When I was little I loved to read, but as I got it became a chore. No matter how hard I tried to make it a habit, it just was not working! Does this sound familiar?

Even when I was out of school and able to pick books that I knew I would enjoy, I simply could not find the motivation to sit down and read. I tried to make it a habit by sticking it in my Hobonichi Cousin’s habit tracker, but those squares were left blank anyway.

Recently, I have found the secret to making a reading a habit – and a habit that is incredibly fun and rewarding.

Read Audiobooks (for Free!) with Libby

I broke out of this long-standing phobia of starting a new book when I decided to use my commute to listen to audiobooks. At first I was put off by the idea since Audible is actually quite expensive (especially for broke students), but then I found out about Libby.

Libby is a free service linked that allows you to check out any digital or audio book in your public library’s database. All you need is a library card and some sort of smart device and you can start listening or reading instantly.

Because of Libby, I was able to listen to over 30 books in one Summer, all without actually picking up a physical book and carving out time only for reading. Since you can download the entire book to your phone you can listen anywhere and at any speed (at this point I listen to most of my books at x1.9).

Replace Your Phone with A Kindle

Despite convincing myself that I had no time for reading, I would still go to bed every night a YouTube video or an Instagram scroll. Not only is this a waste of time, but it is damaging to your sleep and eyes!

After a suggestion from YouTuber Ali Abdaal, I decided to buy myself a Kindle Paperwhite. This has to be one of the best purchase I have made this year. Within a week of receiving it, I finished three books – again, all for free though Libby.

Along with the benefits of having a reduced eye strain you can also highlight and take notes to reference later. I like to highlight nice quotes then re-write them in my Hobonichi for future reference.

Track Your Reading in a Habit Tracker

A great way to promote any habit is to use a habit tracker. Seeing a streak of good habits is super satisfying. Check out my video on how to use the Hobonichi’s Habit tracker here!

In addition to the habit tracker, I have a list in the back of my Hobonichi of each book I’ve read that year. I will also write any insightful or interesting quotes and takeaways in my daily journal pages.

Make a Goodreads Account

One extra step that I took recently to increase my reading was to create a Goodreads account. There you can track the books you’ve read, make a to-read list, check out rating for books you might be interested in, and join a club.

To get started, I have created a book club focusing on productivity, habits, wellness, and creativity. The first book we will be reading is Atomic Habits by James Clear – a book that I have found to be extremely helpful in creating systems that create habits which in turn let me reach my goals. Join us to take part in discussions and see important takeaways!

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Were these tips helpful in motivating you to read? Do you have any other tips to add to the list? Please comment, I would love to hear what you have to say!

If you are interested in content like this, follow my blog and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Also, if you use a Hobonichi for Productivity, Creativity, and Wellness (or would like to know how to) join my Facebook group!