How to Read More Effectively: 10 Tips
It’s okay if you don’t read 100 books a year. No crazy Goodreads goal required to call yourself a reader. You can become a more effective reader by finding what works for your lifestyle and implementing small changes that keep you engaged.
I grew up with a love for reading, but in grad school and when working full-time, reading seemed more of a burden than a joy. In the last two years, I’ve fallen back in love with reading, even with a full work schedule and social calendar.
Here are some tips that have helped me read more effectively as an adult.
#1: Join a Book Club.
If available, a good book club brings a social aspect to reading. Bonding over a shared activity can make reading more fun while keeping you accountable to read. Also, one of the benefits of reading is to explore new perspectives. When you’re part of a book club, you’re opened to the perspectives in the book as well as the perspectives of the book club members.
#2: Read Before Bed.
Reading before going to sleep can help reduce stress. Switch scrolling on your phone for reading a good book. In turn, you’ll decrease restlessness and become a more effective reader.
#3: Vary Genres.
Don’t be guilted into believing that every book you read needs to impart knowledge that directly betters your knowledge. Mix up fiction with non-fiction, and even in those categories, diversify. Benefits of reading include enhanced creativity and memory improvement. To be a more effective reader, don’t fall into the trap of believing every book you read has to impart informational knowledge.
#4: Download the Libby App.
You don’t have to visit your local library to access a free book. The Libby App brings your local library to your phone, car, or Kindle. With a library card and the Libby app, you’ll be on your way to maximize reading potential at no cost.
#5: Listen to Books While You Do Mundane Tasks.
Most days after work, I pop in my earbuds, listen to a book, and go for a walk to relax. Doing this helps you get the benefits of exercise and reading in one. You can also listen to a book while cleaning, again, helping you feel doubly effective and hopefully a good book will make cleaning feel less like a chore.
#6: Don’t be Guilted into Finishing a Book.
It’s okay to put a book down for good. If you find yourself stuck, don’t risk your ongoing reading habits just because one book made you stagnant. Give the book a fair shot, but it’s okay to put it down, especially if it’s a pleasure read. For your next read, pick something you’re certain will keep you engaged.
#7: Switch Between Audio and Visual Versions of the Same Book.
Want to accelerate your reading? Do this. If you’re able to download the audio and visual versions of the same book, listen to the book when you’re exercising, driving, cleaning, etc. and read the book when you want to focus on the pleasure of reading or as part of your bedtime routine.
#8: Talk to Friends About Books.
Friends who enjoy reading can trade book recommendations and print copies of books. This saves you time and money. And, like a book club, talking to friends about books introduces new perspectives and a social element to reading that can energize your reading habits.
#9: Don’t Compare Numbers.
Tools like Goodreads and book clubs are great, but they can also be opportunities to let comparison among high achievers seep in. If you’re able to read two books a month, that’s great! Don’t feel like you can’t call yourself a reader because someone else reads five books a month. Copying won’t cut it. Focus on becoming a more effective reader yourself, not someone else’s goal.
#10: Keep a List of Your Annual Books Read.
Looking back on an accomplishment is an often missed step in the busyness of life. Write down the name of each book you read after you finish it. At the end of the year or throughout the year, read through the list and remind yourself of the stories you experienced and information you learned. This will help keep you energized to read and re-visit key learnings.
Download a Reading List Bookmark
Want to start keeping track of the books you’ve read? Download these free bookmarks, cut them out, write down the names of books read and assign ratings to them.
Become an effective reader!