We’ve collected some hacks from top readers to help you hit your reading target.
Finding time to read is not the hardest part of reading. Surprised? Well, you shouldn’t be. Most times we have time but cannot find something valuable to do with it. Valuable includes all the things we want to do but for some reason can’t. In this case, reading.
On top of failing to read, there are other obligations and things that readily call for your attention like work, family, friends, leisure time, and personal care. It can seem overwhelming to fit in quality reading time.
These five hacks will show you how to get your reading done.
Curate your reading tastes and preference
Knowing your favourite genres is not enough when it comes to keeping your interest. Within those genres, there are a lot of books that don’t work for you. This is because there are specific elements about the books you love. These elements should guide you.
Examples:
- Character points of view
- Age of characters
- Qualities of the main character
- Overarching themes you prefer to be the main focus or a blend of certain themes
Once you understand your preferences, a targeted search on sites and apps will give you more books that you will love.
2. Make your social feeds book-centric
Create your personal community for reading inspiration/motivation by following accounts of people with similar tastes.
Your social media accounts like Youtube, TikiTok, and Instagram, are a great way to find book lovers who do book reviews and upcoming book releases. It is a great way to create a reading list, get recommendations, interact with book lovers, find points of interest, and find people who share your point of view.
3. Read buzzy books if you want
Buzzy books are those popular books you will see all over the internet when they come out. They also hit bestsellers lists. The buzz around them creates FOMO, and gives them a fresh vibe that readers may want to get a taste of.
However, they may not be to your taste. Moreover, if you don’t feel thrilled about them, leave them. Read what you want not what other people are reading.
4. Read the first 50 pages in one sitting
Once you choose your next read, take a deep dive. Read until you have 50 pages down. It is easy to get distracted during the first pages. But by the 50th page, you will have the foundation and structure of the book and a connection with the character or story. You will be invested enough to make time in order to complete it.
5. It’s okay to not finish a book
Don’t get sucked into thinking if you don’t finish a book you are failing or not a reader. When you decide not to finish a book, leave it. If you insist on a book that’s lost your interest, you can start to avoid reading until you finish it. You waste time avoiding the book which would have been better picking another.
