking or exercising

Driving

Doing chores

You can even speed them up a little (like 1.25x speed) to get through them faster.

5. Read What You Love

Don’t force yourself to read something just because it’s popular or “important.” If it doesn’t excite you, it’ll slow you down. Choose books that spark your interest — fiction, self-help, thrillers, or anything that makes you want to turn the page.

Remember, there’s no such thing as the “right” book. The best book is the one that keeps you reading.

6. Use the 5-Minute Rule

If you don’t feel like reading, tell yourself to just read for 5 minutes. Once you start, you’ll often want to keep going. Starting is the hardest part — but once you’re in the flow, it’s easy to continue.

7. Skim When It’s Okay

Not all books need to be read word-for-word. For non-fiction, you can:

Read the intro and chapter summaries

Highlight key points

Skip parts that don’t interest you

This saves time and helps you focus on the main ideas.

8. Join a Book Club or Challenge

Reading with others makes it more fun. Join a local or online book club, or try a reading challenge on apps like Goodreads. Sharing your thoughts with others keeps you engaged and helps you finish more books.

9. Turn Off Distractions

It’s hard to focus when your phone keeps buzzing. Find a quiet spot, turn off notifications, and enjoy your reading time. Even 20 focused minutes are better than an hour of distracted reading.

10. Make Reading a Reward

Don’t treat reading like a chore. Use it as a reward after finishing work or chores. Light a candle, make some tea, and curl up with your book. Make it something to look forward to.

Final Thoughts

Reading more books doesn’t mean you have to read all day. It’s about making smart use of your time and enjoying the process. With the tips above, you’ll start reading faster, staying focused, and finishing more books than you ever thought possible.

So grab that book you’ve been meaning to read and start today — one page at a time.