The average CEO reads 4-5 books per month. The average person reads 4 books per year. Reading is one of the highest-leverage habits you can build - it compounds knowledge over a lifetime.
But reading more isn't about willpower. It's about building a system that makes reading the easiest choice.
Phase 1: Set Up for Success
Remove Friction
Create Your Reading Environment
Pro Tip: You're not choosing between reading and scrolling. You're choosing between who you want to become.
Phase 2: Start Small (Week 1-2)
The goal isn't to read for hours immediately. It's to build the habit of reading daily.
Daily Reading Checklist - Getting Started
Best Times to Read:
Mistake: Starting with a 500-page classic literature book
Instead: Start with something you're genuinely excited about - even if it's "beach read" quality
Phase 3: Build Momentum (Week 3-4)
Increase Your Reading Time
The 20-Page Rule
Commit to reading at least 20 pages daily. Here's the math:
20 pages takes most people 20-30 minutes. That's less time than the average Netflix episode.
Phase 4: Make It Stick (Month 2+)
Advanced Reading Habits
The Two-Book System
Always have two books going:
1. Primary book - Read at your designated reading time
2. Backup book - Different genre for when you're not in the mood for the primary
This prevents the "I don't feel like reading THAT" excuse.
Warning: It's okay to quit books you're not enjoying. Life is too short for boring books.
Phase 5: Level Up Your Reading
Read Actively, Not Passively
Balance Your Reading Diet
Aim for variety:
Choosing What to Read
Finding Great Books
Building Your Reading List
Pro Tip: Your reading list should excite you, not stress you. It's a menu, not a obligation list.
Tracking Your Progress
Simple Tracking
Reading Journal Prompts
After finishing a book:
Common Obstacles (And Solutions)
Obstacle: "I don't have time to read"
Solution: You have time for social media. Replace 20 minutes of scrolling with reading. Also try audiobooks during commutes, chores, or workouts.
Obstacle: "I fall asleep when I read"
Solution: Read earlier in the day, read in a chair instead of bed, or choose more engaging books.
Obstacle: "I can't focus"
Solution: Start with just 10 minutes. Put your phone in another room. Choose easier, more engaging books to rebuild your attention span.
Obstacle: "I never finish books"
Solution: It's okay to quit books you're not enjoying. Also try the "100 minus your age" rule - read that many pages before deciding to quit.
The Compound Effect of Reading
If you read 20 minutes daily:
That's the equivalent of multiple university degrees worth of knowledge.
Your Reading Commitment
Fill this out and post it somewhere visible:
Getting Started Today
The person who reads lives a thousand lives. The person who doesn't lives just one.
Your reading journey starts with a single page. Turn it now.
Track Your Progress On The Go
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