The cover image for this post is by Jan Mellström
This blog post was written by Jamie.
As a self-proclaimed bookworm, I’m often asked how I manage to read so many books in a year. With the exception of 2024, I’ve consistently devoured between 50-56 books per year for the past five years. In this post, I’ll share my top tips on how to increase your reading habits while making the most of each book.
Don’t Farsnworth Your Way Through Reading
The concept of “Farsnworthing” comes from the Futurama character Professor Farsnworth, who quips “well, I am already in my pyjamas” when asked to leave on an adventure. In essence, he’s saying that once you’ve committed to reading a book, you’re already halfway through it. This mindset can lead to burnout and frustration.
Instead of forcing yourself to read through a book because you feel obligated, take a step back and assess whether the book is truly interesting or valuable. Ask yourself:
- Are you losing interest in the middle of the book?
- Do I already possess the knowledge presented in this book?
If your answer is yes, it’s okay to move on. There are plenty of other books out there waiting to be discovered.
Technical Book Hacks
When reading technical books, here are a few hacks that can help you make the most of your time:
- Wiz through chapters: Focus on scanning headings and questions at the end of each chapter.
- Read highlighted sections: Pay attention to any parts of the book that have been highlighted or italicized by the author or typesetter.
- Answer questions: Read through the questions at the end of each chapter and try to answer them as you go. This will help you stay engaged and retain more information.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to extract key takeaways from technical books without getting bogged down in unnecessary details.
The reason this can help is because a lot of authors (especially those who write technical books) can be more concerned with page and word counts than providing as much value as possible; some authors will go over the same point multiple times, just so that they can hit the word count that their publishers want them to reach. At the same time, both authors and typesetters leave us readers lots of clues as to the important parts of the prose by using eye-catching formatting. Let your eyes focus on that formatting, and (for the first pass, at least) skip over a lot of the surrounding information.
Audiobooks: A Game-Changer for Busy Readers
One strategy I use is the use of audiobook versions. Services like Blinkist offer condensed versions of popular books that are 65% shorter than the standard edition. This can be a huge time-saver, especially for busy readers who struggle to find the time to sit down with a physical book.
For example, Blinkist’s 15-minute version of “The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People” is a great way to get the main points across without having to commit to a multiple hour-long listen. By using audiobooks, you can fit more reading into your schedule and still retain all the valuable information from the book.
Productivity Hacks for Busy Readers
If you’re struggling to find time to read, here are a few productivity hacks that might help:
- Prioritize your reading: Make reading a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to focus on reading.
- Use downtime wisely: Take advantage of downtime like commutes (rather than doom-scrolling through social media, I read a book when on a train ride to the office), breaks at work, or waiting in line to squeeze in some reading.
- Get comfortable: Create a cozy reading nook that invites you to relax and get lost in your books.
The Importance of Self-Care
I recently realized the importance of self-care when it comes to reading. In 2023, I got through an impressive 54 books but felt miserable doing so. The guilt and stress of forcing myself to read were taking a toll on my mental health.
For 2024, one of my goals was to read fewer than 10 books and prioritize my well-being instead. By setting realistic goals and allowing myself time to relax and recharge, I found a healthier balance between reading and other aspects of my life. I didn’t reach the goal of just 10 books in 2024, but I got pretty close: completing just 17 books.
Conclusion
Reading can be a powerful tool for personal growth, but it’s essential to approach it in a way that works for you. Don’t Farsnworth yourself into reading and risk feeling burnt out. Experiment with different formats like audiobooks, and prioritize your well-being by setting realistic goals and making time for self-care.
By following these tips and being mindful of your own limitations, you can increase your reading habits without sacrificing your mental health. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to reading – it’s about finding a rhythm that works for you and enjoying the journey.
Happy reading!