What are 10 practical ways to read more to become successful?

As an experimenter, I’ve explored various methods to build sustainable daily reading habits. These habits aim to be practical and consistent, fitting seamlessly into everyday life.

The key is experimentation. Commit to a habit for 30 days and evaluate if it brings joy or value to your life. Remember, life is too short to stick to routines that feel dull or unproductive—so why not experiment and find what works best for you?

Let’s get started:

10 — Time

One of the most common excuses for not reading is a lack of time. However, it’s about priorities. If you can make time for socializing or binge-watching, you can find time to read.

Devote a specific slot in your schedule to reading. Many successful people, like Elon Musk, commit hours each week to build their knowledge.

Trick: Reduce unnecessary screen time, like scrolling on your phone. Aim to limit leisure screen use to 90 minutes daily—it’s a small adjustment with big benefits!

9 — Always Have Your Next Book Ready

Having a system to track your reading ensures consistency. I use tools like the Notion app to manage my book list effectively.

Here’s how I organize my list:

Need to Buy: Books I’m planning to purchase.

Reading: Current reads.

Done: Completed books.

Available: Books I own and haven’t started yet.

I also maintain a Recommendations column to track books suggested by successful individuals. Staying prepared helps maintain your momentum!

Notion is a free app designed for individuals, and I highly recommend it to boost your productivity—it’s a game-changer!

When it comes to reading, I follow a simple philosophy: don’t force yourself to stick with a boring book.

I usually start with three different books at a time, focusing on nonfiction. However, if a book doesn’t capture my interest within 10–20 minutes, I set it aside. Many nonfiction books are written in a dry, humorless tone, making them hard to get through.

When that happens, I shift to a book that’s more engaging and easier to digest. For instance, I recently picked up Indra Nooyi’s memoir, written by the former CEO of PepsiCo.

Her writing style is so engaging and insightful that I couldn’t put it down—I finished it over the weekend! The book is packed with fascinating case studies and valuable lessons from her incredible journey.

If you’re into nonfiction, I highly recommend exploring her book—it’s a refreshing change from the usual dry narratives.

8 — Take Notes

Taking notes while reading is a habit I strongly recommend.

I enjoy both digital and physical books, but when I have the choice—whether at home or traveling—I usually prefer a physical book. There’s something magical about the smell of fresh pages that adds to the experience.

When I read, I actively engage with the content by jotting down notes in the margins and highlighting key points. For really impactful books, I often end up with 30+ notes, reflecting my thoughts and how the ideas connect to my life experiences.

These notes aren’t just for reference—they’re tools for action. I try to practice the concepts or lessons from the book for at least 30 days to see their real-world impact before sharing my insights with others.

7 — Set a Reading Goal

Setting a reading goal can help you stay consistent and motivated.

In 2024, I set a goal to read 52 books—about one book per week. Surprisingly, I ended up reading far more than that. It’s all about building habits.

Personally, I’m not a big fan of TV shows or movies; I often lose interest after just 10–20 minutes unless the content is logical and engaging.

To start, set a goal that works for your schedule—weekly or monthly—and choose books that truly interest you. You can visit a local library or bookstore to explore titles that align with your preferences.

6 — Start Again

Sometimes, reading can be a challenge—but don’t let that stop you.

I’ve been trying to get through Philosophical Investigations by Ludwig Wittgenstein for over six months. It’s a dense and dry subject, and I often find myself putting it down after 5–7 pages, only to forget about it for weeks.

Despite the difficulty, I always come back to it because every time I pick it up, it offers me fresh perspectives.

The lesson here is to embrace the challenge. If something feels hard but valuable, it’s likely teaching you something new. So don’t hesitate to start again—it’s all part of the journey.

5 — You Don’t Need to Finish Every Book

Not every book is worth finishing.

Sometimes, a book turns out to be nothing but fluff or simply doesn’t resonate with you. If you don’t enjoy it for any reason, there’s no rule saying you have to finish it.

Feel free to put it down and move on to another book. Life is too short to spend time on something that doesn’t add value or spark your interest.

4 — Kindle or Carry a Book Everywhere

A simple truth: Kindle is a game-changer.

With a Kindle, you can carry an entire library in your pocket, making it incredibly convenient for readers on the go.

That said, many people still prefer the tactile experience of reading a physical book. If that’s you, carry a book with you wherever you go. You never know when you’ll have a spare moment to read.

3 — Read What Interests You

One of the best ways to build a sustainable reading habit is to focus on topics that genuinely intrigue you.

Personally, I enjoy reading biographies and autobiographies of successful individuals. For instance, I recently finished Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson, a book far more comprehensive and practical compared to Ashley Vance’s earlier biography of Musk.

The key to maintaining a long-term reading habit is simple: choose books that align with your passions and interests. When you’re truly invested in a subject, reading feels less like a task and more like a pleasure.

2 — Read When You Feel Low or Bored

We all experience those moments when boredom or low energy creeps in. For me, reading has become the perfect antidote.

I developed a habit of reaching for a book whenever I’m feeling bored, and it’s one of my favorite go-to strategies. I’ve never been able to stay engaged with TV shows for long—whether it's Netflix or YouTube, I can’t sit through anything longer than 20–25 minutes. But books? They provide an escape and a source of comfort.

Reading isn't just about staying updated with my professional interests. While it’s essential to stay tuned into my field, the real reason I read is for my emotional and mental well-being. As Patrick Rothfuss aptly put it, “If I stopped reading, I’d probably just die.” It's a way for me to stay grounded and connected with myself, even on the toughest days.

1 — Read Multiple Books Daily

I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth emphasizing. I always have at least three books on the go. If I get bored with one topic or need a change of pace, I switch to another.

Most of the time, I focus on nonfiction—books about entrepreneurship, finance, productivity, and mental health. This approach helps me stay engaged and ensures that I’m always learning something new, no matter what mood I’m in.