The Easiest Way to Read More? 25 Minutes a Day
Most people say they want to read more, but actually finding time to do so is another story. Between work, school, and daily errands, books often fall to the bottom of the list. That’s where a small, specific goal helps.
Reading for just 25 minutes a day sounds minor, but it adds up quickly. Over the course of a year, it equals more than 150 hours, which is enough to read dozens of books. It’s also short enough to stick, even on busy days. With a few smart adjustments, this tiny daily habit can change how much you read, without forcing a complete life overhaul. Here’s how to start.
Make the Goal Measurable
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“I’ll read more” is usually code for “I’ll probably forget.” A time-based goal, such as reading for 25 minutes every day, provides a clear finish line. It also helps measure progress. You know what success looks like, and checking that box becomes easier once it becomes part of your daily routine.
Use the Motivation of a Streak
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People who floss daily often don’t enjoy flossing. They just don’t want to break the streak. Reading is similar. Once you’ve made progress for ten consecutive days, skipping can feel like throwing it away.
Count Audiobooks Toward Your Total
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Reading with your ears is still reading. Audiobooks turn walks, laundry, and commutes into book time without needing a seat or a lamp. They don’t require silence or stillness, which makes them useful for people with crowded schedules. Plus, they make dense non-fiction feel more digestible, especially when read by a skilled narrator.
Drop Books That Don’t Hold Your Attention
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Finishing every book you start sounds disciplined, but it often kills momentum. If something’s dragging, it’s okay to move on. Pushing through a dull read can make you avoid picking up any book at all. Better to switch than let one title stall the habit entirely.
Keep a Stack or List Ready
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Running out of reading material is an easy way to lose momentum. Avoid this by keeping a pile of unread books ready and a running list of titles to check out next. Having options nearby makes it easier to transition from one book to the next without skipping a day or two.
Replace Scroll Time With Reading
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One person replaced a social media app with an e-reader app in the same spot on their phone. The small tweak made it easier to choose reading during idle moments.
Read During Idle Moments
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A few minutes in a waiting room or grocery line can count toward your daily total. Those in-between moments, such as short waits, car rides, and coffee breaks, can add up. Keeping something to read handy turns those stretches into useful reading time.
Follow Your Reading Inclinations
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Trying to force yourself through a “should-read” often leads to procrastination. Follow your current interests, even if they’re odd or light. Reading out of curiosity makes the habit more enjoyable, which means you’re more likely to return to it tomorrow and the day after.
Use the Library Often
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Borrowing books eliminates the cost barrier and lowers the pressure to finish something you’re not enjoying. Libraries also make it easy to try new genres or formats without making a long-term commitment. The easier it is to obtain books, the easier it becomes to read regularly.
Tie the Habit to the Year
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Framing your goal as “25 in ’25” or something similar turns it into a personal project. That gives the reading habit structure and novelty. You’re not just reading “more”—you’re reading toward a light but purposeful goal that fits neatly within a calendar year.