I recently did a Twitter poll asking what is your biggest challenge when trying to read more books and here are the results…

What is your biggest challenege when trying to read more #books?

— Chaucee (@chaucees) January 16, 2018

I can totally relate! Just because I love to read doesn’t mean it always comes naturally. Sometimes I still struggle to sit down and stay seated while reading a book. But don’t get discouraged – this is a habit that can be nurtured, developed, and strengthened with practice.

Baby Steps

As with any habit or skill you are trying to strengthen, you won’t get better at something if you don’t practice. Start out with one paragraph. Then one page, then 5 pages, 20 pages, etc etc. Soon enough you’ll be finishing chapters without a sweat. Sitting still and focusing on one thing is so contrary to our culture today which makes it incredibly valuable.

Change When You Read

I like to read in the early morning when the sky is just turning blue. I usually read from 6:30am until 8am because I find that I focus better while reading in the mornings while the world is still asleep and quiet than reading right before bed. I make sure not to check my email before 8am as this is the only time of day when I get uninterrupted “me” time and as an introvert, that is a necessity.

Love It Or Leave It

If you’ve read this blog before or follow me on Instagram, then you know that leaving a book I’m not enjoying is one of my most effective strategies to read more. Don’t force yourself to get through a book you aren’t enjoying. Reading shouldn’t be dreaded or feel like a punishment, and it’s no fun to struggle through a book you aren’t enjoying. There’s no shame in not finishing every book, just move on to the ones you love!