2025/01/24: 4-Step Back-to-Reading Plan

Did you glance uneasily at your colleagues' end-of-year posts listing the books they read in 2024? If yes, then read this.

When I ask my students what they have read in the past year, I often get anxious smiles or silences in response. It is not that most people don't read; we do. However, most of our daily reading comprises of news headlines, social media posts, and text messages. Picking up a 500-page book when your brain is used to 200-word snippets of text is a challenge.

And yet, reading has many proven benefits, from entertainment and relaxation to improved thinking, expanded knowledge, better communication, and even a longer life. More importantly, starting on the path to daily reading is easier than expected. Just follow the plan below.

4-Step Back-to-Reading Plan

1. Pick 10 well-written books, mixing fiction and non-fiction.

  • Search the web for suitable book suggestions. One of my favorite tricks for finding great books is to search for 'life-changing books' on Google. This query tends to return well-written titles with valuable content.
  • Check reviews on Goodreads or Amazon before adding a book to your list. Choose popular titles described as "well-written," "must-reads," or "inspiring easy reads." Niche literature's time will come later.
  • Select books under 250 pages. Save "Ulysses" and "War and Peace" for later.

2. Organise the books in the order you would like to read them.

  • Select the starting date for your new routine.
  • Plan to read one book per week, consistently starting and finishing on the same day (e.g., beginning on Monday and completing it by Sunday at the latest).
  • Take your upcoming workload into account. Assign shorter books to weeks with lighter tasks, while reserving longer books for weeks with a heavier workload.

3. Integrate reading into your daily routine.

  • Pick the first book you wish to read and divide the total number of pages by the days of the week. For example, if the book has 230 pages, dividing 230 by 7 gives you about 33 pages per day. This will be the minimum number of pages you need to read each day.
  • Begin by reading for 10 - 15 minutes at a time, then gradually extend your reading time.
  • If you're struggling with focus, try "reading sprints." Set a timer for 10 - 15 minutes and challenge yourself to read as much as you can in that time.
  • Keep a book with you at all times. Read physical books, e-books, or both, as convenient.
  • Consider replacing some of your social media time with reading.
  • When reading, minimise distractions, e.g., silence your phone and keep it out of reach.
  • Stay focused. Bring your attention back to the task whenever it drifts. Over time, you'll find that your concentration improves.
  • When reading non-fiction, take notes and highlight interesting passages.

4. Work through your list by reading one book per week. After 10 weeks, reflect on how regular reading changed your thinking, communication, and more!