How to Read One Book Per Week (Even if You Read Slowly)

Reading more books is one of the best investments you can make in your life. Every book you read increases your knowledge and motivation and, contrary to popular opinion, makes it more likely you’ll take action (not less).

Last year, I read 105 books. I have some advantages that helped me hit this number: reading is part of my job, I’ve already read a lot and, while I don’t speed read, I do read at a decent pace.

But even if you don’t have those advantages, I do believe that anyone can read one book per week if they make it a goal and put in the effort. To that end, I’d like to offer nine strategies that have worked for me:

1. Always have a book. Preferably a good one.

You can’t read a book you don’t have. We have at our fingertips an inescapable flood of videos, news, text messages and social media posts. But for most of us, the number of books within arm’s reach that we’re genuinely excited to read is usually zero.

The first way to fix this is to install an e-reader app on your phone and load it with books. Borrow them from your library or pick public domain books if you’re worried about cost. If you prefer paper, then resolve to lug around a paper copy in your bag as you go about your day.