One of the greatest things you can do for your mind and mental health is to make time for books, even on your busiest days. At MindVille, we believe readers become better thinkers, creators, and doers. But let’s be real, life gets busy. From school to work, family, and side projects, the big question creeps in: “Who has time to read?”
We all know how powerful reading is. Yet, we often struggle to make it a part of our daily lives.
The good news is that, you don’t need hours each day to read. What you need is a reading habit. It is the habit that will make you become a reader. So how can someone who is busy develop consistent reading habit that makes one become a book reader.
Here are some practical tips to help you start reading more, even with a packed schedule:
1. Build a small reading habit
MindVille Recommendation: If you want to develop a strong reading habit, start with Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book explains the science of habit formation and how small changes can lead to big results. ORDER THIS BOOK
2. Start Small: 10 Minutes is Enough
Reading isn’t a race. You don’t need to finish a chapter in one sitting. Start with just 10 minutes a day—during lunch, before bed, or while waiting for something.
You can start with this small book “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson
A quick, motivational read you can finish in under 2 hours. This is so that you can finish it in a short time, while maintaining the 10 minutes daily read. Remember that it is to form a reading habit, by finishing the book you will be encourage to pick the next one: ORDER THIS BOOK
3. Keep a Book Close—Always
Make reading accessible. Keep a book in your bag, on your phone, or even in your browser. Try these:
- A small paperback
- A reading app like Kindle
- Audiobooks during your commute
- These small moments can turn into chapters over time.
4. Replace One Habit with Reading
Take a look at your daily routine. Is there a habit you can swap out for reading?
- Do you scroll Instagram before bed? Try reading 5 pages instead.
- Waiting in a queue or sitting in traffic? Listen to an audiobook or read a blog post.
This switch adds up fast if done well, just take your time and don’t push it too much.
5. Use Time-Based Goals, Not Page Goals
Instead of saying “I’ll read 30 pages,” say “I’ll read for 15 minutes.”
It’s less pressure and works better with a busy schedule. you will learn this habit and how to implement it in:
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear – A self-help book that teaches how to build long-lasting habits (including reading). ORDER THIS BOOK
6. Pick Books That Match Your Energy
Experience has shown that choosing your books based on your current energy level helps you read more and build interest in the book you are reading. So it’s good you monitor yourself and decide on a specific read based on your energy such as:
- When you are Tired, read light fiction or short stories.
- When you are energised, dive into deep learning or technical books.
- When you are on the move, you can use audiobooks or summaries.
Based on the energy you have, you can decide and make reading fun and productive:
for example For Low-Energy Read:
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho – Poetic, inspiring, and calming.
Another example for High-Focused read, that is when you are energised:
“Deep Work” by Cal Newport, this is ideal for productivity and focus.
7. Join a Reading Challenge or Book Club
At MindVille, we’ve created a reading community to encourage and support each other. You can join the MindVillers Community here or start a mini challenge with your friends, at school, or at work. Reading becomes easier (and more fun) when you’re doing it with others.
8. Track Your Progress (and Make It Fun)
Even if you’re busy, you can stay motivated by tracking what you’ve read. Use simple tools like:
- Goodreads app
- A small notebook
- Sticky notes on your wall or desk
Watching your list grow feels amazing and builds momentum.
Final Thoughts:
You’re Not Too Busy to Read
Even just 10 minutes a day adds up. That’s over 60 hours a year—enough time to read 10–20 books.
Imagine how much you could grow, learn, and be inspired.
At MindVille, we’re committed to helping you grow—one page at a time.
What are you currently reading?
Drop it in the comments if you need book recommendations.
Ask us!
Our community is always ready to share.
