I never struggled with reading books for school assignments. I never saw it as a dull or boring task. In fact, I enjoyed it from primary school through college. I found solace and excitement in the pages of a book. But when I entered higher education, things changed. I was juggling two majors, and every book I read was for academic purposes – studying for exams, writing papers, completing assignments. Slowly, without even realizing it, I lost that spark. Reading became a chore, and the idea of picking up a book for fun felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. I convinced myself I had no time for it.
At the same time, I was socializing, staying up late, scrolling endlessly on social media – living the full college experience. But in the process, something important faded away: the ability to enjoy quiet mornings with a book I loved. That sense of peace and fulfillment slipped away, and once it’s gone, it’s hard to get back.
Today’s world bombards us with fast-paced, low-quality content. We’re constantly available, constantly distracted. Everything is designed to capture our attention in ways books simply can’t. Reading requires focus, patience, and solitude – qualities that are becoming increasingly rare. It’s not just younger generations who struggle. Even our parents, who once spent hours immersed in novels, have lost their ability to sit down with a book since going online. Social media, news updates, endless notifications – it’s all part of the noise that makes concentrating so difficult.
At some point, I had enough. I’d written about digital minimalism before, but I never explained how I got to where I am today – reading about seven books a month and 85 books total just last year. This year, I’ve set a goal for 100. And I love it. I swapped mindless scrolling for quality reading time on my e-reader.
How did I do it?
- Make a Decision
It all starts with a simple choice: decide to read more. Stop overthinking it. Visit your local library or buy a book that genuinely interests you. Then, sit down and start reading. You don’t need to finish ten books a month. Just focus on getting back into the habit. Put your phone aside. Give yourself permission to read. It’s that simple.
- Make a List
If you’re unsure where to start, explore different genres. Browse Goodreads, publisher websites, or book recommendation lists. There are countless books out there – you’re bound to find something that excites you.
- Set a Goal
Having a goal can be a great motivator. My goal is 100 books a year, but you don’t have to start that big. Try setting a goal of twelve books a year – one per month. If that feels overwhelming, aim for two chapters a day. Small, consistent progress matters more than speed.
- You Don’t Have to Finish Every Book
If a book isn’t grabbing your interest, don’t force yourself to finish it. That was my biggest struggle – I hated quitting books. But this isn’t school anymore. This is your time, your enjoyment. If you’re not engaged, move on. I used to read ten romance novels a month because I loved them. Find what excites you, and reading will become effortless.
- It’s Good for You
Reading improves focus, strengthens the mind, and provides a sense of accomplishment. I love seeing the number of books I’ve read at the end of each month. It reminds me why I fell in love with reading in the first place. Plus, my child sees me reading instead of being glued to a phone, setting an example that books matter.
So, how did I truly fall back in love with reading?
It wasn’t just about setting goals or replacing screen time. It was about reconnecting with the feeling that books once gave me – escaping into a world beyond my own, experiencing stories that left me breathless, learning something new with every page.
The turning point came after trying out digital minimalism for a while. After embracing it, I decided to sit down with a book – not out of obligation, but out of curiosity. As I turned the pages, I felt it. The familiar excitement, the pull of a great story, the peace that comes from being fully present in the moment.
I realized that reading wasn’t something I had lost. It had always been there, waiting for me to return.
And that’s the beauty of books. They are patient. They wait for you to come back, no matter how long you’ve been away. Now, I wake up looking forward to the stories I’ll discover. I no longer think about reading as something I should do – I see it as something I get to do. And that shift? It changed everything.
If you’ve ever lost that love for reading, trust me – it’s still there, waiting for you. All you have to do is open a book and begin again.
So, tell me – what’s the last book that made you feel alive? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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