20 Ways to Read More and Transform Your Life

Personally I follow them Everyday.

I hope this article finds you in great spirits. I wanted to share something close to my heart with you: my love for reading and how it has profoundly enriched my life. Like Abraham Lincoln once said, “Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren’t very new after all.” This insight always reminds me of the immense power books hold to connect us with timeless wisdom.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with ways to read more consistently. While it hasn’t always been easy, these approaches have transformed my habits and perspective. So, I thought of sharing 20 practical ways to read more — maybe a few of them will inspire you too!

1. Treat Reading as a Priority

Time is the most common excuse we all use, right? But think about this: if we have time to binge-watch shows or scroll endlessly through social media, we can carve out 20 minutes a day for reading. Bill Gates dedicates an hour each day to reading, and we know how much of a difference that’s made in his life.

2. Set a Reading Goal

Set a clear target. For example, I’ve aimed to read 50 books a year. Start with something manageable, like a book a month, and gradually increase your pace. It’s more about building the habit than hitting arbitrary numbers.

3. Always Have a Book on Hand

Carry a book or your Kindle wherever you go. This way, when you find yourself waiting in a line or commuting, you can use that time to read. Oprah Winfrey calls books her “reliable escape hatch,” always ready when life gets too chaotic.

4. Embrace the “Anti-Library” Concept

Umberto Eco kept thousands of unread books, calling it his “anti-library.” It’s a reminder that what we don’t know is as valuable as what we do. I’ve started building my collection of unread books to always have something to look forward to.

5. Read What Intrigues You

To develop a reading habit, start with books that align with your interests. I’ve been captivated by autobiographies like Walter Isaacson’s biography of Elon Musk and Indra Nooyi’s memoir. Their stories make the pages fly by.

6. Use Digital and Physical Formats

I love both Kindle and physical books. While Kindle is perfect for travel, nothing beats the smell of fresh pages. Choose the format that suits your lifestyle best.

7. Take Notes and Reflect

Marginal notes, highlights, and reflections can make your reading more engaging. When I read “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, I found myself jotting down actionable tips, many of which I still follow today.

8. Drop Books You Don’t Enjoy

Life’s too short for books that don’t resonate. If a book feels like a chore, set it aside and move on to something more engaging. Even Mark Twain said, “A person who won’t read has no advantage over one who can’t read.”

9. Explore New Genres

Step out of your comfort zone. I used to stick to nonfiction, but diving into magical realism through Gabriel García Márquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude” opened my eyes to a whole new world.

10. Read Multiple Books at Once

Sometimes, I’m in the mood for deep, thought-provoking material, and other times I crave something lighter. By reading multiple books at once, I always have something that matches my mood.

11. Dedicate a Reading Nook

Create a cozy, distraction-free corner for reading. A comfortable chair, soft lighting, and a warm drink can make all the difference. Even Warren Buffett, one of the busiest people on the planet, spends hours each day reading in his quiet space.

12. Join a Book Club

Discussing books with others adds depth to the experience. I’ve learned so much from hearing other perspectives in my local book club. It’s also a great way to stay motivated.

13. Listen to Audiobooks

On busy days, audiobooks are a lifesaver. Whether I’m driving or doing chores, I let authors narrate their stories. Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” was an especially moving listen in her own voice.

14. Make It a Ritual

Develop a routine, like reading 20 minutes before bed. This habit not only helps me wind down but also replaces aimless scrolling on my phone.

15. Leverage Technology

Apps like Notion help me organize my reading lists. I track books I’ve read, want to read, or need to buy. It’s satisfying to see the “done” column grow!

16. Read When You’re Feeling Low

Books are my go-to comfort when I’m feeling down. Reading helps me find solace and perspective. As C.S. Lewis once said, “We read to know we are not alone.”

17. Gift Yourself Books

Treat yourself to books during special occasions or sales. Amazon’s recommendations and discounts have built my collection to over 300 titles (and counting).

18. Reread Favorites

Some books are worth revisiting. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho is a personal favorite that I’ve read multiple times, each time finding new meaning.

19. Learn from Successful People’s Reading Lists

I’m always curious about what leaders like Barack Obama or Melinda Gates are reading. Their recommendations often lead me to profound insights.

20. Celebrate Small Wins

Reading even a few pages daily is progress. Celebrate the little milestones, like finishing a chapter or completing a book. It’s these small steps that build lasting habits.

Reading has been my constant companion through ups and downs. It has broadened my horizons and added immense joy to my life. I hope some of these tips resonate with you and help you fall in love with reading (or deepen your love for it).

Let me know what you’re reading these days — I’d love to hear from you!