Read more by reading daily
This is how I read more books this year and how you can do the same. Included are my recommendations for the best books of 2023.
A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one. ― George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons
I have always wanted to be a voracious reader, but various mental obstacles consistently disrupted my reading habits. But this year, 2023, I promised myself that things would change. Building a habit of reading is a gradual process, so I began with a modest goal.
Read at least one book every month.
This was my goal for the year. No matter what else I would do, I prioritized hitting this goal. Did I have to spend some days immersed in a book due to its sheer size or occasional procrastination? Absolutely. But in the end, it was worth it. Just before the year ended, I had read 15 books and would have finished my 16th. The highest number of books I have read in a year. I know numbers aren’t everything, but I never thought I would have the time to accomplish this.
Simplify
It’s super simple. I told myself I had to read a minimum of 10 pages every day. That’s it! Regardless of how busy my schedule was, all I had to do was find about 20 minutes every day to cover about 10 pages without fail. I prefer physical books, so borrowing from friends/libraries or buying second-hand books was cost-effective. Unlike digital copies that get lost on my phone or laptop, it is easier to pick up a book on my desk or in my bag as it is a constant reminder to read.
Track
How did I make sure I was reading every day? I used my handy-dandy Todoist habit tracker to keep my streak going. Of course, some days when I was swamped with work or had a late night and couldn’t read. However, I was determined to let my non-reading days overcome my reading days. By reading 30 minutes before bed, on the commute to work, or even on a random lazy Sunday, I managed to hit my goal.
To further fuel my motivation, I had a “books” story to track my reads on my Instagram profile (at least one good use of social media). Although only a handful of people saw this, it acted as a satisfying checkbox to tick off at the end of every book.
It is best to chain your reading with something that you do daily. For example, you can read a few pages with your morning tea or coffee. Or read immediately after brushing and before bed at night time. By following this pattern, you will tune your brain into cementing the habit until it becomes automatic. Deviating from this habit will then create a sense of uneasiness.
And one final but impactful tip from entrepreneur and investor, Naval Ravikanth.
Read what you love till you love to read — Naval Ravikanth
In case you’re curious, here is the list of books I read in 2023, starting from the best ones.
Shoe Dog — Phil Knight
The best memoir I have read. Phil is a magnificent storyteller, and you can check out my summary here.
Elon Musk — Walter Isaacson
About the man who brought us electric cars, space travel, and now X. I am joyous that Walter Isaacson wrote this book. The story and exploration into Elon Musk’s life will have you engrossed and deliberating on how the f*ck this guy has accomplished so much. Some people have demons inside them and this makes them crazy but I bet you need a sh*t ton of craziness to make humanity a multi-planetary species. If you don’t read this, you’re missing out.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow — Gabrielle Zevin
Fun and unexpected romantic novel, unlike anything you would expect. This is truly one of the most fascinating books I have read. The level of detail, ability to weave in different dimensions, and character development are unlike anything I have read. Must read!
Klara and the Sun — Kazuo Ishiguro
Enchanting novel, again, on the meaning of life. Profoundly emotive, it prompts contemplation on the journey and progress of life.
Deep Work — Cal Newport
A set of tenets to achieve high output and deliver outstanding work. Great read if you are someone starting in the workplace.
Sapiens — Yuval Noah Harari
A brief look at the history of humanity. From hunter-gatherers to lords of life itself. A strong recommendation to anyone who wishes to get a perspective on the evolution of mankind.
The Order of Time — Carlo Rovelli
Get ready for some theoretical physics with this masterpiece that will make you ponder the reality of the world. The spacetime fabric may not be what we know it to be when quantum theory comes into play. For someone who enjoys contemplating the nature of the universe, this is a delight.
The Psychology of Money — Morgan Housel
Adequate introduction to the world of personal finance.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep — Philip K. Dick
A dystopian novel placed in the future that plays on the meaning of life.
Crying in H Mart — Michelle Zauner
Passionate memoir that dives into familial ties and what truly matters when the people or person you care about most is dying.
Foundation and Empire — Isaac Asimov
Part 2 of the Foundation Series explores a hurdle in the prophecies and threatens to destroy a 1000-year-long plan. The reveal in this is one you will not see coming. Highly recommended!
The White Tiger — Aravind Adiga
Captures the discrepancy between the poor and the rich, the weak and the powerful. A story that takes a dark turn fueled by the demons both in the mind and in society.
Foundation — Isaac Asimov
Part 1 of the Foundation Series sets a basis for an era of intergalactic struggle. For sci-fi lovers, look no further as Asimov keeps you on the edge of breeding tension.
The Bloody Chamber — Angela Carter
Series of short stories that darkly twist some well-known fairytales.
Thanks for reading and see you next time! P.S. Let me know if you like any of the books.
