How To Enjoy Reading

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If you’ve spent even just a few moments with me, you’ll know that I’m quite a bookworm. My favorite summer memories involve participating in the summer reading program at my childhood library, and Belle was (still is) my spirit Disney Princess. She has me at the yellow ballgown and her heart-eyed face when she saw the Beast’s library; it was meant to be.

Anytime I talk about my unashamed love for reading, I’m often met with rebuttals like “I wish I liked to read” or “I don’t have time to read.” I’m not an expert by any means-there are friends who read dozens of more books each year than I do-but these are some of my best tips to help you cultivate a love of reading. When I posed this question on Instagram stories, I got more than 70 responses with your favorite tips (many of them already favorites of mine!) Thank you for sharing, friends!

Make time for it. Simply put, you make time for what’s important to you. I could be in the busiest season of my year (looking at you PowerSheets launch season), but I’m still going to find time to talk to my boyfriend. Why? Because he’s important to me. The same is true for the other things in my life. Reading is important to me, so I’ve made time for it. I’ve added it to my PowerSheets Tending List, and it’s been a game changer. Set aside 20 minutes each day to dive into your book. It doesn’t matter what time of day as long as you are making time for it.

Find the best way to consume your books for your lifestyle. Reading has evolved so much in the past decade, and there are a variety of ways to consume books nowadays. From audiobooks to e-books to hard copies, the possibilities are endless. Gone are the days where reading means curling up on your couch. I’ve listened to almost as many audiobooks in 2017 that I’ve read because I often find myself in the car for long drives.

Keep a list of what you want to read next. Keeping a list will eliminate decision paralysis when it comes time to choosing what to read. I take screenshots of recommendations, add books to my Amazon cart (but try not to buy them!) or library queue. Knowing I have a few places to go for suggestions when it’s time to choose my next book is so helpful!

Find a buddy! One of my goals for the coming year is to start a book club! Because everything is better with a buddy, and wine :) The accountability of knowing you have a reading buddy or book club can often be the fire you need to finish whatever book you’ve been reading.

Always keep a book with you. Download the Kindle app on your phone. Keep a book in your purse or car. Set yourself up for success and use the small pockets of time throughout your day efficiently. I never regret the moments I choose to read a book instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media.

Track what you’ve read. Tracking your progress is fun and motivating! It’s one of the reasons we updated 2017 PowerSheets to have a progress bar! I keep a private Pinterest board for books I’ve read each year since 2015. I love having books in one spot (where I can see covers, too) when someone asks for a recommendation. Others mentioned Goodreads, which I’ve heard great things about, too!

Read what you love. Don’t guilt or trick yourself into reading something you aren’t excited about. If you like reading non-fiction, read it (more power to you!) If you’re a fan of young adult novels, go for it (and let’s talk!). You’ll never be motivated to finish a book if you feel obligated to read it. With that said, give yourself permission to put a book down if you just aren’t into it.

Now it’s your turn! Leave a comment with some of your favorite books! I’d love to add some titles to my TBR (to be read) list!

P.S. Don't miss this list of 50+ books recommended by Cultivators to consider for your reading list!