How to Read More Every Day (Without Getting Bored or Losing Focus)

If you’re like me, you know how hard it is to sit down and just read. Every time I tried, I’d either get distracted, bored, or feel like I wasn’t retaining anything. Reading felt like something I should do, but I struggled to make it a habit.

The problem? The traditional “sit and read for an hour” method doesn’t work for everyone.

Over the years, I figured out a system that keeps me engaged, sharp, and constantly learning—without forcing myself to read like a college student cramming for an exam. This isn’t about discipline or willpower. It’s about making reading fit your lifestyle, energy, and focus.

If you’ve ever struggled with reading, this method might change everything for you like it did for me.

1. Create a Dynamic Reading Space

Most people think of reading as something you do sitting down, in complete silence, for long periods of time. That never worked for me.

Instead, I turned my bookshelf into a creative hub—a place I look forward to visiting every day. It’s covered in post-it notes, quotes, and reminders.

But here’s the real game-changer: I don’t sit down to read. I stand.

📌 Why?

• Standing keeps my energy up and prevents me from zoning out.

• If I need to, I pace while I read—it keeps my brain engaged.

• If I do sit, it’s intentional, not out of habit.

According to a study from the Journal of Learning and Memory, movement while reading increases retention by up to 20%. So if you’ve ever struggled to focus, try standing or pacing instead of sinking into a couch.

💡 Action Step: Create a dedicated reading space. Make it inviting. Try standing while you read—it’s a small shift that makes a big difference.

2. The 10-Minute Rule (Short, Focused Reading Sessions)

I used to think I needed to read for an hour to “count.” But that’s a lie.

Instead, I committed to just 10 minutes a day. That’s it.

Some days, I go longer—sometimes an hour flies by because I’m locked in. But I never pressure myself. Those 10 minutes are non-negotiable.

📌 Why This Works:

• 10 minutes is easy to commit to—no resistance.

• It removes the guilt of “not reading enough.”

• Short bursts improve retention and focus (University of California study).

I also read on my phone (iBooks) for 10 minutes a day, usually while waiting for something. Those small sessions add up to hours of extra reading per month.

💡 Action Step: Read for 10 minutes today—no pressure to go longer. Just build the habit.

3. Why You Should Read Multiple Books at Once (Embracing the Chaos)

I used to feel guilty for jumping between books. I thought I had to finish one before starting another. That was nonsense.

Now? I juggle 3-5 books at a time.

📌 Why this works:

✅ Keeps reading interesting—no forcing through boring sections.

✅ Prevents burnout—switch to another book when one feels stale.

✅ Enhances learning—pulls insights from different perspectives.

💡 Here’s how I do it:

• One “Main” Book (the one I’m most into at the moment).

• A Light Book (fiction, biography—something fun).

• A Self-Improvement or Philosophy Book (like Jordan Peterson).

• A Reference Book (something I go back to often).

If a book isn’t hitting at that moment? I put it down and pick up something else. No guilt. No pressure.

According to a Journal of Cognitive Science study, reading multiple books improves retention by 40% because your brain actively connects ideas between different sources.

💡 Action Step: Don’t force yourself to finish books you’re not feeling. Read multiple books at once and follow your curiosity.

4. The Compound Effect – Why This Changes Everything

Most people underestimate how small habits compound over time.

📌 If you read just 10 minutes a day:

• That’s 3,650 minutes (60+ hours) of reading per year.

• That’s 6+ full-length books per year without breaking a sweat.

• Over 5 years? 30+ books—without ever feeling like it was work.

Since making this shift, I’ve noticed:

✅ Sharper thinking & problem-solving.

✅ Better articulation in conversations & writing.

✅ More creativity & fresh ideas.

💡 Action Step: Start small. Stick with it. Let the benefits stack over time.

Recap – The Simple Reading System That Works

✅ Create a reading space that energizes you.

✅ Read for just 10 minutes daily—no pressure to go longer.

✅ Stand, walk, or move while reading for better focus.

✅ Juggle multiple books—read what interests you.

✅ Use your phone for quick reading sessions on the go.

✅ Let it compound—small habits lead to massive growth.

Final Thoughts: Make It Work for You

Reading doesn’t have to be a chore. It should be something that fits naturally into your life. Whether you read standing up, in short bursts, or with multiple books at once—the key is consistency.

The goal isn’t to “read more” for the sake of it. It’s to keep learning, thinking, and growing.

💡 What’s one book you’ve been meaning to read? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for recommendations.

Next Up: Part 2 – Embracing the Chaos of Reading Multiple Books at Once

📌 In my next post, I’ll break down:

• How to manage multiple books without feeling overwhelmed.

• How reading different books at once improves learning.

• The best way to track what you read.

🚀 If this post helped you, share it with someone who struggles with reading!