Can’t Make the Time to Read? Try Organizing Your Reading Time Like This

Tight on Time?

Reading is paramount to personal growth and progress.

However, all of us are busy. So, finding time to read in a busy schedule can feel impossible. But with the right approach, you can turn even the tightest schedule into an opportunity to finally reach your reading goals.

Here’s how to create a reading routine that works, even if your days are packed.

Set Micro-Reading Goals: Build Momentum with Small Targets

Setting massive reading goals often leads to frustration, so instead, break them down into small, manageable targets that you can easily achieve each day. This approach keeps you from getting overwhelmed and helps you create a habit of reading consistently, even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time.

Here’s how:

• Pages Per Day: Start by aiming to read 5-10 pages a day. This might seem minor, but over the course of a month, it adds up quickly! If you stick with this small target, you could be finishing a book every few weeks without feeling like you’re overextending yourself.

• Timed Sprints: Another tactic is to set a timer for 10-15 minutes and read as much as you can within that time. These “sprints” are easy to fit into any part of your day and can make reading feel more engaging and purposeful. Plus, the time-based goal can make it easier to focus.

Setting micro-goals takes the pressure off and allows you to build reading into your daily routine effortlessly.

Find Your Reading “Prime Time”: Maximize When You’re Most Focused

Everyone has a time of day when they’re most alert and focused, so use this time to your advantage.

You don’t need to read for hours; just pick a few peak times to maximize the reading you can do with minimal effort. Here are a few ideas:

• Morning Reading: Many people find mornings to be their most productive, so try reading for 5-10 minutes over breakfast or while having your coffee. Reading something motivational or educational during this time can also set a positive tone for your day.

• Lunch Breaks: If you’re typically drained after work, read a little during your lunch break instead. A chapter or two during lunch can add up and help you feel productive while taking a mental break from your daily tasks.

• Evening Wind-Down: If you prefer nighttime reading, try spending a few minutes reading in bed to unwind. Reading a novel or something light before bed helps you relax and detach from screens, making it easier to fall asleep.

Experiment with different times until you find the ones that feel natural. When you’re reading at the time that works best for you, it’s easier to build the habit.

Take Advantage of “Hidden” Time Throughout Your Day

So much of our day is spent waiting: waiting in line, commuting, or waiting for meetings to start.

These moments are ideal for reading if you’re prepared to take advantage of them. Rather than scrolling on social media, try bringing a book along or loading an eBook or audiobook onto your phone.

• Digital Library: Have an eBook or audiobook app on your phone (like Kindle or Audible) so you can jump right back into your book whenever you have a spare moment. This way, you’ll never be without a book, and it’s easy to make progress even on a busy day.

• Short Intervals Add Up: Even if you only read for 5 minutes while waiting in line, these moments add up over time. A few pages here and there can make a noticeable dent in your reading list without taking extra time out of your day.

Hidden moments offer great opportunities to work toward your reading goals with minimal disruption to your routine. Just by reading in small bursts, you can get through more books than you might expect.

Switch Up Your Genres to Stay Engaged

Reading the same genre or type of book all the time can lead to burnout, so keep things interesting by switching up your reading materials. This helps you stay engaged, learn more broadly, and have a variety of books to look forward to.

• Alternate Between Fiction and Nonfiction: Try reading a novel one month and a nonfiction book the next, or alternate between genres weekly. Fiction can be a great escape, while nonfiction often offers insights and practical tips. Switching between the two keeps things fresh.

• Create a Monthly Reading List: Plan out a balanced reading list for the month, including both light reads and heavier, more complex ones. Knowing what’s coming up next keeps you motivated, and having a plan in place helps avoid indecision.

Variety keeps your mind engaged and makes it easier to stick to your reading goals without feeling stuck or uninspired.

Set a Monthly Reading Goal and Reward Yourself

Having a set goal makes it easier to measure your progress and keeps you motivated to keep reading. By rewarding yourself after reaching a goal, you add an extra layer of incentive to complete the books you start.

• Track Your Progress: Use an app like Goodreads or a reading journal to keep track of what you’ve read. Each time you finish a book, you’ll see the progress you’ve made, which can be highly motivating.

• Set Small Rewards: Consider rewarding yourself after each book you complete. The reward can be as simple as treating yourself to a favorite snack, going out for a coffee, or sharing a review online. By creating a positive association with finishing books, you’ll be more inclined to keep up with your reading goals.

Having a clear endpoint and a small reward in mind makes the reading process feel like an accomplishment. This approach helps make reading a sustainable habit rather than something you do sporadically.

The BMM Takeaway

Making time to read doesn’t require hours each day; it’s all about maximizing the time you already have.

To us, reading is critical. General Jim Mattis has famously said,

“If you haven't read hundreds of books, you are functionally illiterate, and you will be incompetent, because your personal experiences alone aren't broad enough to sustain you.”

With small daily targets, optimal timing, and taking advantage of hidden moments, you can make reading a natural part of your routine. Stick to a structured plan and switch up your genres, and you’ll be surprised at how many books you can get through over the course of a few months.