How to Make Reading a Habit in 2025
I’ve always loved reading. Growing up, I always had a book in my hand. When the Scholastic Book Fair events came to my school, I was the first in line. I thrived in taking those accelerated reader (AR) quizzes. In elementary school, I devoured the Magic Tree House series and became besties with Junie B. Jones. In middle school, I became enamored with dystopian books like The Hunger Games series like the rest of the world. I even read the Twilight series in one week during one summer.
But then high school and college came and went, and during those times, I stopped reading as much. I read for school, like Animal Farm, The Joy Luck Club, and To Kill A Mockingbird, but outside of those reading assignments, I didn’t read as much.
But then, in 2019, I got back into reading. I had recently graduated from college and started my first full-time job. I picked up a book, Park Avenue Summer by Renee Rosen, and there I was, hooked on reading again. In 2020, I finished reading 30 books. In 2021, I finished reading 50 books. Cut to 2024 — I finished reading 102 books.
So, how did I do it? That’s the question: How do you read so much? How did I continue to read more books with each passing year? I made reading a habit.
So, how can you hit your reading goal this year? How can you make reading a habit? In a world filled with endless distractions, making reading a consistent part of your routine can feel like a challenge. Hopefully, these tips will help you out.
Create the atmosphere.
Create a space in your home that is designated for reading. This is your space! Decorate it however you want. Make it cozy with a comfortable throw blanket, a couple of supportive pillows, a lamp with soft lighting, an end table to place your favorite beverage on (and stack of books!), and anything else you want to add. Maybe this is your couch, your bed, or a comfortable chair on your porch.
Pencil it in your calendar.
Set a time of the day that is designated for reading. You can read at other times of the day too, but this particular time of day is to read, every day, no exceptions. This could be late at night, early morning on your commute, or on a hot girl walk outside. For me, I love reading in the early morning — I wish I was a night reader, but the second my head hits the pillow, my eyes begin to droop. I wake up every morning, an hour before I get ready for work, and sip on my first cup of coffee while I read my book. It’s become my favorite part of the day. I also read during other pockets of the day, but this time is my favorite. Let this time, whenever you set it, be your reading time! Put it in your GCal if you need to.
Incorporate reading into your routine. Don’t try to read 100 pages at night after a long day. Because you’ll burn out and grow tired of reading. Instead, slowly incorporate it into your routine. Read at the same time each day! Pair reading with existing habits, like having coffee or winding down in the evening.
Set a TBR.
TBRs (to be read) in the book community online are often joked to be long and endless (“I have such a long TBR”), because there are so many good books to read! However, having a few books on deck can motivate you to finish your current read. The number of times I’ve said, “I need to finish this book so I can read the next one I have” is the same number as the number of books on my TBR.
Create a reading guide!
Set a specific number of pages or chapters you want to read. You don’t have to follow this reading guide strictly, but following a guide may discipline you to read more. And it’s fun to cross something off a list, right?
Participate in reading challenges on Goodreads and Storygraph! From themed prompts to ambitious reading goals, these challenges provide structure and motivation. Share your progress with friends and on social media.
Utilize audiobooks and e-readers.
Carry a book everywhere. (Like Rory Gilmore, duh.) Always have a book or e-reader with you for idle moments, like waiting in line or during commutes. This is where I convert you into being an audiobook listener! I read 102 books in 2024. A large chunk of those books were audiobooks. I listen at 1.9x speed, sometimes 2x speed. I can listen to audiobooks and get my reading time in while I’m doing chores, commuting, or walking. Talk about a multi-tasking gal on the go!
Try to replace screen time. I love a good TikTok scroll as the next chronically online person, but try to swap scrolling social media or watching TV with reading—even it’s only 20 minutes a day. Instead of reaching for those social media apps like Instagram, train yourself to grab your Kindle or audiobook.
Read what you want to read.
If you want to read only romance books, do that. If you want to read long fantasy books, do that. Don’t force yourself to read a book. What genre makes you happy? What makes you enjoy reading and enjoy turning the next page? What book has left you on the edge of your seat?
Choose books that genuinely interest you. Explore genres or authors you’ve never tried. Don’t be afraid to DNF (did not finish) a book you’re not enjoying.
Join a book club or reading group. Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity. A book club can help you stay motivated and discuss books! Engaging in discussions about your latest read keeps you accountable and inspired. Share reading updates with friends or on social media for accountability.
Give yourself grace.
Don’t put pressure on hitting a number of books to read in a year. Reading challenges on Goodreads and Storygraph are fun, but they’re not end-all, be-all. Just because someone reads 100+ books a year, doesn’t mean you have to! (I mean, you can.) At the end of the day, reading is fun! Let yourself enjoy reading.
Reward yourself!
Celebrate what you read! Finished a book? Finished a chapter? Treat yourself to a new book or other special treat. Remember those accelerated reader (AR) quizzes in school? Remember the Pizza Hut parties? Reward yourself with something like those! Recognizing your progress keeps you motivated to keep going.
Making reading a habit doesn’t require a big change. It’s all about incorporating it into your daily life in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. Hopefully this helps you make reading a habit this year! Emphasizing the second-to-last point of this list: Let yourself enjoy reading. Whether you read 2 books or 200 books, you are a reader. Pat yourself on the back.
Do you have any favorite ways to make reading a habit? Share them in the comments!
