Dear Reader  

Let me begin by asking you a question —  when was the last time you finished a book that moved you, changed something in you, or simply taught you something new? If you're struggling to remember, don't worry. You’re not alone.  

In this age of reels and short-form content, reading books is becoming a lost art. We’re flooded with information, yet starved of depth. But let me tell you something from my own experience —  books change people in ways no algorithm ever can. So, let’s talk about how to build a solid, joyful, and sustainable book-reading habit.  

This is not just another listicle. I’m talking to  you , one-on-one, like a friend who loves reading and wants you to love it too. And I am very sure that you are in search of that moment when you feel the pleasure of completing your favourite book and announce that YESSSS I DID IT…………Right?  

That’s why you are here.  

But before starting the journey let me ask you a very genuine question:  

Why Do You Want to Read?  

Before we get into the “how”, let’s talk about the “why”.  

You need a reason, a personal reason.  

• Is it to grow intellectually?    
  
   
• To build a better vocabulary?    
  
   
• To understand the world better?    
  
   
• To reduce stress?    
  
   
• Or maybe just to explore worlds you’ve never imagined?  
• Or your doctor/ trainer or therapist recommended you to read regularly before going to bed to get help in better sleep?    
  
   

Whatever your reason, write it down. Make it personal. Because unless your purpose is clear, you will always struggle to make time for books.  

Fix a Target to Read (But Don't Pressure Yourself)  

Reading goals are important, but don’t turn them into pressure cookers. A gentle but firm target works best.  

Start with:  I’ll read 10 pages every day.    
Or:  I’ll read for 15 minutes before bed, no matter what.  

You can even set monthly goals like one book a month. But remember —  consistency beats quantity .  

Don’t compare yourself with others. You’re building a lifelong habit, not entering a competition. And if you ask me “What You will choose if you have to choose between number of pages and time?” I will definitely go for number of pages per day… that means I will set my goal that I will read at least 10 pages per day before going to bed.  

What Should You Read?  

This is where most people get stuck. So let’s simplify it.  

Start with what excites you.  

If you’re a beginner:  

• Pick short novels, biographies, or self-help books that are easy to read.    
  
   
• Avoid overly complex or jargon-filled books at the start.  
• Choose books of your own language… no need to go for english books or hindi or bengali or any other language… choose the language you enjoy not you want to master. Clear? Yes go with your comfortable language…    
  
   

Here are a few beginner-friendly suggestions:  

• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (fiction, philosophy)    
  
   
• Ikigai by Hector Garcia (life purpose)    
  
   
• Atomic Habits by James Clear (habit formation)    
  
   
• Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari (human history in storytelling style)    
  
   
• Any Hindi or regional-language author you relate to  
  • You can read Manasarovar ki kahaniya  
  • Sewasadan  
  • Godan  
  • Panchtantra ki kahaniya  
  • Gunaho ka Devata  
  • Any other non-fiction books too    
    
     

As you grow, explore more genres — history, politics, literature, science, business, spirituality.  

Remember:  Read what interests you, not what others say is “must-read.” So I am not recommending any specific book, I am just suggesting.  

When Should You Read — Morning or Night?  

The best time to read is the time when you can read regularly.  

Let’s compare both:  

Morning Reading:  

• Your mind is fresh.    
  
   
• Helps you set a positive tone for the day.    
  
   
• Great for self-help, spiritual, or motivational books.    
  
   

Night Reading:  

• A peaceful way to disconnect from screens.    
  
   
• Good for fiction, biographies, or reflective reading.    
  
   
• Helps improve sleep quality (if not done on mobile).    
  
   

👉 Tip: Carry your book like your phone. You’ll find pockets of time during the day — while commuting, waiting, even during lunch breaks.  

If you can manage both — 10 minutes in the morning + 15 minutes before bed — you’ll easily build a 25–30 minute daily reading habit without stress.  

How to Start and Stick to Reading?  

Here’s a practical approach that has worked for me and hundreds of readers I’ve guided.  

Step-by-Step Process:  

1. Choose a book you’re excited to read.    
   
    
2. Decide your format — physical, Kindle, PDF, or audiobook. I will suggest physical format of the book.    
   
    
3. Fix a reading time (example: 9:00–9:20 PM daily).    
   
    
4. Keep your phone away. Seriously.    
   
    
5. Start with small wins — read 5–10 pages a day.    
   
    
6. Track your reading progress. Use a reading log or app.    
   
    
7. Join a community or book club. It keeps you accountable.    
   
    
8. Talk about books with others — on social media or in real life.    
   
    
9. Don’t finish a boring book out of guilt. Move on.    
   
    
10. Celebrate book completions. Share it on your blog, WhatsApp, or Instagram story. Hey I would love to read your success story. Do not forget to share with me.   

Watch The Video On How To Develop Book Reading Habit?

How Long Does It Take to Build a Habit?  

Science says it takes around  21 to 66 days to build a habit. But with reading, if you enjoy the process, it won’t feel like a “task”.  

You don’t need motivation once you fall in love with reading. You’ll  crave your book-time like your favorite food.  

But the first 30 days are crucial. Be strict, be kind. Don’t skip more than 2 days in a row. Keep in mind that You’re wiring your brain for a new rhythm.  

Make Your Reading Personal  

Books aren’t just information. They’re emotional, spiritual, and transformative.  

• Write in the margins.  
• Highlight your favorite lines.  
• Keep a book journal.  
• Note down how a book changed you.  

You don’t need to remember everything — just what matters.  

When you make books personal, they become part of your life story.  

Should You Read One Book at a Time or Multiple?  

There’s no fixed rule, but here’s a smart way to do it:  

One “main book” — deep reading, focus (e.g., history, literature)    
One “light book” — something easy (e.g., short stories, biography)    
One “audio book” — while walking or doing chores  

This way, your brain won’t get bored, and your progress will stay steady.  

Build Your Own Reading Ecosystem  

Reading alone is great, but being a part of a community elevates the experience.  

Here’s how you can build your own ecosystem:  

• Maintain a  book tracker (Sheets, Excel, or diary).    
  
   
• Write a  short review after finishing each book (on your blog, Facebook, etc.).    
  
   
• Start a  reading circle with 2–3 friends.    
  
   
• Join  Telegram or WhatsApp book groups.    
  
   
• Follow  book bloggers or  YouTube channels like mine. (Please search for Viplav Vikas - Bharatiya Manthan on YouTube)    
  
   

When you stay connected with fellow readers, your inspiration never runs dry.  

It’s Not Just About Reading  

Reading is not just a hobby. It’s a Sadhak  in a distracted world.  

Books sharpen your thinking.    
Books heal your stress.    
Books make you a better communicator, a better human being.  

And remember: People who read, lead.  

So whether you read 1 book a month or 20 a year, you’re still ahead of the crowd.  

Dear Reader  

Thanks for reading the complete article. I would like to gift you our invaluable community of Book readers.  

Join Our Book Readers' Community  

If this article resonated with you, you’re exactly the kind of reader our community needs.  

👉 Connect with me on      WhatsApp Channel    
👉 Follow our      Facebook Page    
👉 Read more articles at      viplavvikas.com    
👉 Watch the full video version of this blog on our      YouTube Channel  

Let’s not just read books.    
Let’s  build a reading culture.  

Are you in?