While I’m not a big fan of labeling in general, there is one label I fully embrace:
I am, without a doubt, 100% a booknerd.
If you follow my blog or LinkedIn, you’ve probably seen my various reading wrap-ups and book reviews throughout the years. You also may know that I tend to read about 100 books each year. Back when I was active on Instagram and Facebook, I even began posting video reviews and ‘book flights.’ (I may start that up again – let me know in the comments below if you’d be interested!)
With such posts, I am frequently asked one question:
“How do you read so much?”
Today I thought I’d share a bit of what works for me. Feel free to adopt one or more of these ideas!
1. Always carry a book with you.
You never know when you’ll find a small pocket of time to read: At the dentist’s office, during a work break, while waiting for your kids to finish sports practice.
2. Designate certain reading times.
Try reading a few pages of inspiring nonfiction with your morning coffee or a fun novel before bed. A few pages here and there add up!
3. Join or start a book club.
Book clubs provide accountability, different perspectives, and often the motivation to pick up books you wouldn’t normally read.
4. Read what intrigues you.
Do you love to escape into a fantasy world? Are you fascinated by birds? Is there a historical figure or modern celebrity you find remarkably interesting? Choose books that speak to your interests.
5. Enjoy audiobooks.
I listen to audiobooks – most for free via my library’s Libby app – while walking, driving, cleaning, you name it! And I often find myself engaging in those activities even longer than I planned because I want to keep going with the story.
6. Create or join a reading challenge.
Whether a ‘bingo card’ of different books to read, a certain number of pages per week, or a few titles you commit to reading in the next year, reading challenges can be motivating – particularly for us achievers. Check my blog next week to learn about my own 2022 reading challenge and how I did / what I learned!
7. Assess your current activities.
As you think about your typical day or week, where would you like to spend less time? Consider how you might replace that activity, or a portion of it, with reading.
8. Remove or minimize obstacles.
With #7 above, ‘endless scrolling’ and other tech distractions are often the reason people give for not reading more. Experiment with closing your phone in a drawer a few times per week or leaving it in the car while you take a book into a coffee shop for an hour.
9. Track your reading.
If you follow my goal-setting work, you know I’m a firm believer that we attract what we track! Keep tabs of the days you read, the books you finish, or another action that inspires further reading.
10. Surround yourself with readers.
Many people join the ASPIRE Success Club because they want to read more. (Enrollment will open again in early November!) Check your library, local or online bookish communities, or consider ASPIRE to surround yourself with fellow readers.
11. Generate a pile of possibilities.
I’m a mood reader, so it helps to have at least a few possibilities around me from which to choose my next read. Whether it’s a physical TBR (‘to be read’) pile or a list of titles in the notes app of your phone, having some exciting books on deck can keep your reading momentum going.
12. Or generate a pile of one.
On the flip side, if a stack of possibilities feels like pressure or clutter, focus on the one at hand. You’ll learn more about your reading style and preferences the more you continue reading and exploring.
13. Buddy-read with someone.
Similar to a book club, reading a book at the same time as a friend or colleague can provide motivation, perspective, and fun discussion points along the way.
14. Browse library or bookstore shelves.
For many of us, roaming the library shelves used to be how we’d find our next picks! The internet can provide abundant possibilities, but don’t underestimate the power of freely wandering through shelves and shelves of books.
15. Begin a book discussion group in your company.
A monthly or quarterly discussion about an insightful book can build community while also expanding your team’s professional development. I facilitate these – including reading guides, discussion questions, and more – if you’re interested in bringing me into your organization.
16. Pay attention to upcoming movies.
Is there a film on the horizon that you’re excited to see? Commit to reading the book it’s based on before it comes out! I know several people who did this with Where The Crawdads Sing this summer, for example. You may be surprised how many movies are based on or inspired by books.
17. Ask for recommendations.
If you know someone who reads often or shares similar interests, ask them for a few books they’ve enjoyed. If you’re speaking to a booknerd like myself, they’ll probably spill out all kinds of titles – and be super excited about it, too!
18. Listen to book-related podcasts.
I add a lot to my TBR this way! You can find a number of bookish podcasts that offer new episodes each week, or you can do a search for a particular author and listen to them being interviewed. Like audiobooks, this is a great way to enjoy a walk or drive.
19. Watch a few booktube videos.
I’ve recently discovered booktube (book-specific content on YouTube) and, like with #18, have found a number of excellent books this way. Plus it’s just so fun to watch people light up when talking about their favorite books!
20. Determine your ‘why.’
You didn’t think I’d skip an opportunity to talk about purpose, did you? 🙂 Ask yourself why you want to read more: To expand your learning? To grow as a professional? To periodically step away from the day’s pressures and escape into a rich, well-crafted story? If it’s because you ‘should,’ you likely won’t be very motivated. If it’s for a personally resonant reason, however, you’ll probably claim the label of ‘booknerd’ yourself pretty soon!
Some of my upcoming newsletters will share my favorite nonfiction books of all time, the best books I’ve read in 2022, and more – click here to subscribe!
What other tips would you add to help people read more? Share your bookish ideas below! And happy reading, friends!