Almost every avid reader has a bookshelf of good intentions. You buy the novel, borrow the nonfiction title, add another book to the list, and then the year disappears into work, family and screens. If you want to read more books but feel there is no time, you are not alone. The solution is rarely a huge block of free hours. It is a combination of small, well-placed habits, a few smart choices about what you read and a more forgiving attitude to the process.

This guide gives you practical ways to fit reading into a busy year, without turning it into another chore.

Start with why you want to read

Before tactics, spend a minute on motivation. Do you want to relax, learn, escape, keep up with ideas, or simply spend less time scrolling? Your answer shapes your choices. A reader seeking relaxation might choose light fiction, while one chasing professional growth may pick nonfiction in short chunks.

Write the reason on a sticky note and put it on your book. It helps on days when the sofa and a screen look more tempting.

Step 1: Set a goal you can actually keep

Goals like “read 100 books this year” work for some people and defeat others. Think about your life honestly.

Number of books: a modest target, such as one book a month, is still meaningful.
Time-based: 10 to 20 minutes a day is often more sustainable than a book count.
Pages: 10 pages a day adds up across a year.

Pick one measure and keep it simple. If you fall behind, adjust it without guilt. The aim is a sustainable habit, not a perfect record.

Step 2: Find your pockets of time

Most of us are busy but not minute-by-minute booked. Look for gaps you already have:

Commuting on a train, bus or while waiting for transport (if you are not the one driving).
Lunch breaks, even 10 minutes.
Waiting rooms, lines and school pick-ups.
The time between getting into bed and falling asleep.
Early mornings before the house wakes up.
The time you spend scrolling on your phone.

Choose one or two pockets and make them “reading pockets.” Consistency matters more than length. If you pair reading with an existing routine, such as reading after dinner or with morning coffee, it becomes easier to remember.

Step 3: Make books easy to reach

Convenience beats willpower. Reduce the friction between you and a book.

Keep a book in your bag, on your nightstand, by your favorite chair and in the kitchen.
Install an e-reader app on your phone so you always have something to read.
Put your phone on a charger away from the bed and keep a book in its place.
Make the book visible. A book on the coffee table gets read more than one on a high shelf.
Take a book to appointments instead of defaulting to the phone.

Step 4: Choose books you actually want to read

Many people stall because they are reading what they “should” read. Pick something that pulls you in.

Allow yourself to quit. If a book isn’t working after a reasonable chunk, abandon it. Life is too short for books you dread.
Mix lengths. A short novel, essay collection or novella can give a satisfying sense of completion.
Vary genres to avoid burnout. Alternate heavy and light reads.
Try rereading a favorite when your concentration is low.
Read one book at a time or two, such as a main book plus a lighter one for bedtime, whichever suits you.

Step 5: Use formats that fit your life

There is no single right way to read. Different formats suit different moments.

Format	Best for	Things to consider
Print	Quiet evenings, weekends, giving your eyes a break from screens	Heavier to carry, needs light
E-reader	Commuting, travel, reading in the dark	Upfront cost, battery
Audiobooks	Chores, walking, driving, exercise	Easy to zone out, subscription costs vary
Library loans	Trying books without buying	Waiting lists, due dates

Many readers combine formats, listening while doing the dishes and reading print at night. Whether audiobooks “count” as reading is a debate not worth having if you are enjoying the story or learning the material. Libraries, including their digital lending services, can lower costs substantially.

Step 6: Build a simple reading ritual

Rituals signal to your brain that it is time to read. Keep yours small.

Make a cup of tea, put your phone in another room and read for 15 minutes.
Read in the same chair or corner.
Use a timer for 10 minutes, then decide whether to continue.
Pair reading with something pleasant, like soft light or a favorite blanket.

If you struggle to focus, start with 5 minutes. The goal is to make starting easy. Often you will keep going once you begin.

Step 7: Reduce competition from screens

Phones are strong competitors. A few adjustments help.

Turn off non-essential notifications.
Move social media apps off your home screen, or log out after use.
Set a screen time limit or a “no phone” window before bed.
Replace the first thing you do on your phone with a few pages of a book.

You do not have to quit technology. You are simply making reading the easier option at certain times.

Step 8: Track progress, lightly

Tracking can motivate, but it can also become stressful. Use whatever feels fun.

A notebook with titles and dates.
A reading app or a simple spreadsheet.
A few lines of notes about what you liked or learned.
A visible bookmark that shows how far you’ve come.

Avoid turning tracking into pressure. If a streak breaks, pick the book up the next day.

Step 9: Be flexible with life’s seasons

Some months you will read a lot; in others, with a new baby, a busy project or a family crisis, you will read very little. That is normal. During busy seasons:

Lower your goal to a few pages a day.
Choose shorter or lighter books.
Switch to audiobooks if your hands and eyes are busy.
Return to your regular rhythm when life settles.

Mistakes that slow readers down

Setting unrealistic targets and giving up after missing them.
Forcing yourself through a boring book.
Buying more than you can read, then feeling guilty. A pile is not a pressure.
Reading only on perfect days. Small amounts count.
Comparing yourself to others. Your pace is yours.

A simple 30-day plan

Week 1: Choose a book you are excited about. Read 10 minutes a day at one fixed time.

Week 2: Add a second pocket of time, like a lunch break or commute. Keep your phone away during your main session.

Week 3: Try a different format, such as an audiobook during a walk or chore.

Week 4: Review. What worked? Adjust your times, book choices and goals. Pick the next book before you finish the current one.

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FAQs

How many minutes a day do I need to read?

Even 10 to 20 minutes a day can add up to several books over a year, depending on your pace and the length of the books.

Do audiobooks count as reading?

If you are engaging with the story or ideas, many readers say yes. Different formats activate attention differently, so choose what suits the book and the moment.

How do I focus on a book when my mind wanders?

Start with short sessions, remove distractions, choose engaging books and read in a consistent place. If your attention is poor for a long period and bothers you, consider discussing it with a healthcare professional.

Should I finish every book I start?

No. Dropping books that do not fit is part of reading well.

Conclusion

To read more books in a busy year, you do not need an empty calendar. Pick a modest goal, find your pockets of time, keep books within reach, choose titles you love and use formats that suit your day. Start tonight with ten minutes and see how the habit grows.

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How to Read More Books in a Busy Year