Wondering how to squeeze in more reading time in your schedule? You’re not the only one. Packed schedules make it challenging to fit in time for pleasure reading, but even the busiest people are known to be avid readers. Here are a few ideas to help you reach your goal of reading more.

Set Realistic Goals

While the idea of getting lost in a book for a few hours sounds nice, that’s not realistic if you’re tight on time. Instead, it makes more sense to set a goal for each reading session.

To guarantee that you crush your goals, create realistic ones. For example, challenge yourself to read 30 pages before putting down your book. Or, when you’re thinking of stopping, push yourself to finish the next chapter before doing so. Pick books that keep your interest, such as those in your favorite genre, or look up books by bestselling authors, such as J.D. Barker.

Set an overall reading goal for yourself. Once you narrow down on the number of books you’d like to read in a year, it gives you an idea of how to schedule some much-needed reading time. For example, let’s say you want to read 50 books in a year. As there are 52 weeks a year, you’d have to finish a book each week. This can sound a bit intimidating at first, but this goal is possible. In an interview with The New York Times, Bill Gates shared that he reads about 50 books a year!

For every reading session, set the bar a little higher. This helps you get extra reading done every day. By challenging yourself, you’ll finish more books in a year than you originally thought you would.

Become a Speed Reader

Speed reading lets you quickly recognize and absorb sentences on a page all at once instead of reading individual words. Most people can read at an average rate of 250 words per minute—people who speed read can read up to 500 words per minute!

  • Avoid Subvocalizing: Sub-vocalization is a process where you pronounce and “hear” each word in your head as you read it. By avoiding this, you can process many more words and read much faster. If you find it hard to avoid sub-vocalizing, don’t worry. Instead of trying to eliminate your inner voice, you can learn how to sub-vocalize faster.
  • The Scanning Method: This technique involves moving your eyes quickly down a page to extract important information like names, numbers, and facts. Research has shown that adult minds are capable of filling in information gaps. When you focus on key points, your brain can actually fit in the missing information.
  • The Pointer Method: When reading, use your finger as a guide to improve your reading pace. When you move your finger quickly, your eyes will also follow and help to keep you focused on the page. You can also use a business card under every line as a guide. 

Be Open To Reading In All Mediums

In today’s digital world, it’s so easy to get your hands on a good book whenever you want. You can buy books online and get them straight to your door or get them on your phone, tablet, or e-reader. Whatever medium you prefer, the end result is the same—you’re making time to read for pleasure.

If you’re always on the move, pack a paper book or two. They’re small and light enough to carry even when you’re on the go. When you have a break during the day, squeeze in some time to read a couple of chapters. For even more convenience, look for some interesting titles in an online bookstore and get them shipped straight to your home or workplace.

Anyone who wants to jump into a new book right away would appreciate the convenience of e-books. You can buy, download, and read your next e-book within minutes. Since they can be read across multiple devices, you can read e-books anywhere and anytime as long as you have your device.

Physical books and e-books have their own strengths. Physical books give you a much-needed break from technology and screens. And as for e-books, you have instant access to millions of books at the touch of your fingertips. Remember, you don’t have to stick to just one form. If you want a mixture of physical books and e-books, go for it; we won’t stop you!

Create Habits To Help You Hit Your Reading Goals

Even with a busy schedule, you can still find time to read as long as you make a conscious effort. You don’t have to dedicate long stretches of time to read a book. Every little bit of time counts, whether it’s during your commute or your lunch break.