How to Build a Habit of Reading Every Day

How to Build a Habit of Reading Every Day

Did you know that the average CEO reads 50 books a year? Imagine how much knowledge, creativity, and insight you could gain just by reading a little every day! But let’s be real—building a daily reading habit isn’t always easy. Life gets busy, distractions pile up, and sometimes, even the idea of picking up a book feels like too much effort.

I know because I’ve been there. I’d set ambitious reading goals, buy stacks of books, and tell myself, this time, I’ll stick with it. But within a few weeks, I’d fall off track, too distracted by my phone or too tired at the end of the day. Sound familiar?

Here’s the good news: reading daily doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With a few simple shifts, you can make it an effortless, enjoyable part of your routine. In this guide, I’ll share the strategies that finally helped me build a reading habit daily—without forcing myself through boring books or setting unrealistic goals. Let’s dive in!

Why You Struggle to Read Consistently

Let’s be honest—reading every day sounds great in theory, but in reality? Life gets in the way. There’s work, social commitments, endless scrolling on social media, and by the time you finally get a moment to yourself, reading feels like too much effort. I’ve been there. I’d tell myself, I’ll read before bed, only to end up doom-scrolling on my phone until I fell asleep.

Common Obstacles That Get in the Way

1. Distractions Everywhere – Notifications, TV shows, podcasts, and a million other things competing for your attention.
2. Lack of Time – Between work, family, and responsibilities, squeezing in time to read feels impossible.
3. Digital Overload – We’re constantly bombarded with short-form content—TikToks, tweets, and YouTube shorts—so sitting down with a book feels slow in comparison.

But here’s the thing: the idea that some people are just “not readers” is a myth. Anyone can build a reading habit daily—it’s all about starting small and making it easy.

The Mistake I Made (And What I Learned)

For years, I thought the key to becoming a reader was setting massive goals. I’ll read for an hour every day! I’d tell myself. I’d even buy multiple books at once, thinking that if I surrounded myself with them, I’d magically start reading more. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work. Within weeks, I’d lose motivation and feel guilty for not keeping up.

What finally helped? Lowering the bar. Instead of forcing myself to read for an hour, I started with just five minutes a day. No pressure, no expectations—just a simple, doable habit. And that’s when everything changed.

The truth is, reading daily isn’t about willpower—it’s about setting yourself up for success. In the next section, I’ll show you how to pick books that make reading feel like a treat, not a task.

Choosing Books That Keep You Hooked

One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to build a reading habit daily is picking the wrong books. Let’s be real—if you’re forcing yourself through a book that bores you to death, reading will always feel like a chore.

For years, I thought I had to read self-improvement books because they were “productive.” So, I’d grab the latest bestseller, thinking it would magically transform my life. But guess what? If a book doesn’t grab you, you won’t read it. And that was exactly my problem—I wasn’t reading what I actually enjoyed.

Pick Books That Match Your Interests

The easiest way to make reading a habit is to choose books you genuinely want to read. Not books you think you should read. If you love mysteries, grab a thriller. If you’re into history, find a fascinating biography. There’s no “right” type of book—only the ones that keep you turning pages.

A simple trick? Think about what excites you outside of reading. Love travel? Try adventure memoirs. Obsessed with self-growth? Look for books that mix storytelling with life lessons.

Experiment with Different Formats

Not a fan of holding a physical book? No problem. Reading doesn’t have to mean sitting down with a paperback. There are so many ways to consume books now:

• Audiobooks – Perfect for busy schedules. Listen while commuting, working out, or doing chores.
• E-books – Great for convenience. You can read anytime, anywhere on your phone or Kindle.
• Graphic Novels & Short Stories – If long books overwhelm you, try something shorter and visually engaging.

I used to struggle with reading regularly until I realized I loved audiobooks. Suddenly, “reading” didn’t mean carving out extra time—it became something I could do while cooking or going for a walk.

How Fiction Helped Me Fall in Love with Reading Again

For the longest time, I convinced myself that reading fiction was a waste of time. I thought, If I’m going to read, it better be educational. But honestly? That mindset killed my motivation.

One day, I randomly picked up a thriller novel—and I couldn’t put it down. It reminded me that reading should be fun. And funny enough, after finishing that book, I naturally wanted to explore non-fiction again. Fiction rekindled my love for storytelling, which made me excited to read anything.

So, if you’re struggling to build a reading habit daily, ask yourself: Am I reading what I actually enjoy? If not, it’s time to switch things up. In the next section, I’ll show you how to set reading goals that are actually doable—without the pressure.

Setting a Realistic Reading Goal

One of the biggest reasons people fail to build a reading habit daily is because they start way too big. I know this because I made the exact same mistake.

I used to tell myself, I’m going to read for an hour every day! And for the first few days, I’d force myself through it, feeling proud. But then life happened. One busy day turned into two, and soon, I wasn’t reading at all. I had set a goal that was too ambitious—one that didn’t fit into my real life.

Start Small: Just 5-10 Minutes a Day

Here’s the thing: you don’t need to read for an hour to make it a habit. Even 5-10 minutes a day is enough to start. In fact, short reading sessions are often more effective because they feel effortless.

Think about it—what’s easier?

1. Forcing yourself to read for an hour when you’re tired?
2. Reading just one page or five minutes and stopping while you’re still interested?

The second option keeps you coming back. And once you build momentum, those five minutes can naturally stretch into longer sessions without feeling overwhelming.

Tie Reading to an Existing Habit

One of the easiest ways to make reading automatic is to attach it to something you already do. This is called “habit stacking,” and it works like magic.

Try these simple ideas:

• Read before bed – Instead of scrolling your phone, keep a book on your nightstand.
• Read with your morning coffee – A few pages with your coffee? Perfect combo.
• Listen to audiobooks during a commute – Turn wasted time into learning time.
• Read while eating lunch – A few pages while you eat = easy win.

By connecting reading to an existing habit, it becomes second nature—just like brushing your teeth.

What I Learned from Failing at Big Goals

When I first tried to build a reading habit daily, I made a classic mistake: I set an all-or-nothing goal. I believed that if I wasn’t reading for long periods, it didn’t count. But that mindset backfired—I burned out fast and quit altogether.

The game-changer? Lowering my expectations. I told myself, Just read one page. That’s it. And because the goal felt ridiculously easy, I actually did it. Some days, I read way more. Other days, I only managed a page—but that was still a win.

So if you’ve been struggling to make reading stick, try this: Commit to just five minutes. No pressure, no guilt—just a tiny step every day.

Creating a Distraction-Free Reading Environment

Let’s be real—our attention spans are shot. Between social media, endless notifications, and the temptation to check just one more thing, sitting down to read can feel impossible. I used to start reading, only to reach for my phone five minutes later. Before I knew it, I was deep in a TikTok spiral instead of my book. Sound familiar?

If you want to build a reading habit daily, you need to set yourself up for success. That means eliminating distractions and making reading feel effortless. Here’s how I finally made it work.

Step 1: Silence the Noise

The biggest reading killer? Your phone. You might think you’ll just check a quick message, but before you know it, 30 minutes are gone.

Try this:
✅ Turn off notifications – Put your phone on Do Not Disturb.
✅ Use Airplane Mode – If you don’t need Wi-Fi, cut it off.
✅ Leave your phone in another room – Out of sight, out of mind.

At first, it felt weird not having my phone nearby. But after a few days, I noticed something crazy—without distractions, I actually got lost in my books again.

Step 2: Try the Pomodoro Technique

If focusing for long periods is tough, the Pomodoro technique can help:

1. Set a timer for 25 minutes – Read with zero distractions.
2. Take a 5-minute break – Stretch, grab water, check your phone if needed.
3. Repeat – Over time, you’ll train your brain to focus longer.

This trick helped me break free from the habit of checking my phone every two seconds. And once I got into a book, I didn’t even want to stop.

Step 3: Create a Dedicated Reading Spot

I used to read anywhere—on the couch, in bed, sometimes even at my desk. But I noticed that I’d often get distracted or feel restless. That’s when I decided to create a “reading corner”—a small space with good lighting, a cozy chair, and no tech distractions.

Something crazy happened: once I had a designated reading spot, my brain associated that space with books. The moment I sat down, I felt ready to read. It became my little escape from the chaos of daily life.

What I Learned from Setting Up My Reading Space

Before, I struggled to focus because I was reading in the same places where I worked, ate, or watched TV. But when I carved out a dedicated reading zone, it became easier to slip into the habit.

So if you keep getting distracted, try this: Pick one spot, make it cozy, and let that be your “reading zone.” It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a quiet place where you can unwind with a book.

Making Reading Fun and Rewarding

Let’s be honest—if something feels like a chore, you won’t stick with it. And that’s exactly why so many people struggle to build a reading habit daily—they approach it like homework instead of something enjoyable.

I made this mistake, too. I’d force myself to read “important” books, take notes like I was studying for a test, and put pressure on myself to finish books fast. No surprise—I burned out. But once I started making reading fun and rewarding, everything changed. Here’s how you can do the same.

Join a Book Club or Reading Challenge

Reading alone is great, but sharing the experience? Even better.

• Book clubs make reading social—you get to discuss books, hear different perspectives, and stay motivated.
• Reading challenges (like “12 books in 12 months”) add a fun goal to work toward.

When I joined my first book club, I was shocked at how much more I read. Having people to talk about books with made the experience way more engaging. And let’s be real—sometimes, a little peer pressure helps.

Track Your Progress (It’s Weirdly Motivating)

There’s something satisfying about checking off progress—whether it’s a fitness goal or finishing a book.
Try:
Apps like Goodreads – Track books, set yearly reading goals, and get recommendations.
A simple notebook – Jot down books you’ve read and your thoughts.
A habit tracker – Mark off every day you read (streaks are motivating!).

I started tracking my reading just for fun, but I quickly realized it made me want to read more. Seeing my progress grow felt like leveling up in a game.

Reward Yourself (Yes, Bribing Works)

Let’s talk about my favorite trick: pairing reading with something enjoyable.

I used to struggle with motivation, so I made a rule: I only get my fancy coffee if I read first. No book? No latte. Sounds silly, but it worked!

Other reward ideas:
Treat yourself to coffee/tea only while reading.
Enjoy a small snack as a “reading treat.”
Listen to relaxing music or light a candle while reading.
Watch a movie adaptation after finishing a book.

It’s all about associating reading with pleasure instead of pressure. Once I linked books with something I loved (coffee!), reading became an actual habit—not just something I forced myself to do.

What I Learned About Making Reading Fun

For years, I thought reading had to be serious. But when I turned it into something social, rewarding, and low-pressure, it finally became a daily habit.

So, if you’ve been struggling, ask yourself: How can I make this more fun? Maybe it’s a book club, a tracking system, or simply treating yourself to a cup of tea while reading. Whatever it is, find what makes reading enjoyable for you.

Overcoming Slumps and Staying Motivated

Even if you’ve managed to build a reading habit daily, there will be times when you hit a slump. Maybe you’re too busy, too tired, or just not feeling it. And that’s okay—it happens to everyone.

I used to panic when I lost interest in reading. I’d force myself through books I wasn’t enjoying, which only made things worse. Eventually, I figured out that slumps are normal—and there are simple ways to break out of them.

Step 1: Give Yourself Permission to Take a Break

First things first: reading is supposed to be enjoyable. If you’re dreading it, something’s off. Instead of forcing yourself to push through, take a step back and ask:

• Am I reading the right book for my mood?
• Am I pressuring myself to read too much?
• Do I need a short break?

Sometimes, skipping a day or two helps reset your enthusiasm. Just make sure it’s intentional, not a full-on habit breakdown.

Step 2: Change How You Think About Reading

One mindset shift changed everything for me:
🚫 “I have to read.” → ✅ “I GET to read.”

Sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference. Reading isn’t a chore—it’s a privilege. We get to explore new worlds, learn from brilliant minds, and escape reality whenever we want.

When I started treating reading as a reward instead of a task, I naturally wanted to do it more.

Step 3: Reignite Your Love for Books

Whenever I hit a reading slump, I use my secret weapon: re-reading childhood favorites.

Seriously—there’s something magical about revisiting the books that made you fall in love with reading in the first place. For me, it’s Harry Potter or The Hobbit. Within minutes, I remember why I love books, and just like that, I’m back in the habit.

If childhood favorites aren’t your thing, try:
A fast-paced thriller or mystery (page-turners keep you hooked).
A lighthearted comedy or feel-good book (nothing too heavy).
An audiobook (sometimes, listening is easier than reading).

Step 4: Make It Effortless to Get Back on Track

If you stop reading for a while, don’t stress—just start small again.

• Read for 5 minutes instead of trying to dive back into long sessions.
• Switch to an easy, fun book instead of something dense.
• Change formats—maybe an audiobook or graphic novel feels easier.

The key is to make it as easy as possible to start again.

What I Learned from My Own Reading Slumps

I used to think falling out of my reading habit meant I had failed. Now, I know it’s just part of the process. The trick isn’t avoiding slumps altogether—it’s knowing how to bounce back.

So if you ever hit a rough patch, don’t stress. Change your mindset, pick up a book that excites you, and remind yourself why you started in the first place.

And that’s it—you now have all the tools to build a reading habit daily and actually stick with it!

Final Thoughts

Reading every day doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By making it enjoyable, removing distractions, and starting small, you can turn it into a habit that sticks.

Now, I’d love to hear from you!
What’s your biggest struggle with reading daily?
Do you have any book recommendations that helped you stay consistent?

Drop a comment below—I’d love to chat!

Conclusion – Make Reading a Daily Habit That Sticks

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that building a reading habit daily isn’t about how many books you finish—it’s about showing up consistently. Five minutes today, ten minutes tomorrow… it all adds up. The key is to make reading something you want to do, not something you have to do.

And the best part? Anyone can do this. You don’t need to be a “book person” or have hours of free time. All it takes is choosing the right books, setting realistic goals, and making reading fun instead of a chore.

So, here’s my challenge for you: What’s the one book you’ve always wanted to read? 📖 Start today. Open it up, read just one page, and see where it takes you. Who knows? It might just change your life.

FAQ – Your Reading Habit

1. How long does it take to build a reading habit?

It varies, but research suggests habits form in 21 to 66 days. The key is starting small and staying consistent—even just a few minutes a day can make a difference.

2. What’s the best time of day to read?

Morning and bedtime are popular choices, but the best time is whenever you can be consistent. Whether it’s during lunch, on your commute, or right before bed, find a time that fits your routine.

3. What if I don’t enjoy reading?

Try audiobooks, graphic novels, or short stories. The goal is to enjoy the process, not force yourself through something boring.

4. How can I avoid distractions while reading?

Put your phone on silent, find a quiet spot, and set a reading timer. A physical book can also help reduce screen distractions.

5. Can I build a reading habit daily even with a busy schedule?

Absolutely! You don’t need hours—just 5-10 minutes a day adds up. Squeeze in reading during downtime, like waiting in line, commuting, or before bed. The key is consistency, not quantity.