How to Build a Reading Habit: My Personal Journey From 0 to 50 Books a Year

There was a time, not so long ago, when the idea of reading 50 books in a year seemed like an impossible feat. I’d glance at my bookshelf, filled with good intentions and unread spines, and sigh. My reading habit was non-existent. Zero books, maybe one if you counted a half-finished airport thriller. Yet, here I am today, not just reading, but truly devouring 50 books (and often more!) every single year. This isn’t a story about being a natural-born bookworm; it’s a candid account of how I, someone who struggled to finish a single novel, systematically built a robust reading habit from the ground up. If you’ve ever yearned to read more, to truly connect with stories and knowledge, then join me as I share the exact steps, missteps, and breakthroughs that defined my journey from 0 to 50 books a year.

The Starting Line: When Reading Felt Like a Chore (My 0-Book Phase)

For years, reading felt like homework. It was something I should do, not something I genuinely wanted to do. My mental image of reading was often a thick, intimidating classic, or dense non-fiction that promised enlightenment but delivered only eye strain. I’d buy books with enthusiasm, bring them home, and then they’d sit there, silently judging me from the shelf. My “reading habit” was essentially a “book-buying habit” without the crucial follow-through. I envied people who effortlessly talked about the latest novels or insightful non-fiction, wishing I could join those conversations.

The truth was, I hadn’t found my reading groove. I thought reading had to be a certain way – quiet, focused, and lengthy. My busy life, filled with work, family commitments, and the siren call of digital distractions, left no room for this idealized version of reading. I’d tell myself I was too tired, too busy, or simply “not a reader.” This self-limiting belief was perhaps the biggest barrier keeping me stuck at zero.

Recognizing the Real Problem: It Wasn’t Lack of Time, But Lack of Strategy

The turning point wasn’t a sudden burst of motivation, but a quiet realization. I spent hours scrolling on my phone, watching TV, or procrastinating. If I truly wanted to build a reading habit, I needed to reallocate some of that time and, more importantly, change my approach. The problem wasn’t that I didn’t have time to read; it was that I hadn’t made reading a priority or figured out *how* to make it fit into my actual life.

My First Spark: Moving Beyond Aspiration to Opening That First Page

The journey from zero to one book a year felt monumental. My initial goal wasn’t 50 books; it was just to finish a single book I genuinely enjoyed. This shift in focus was critical. Instead of aiming for an impressive number, I aimed for enjoyment. I started by asking myself: “What kind of stories do I actually like?”

Choosing the “Gateway” Book: Finding What Truly Interested Me

My first breakthrough came when I stopped trying to read what I thought I *should* read and started reading what I *wanted* to read. For me, that meant stepping away from the dense literary fiction I felt obligated to tackle and diving into genres I genuinely found exciting: thrilling mysteries, captivating historical fiction, and accessible personal development books. My “gateway” book was a gripping psychological thriller – easy to get into, hard to put down. This experience taught me a vital lesson: start with pleasure, not obligation.

The Power of Small, Consistent Steps

Once I had a book I was excited about, the next step was to actually open it. I committed to just 10-15 minutes of reading each day. This felt manageable, not overwhelming. I didn’t aim to finish chapters; I aimed to read for a short, set period. Sometimes it was just a few pages, but the consistency was key. This tiny habit, repeated daily, started to build momentum. I’d read during my lunch break, before bed, or while waiting for coffee. These small pockets of time, previously filled with mindless phone scrolling, became dedicated reading moments.

Building a Daily Ritual: How I Wove Books Into My Busy Life

Once I had a few books under my belt, I realized that for reading to become a habit, it needed to be less about willpower and more about integration. I needed to make it an automatic part of my day, like brushing my teeth or making coffee. This meant identifying opportunities and creating environmental cues.

Strategic Time Blocking and Habit Stacking

I began to actively look for “dead time” – moments in my day where I was waiting or commuting. My morning commute on public transport, a previously wasted 30 minutes, became sacred reading time. Similarly, instead of immediately reaching for my phone when I woke up, I’d grab my book. This is called effective time management and “habit stacking” – pairing a new habit (reading) with an existing one (commuting, waking up). I also started reading for 15-20 minutes every evening before bed, replacing screen time.

Embracing Audiobooks and E-readers: My Game Changers

One of the biggest breakthroughs in scaling my reading was embracing different formats. I initially resisted e-readers, loving the feel of physical books. But once I got one, its convenience was undeniable. I could carry multiple books everywhere without the bulk. Even more transformative were audiobooks. I started listening while doing chores, exercising, or driving. This effectively doubled my reading time without requiring any additional “sit-down” time. It turned previously passive activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. I found that using apps like Libby app, which connects to local libraries, made accessing both ebooks and audiobooks incredibly easy and free.

Overcoming the Dips: Strategies for Sticking When Motivation Wanes

It wasn’t a straight line from 0 to 50. There were weeks, even months, where my reading slowed down, or I felt stuck in a slump. Life happens, and motivation ebbs and flows. The key wasn’t to avoid these dips, but to have strategies in place to navigate them.

Permission to Abandon: Not Every Book is for You

This was a huge mental shift. In my “0-book phase,” I felt obligated to finish every book I started, even if I wasn’t enjoying it. This often led to me abandoning reading altogether for weeks out of frustration. Now, I have a simple rule: if a book isn’t grabbing me by 50-100 pages, I put it down. Life is too short for bad books! This freedom to abandon books I didn’t connect with meant I spent more time reading books I genuinely loved, which kept my momentum going.

Mixing It Up: Genre Exploration and Reading Challenges

When I felt a slump coming on, I’d switch genres. If I’d been reading heavy non-fiction, I’d pick up a light romance or a thrilling fantasy. This variety kept things fresh and prevented burnout. I also found Goodreads reading challenges incredibly motivating. Setting a yearly goal (like 25 books, then 30, then 50) and tracking my progress added a gamified element that kept me engaged, especially during slower periods. Seeing that number tick up was a powerful motivator.

Finding Your Reading Community (Even a Small One)

Talking about books, getting recommendations, and sharing thoughts with friends or online communities kept my enthusiasm alive. It’s amazing how much a good book recommendation can reignite your reading spark. Even just discussing a plot twist with a friend made reading feel like a shared, enriching experience rather than a solitary chore.

The 50-Book Milestone: Sustaining the Habit and Embracing New Horizons

Reaching 50 books a year felt incredible, not just for the number, but for the profound shift in my identity. I was