How to Read 5 Books a Month | Cal Newport’s Method

How to Read 5 Books a Month: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose More Interesting Books:

   • Select a wide variety of books, including novels, non-fiction, and different genres.
   • Mix lighter reads with more challenging or interesting books to keep yourself engaged.
   • Consider audiobooks for genres that are more engaging when listened to.
   • Aim to read at least one or two books in your spare time to diversify your reading experience.

2. Schedule Reading Sessions:

   • Treat reading like exercise by scheduling dedicated reading time in your daily or weekly routine.
   • Allocate specific time slots in your calendar for reading, just as you would for physical exercise.
   • Prioritize and respect your reading sessions to ensure you consistently make time for it.

3. Establish Reading Rituals:

   • Create rituals around reading to make it a more enjoyable and habitual activity.
   • For example, have a drink or a snack while reading, or find a cozy spot like a porch or a study to enhance the reading experience.
   • Incorporate rituals that make reading a relaxing and rewarding part of your day.

4. Do Closing Pushes:

   • When you are close to finishing a book, push yourself to complete it rather than losing momentum.
   • Set aside dedicated time to focus on finishing the last few chapters or pages of a book.
   • By making a final effort to complete a book, you can maintain your reading momentum and move on to the next one efficiently.

5. Make Your Phone Boring:

   • Remove distractions such as social media apps and YouTube from your phone to minimize distractions.
   • Use the time previously spent on your phone for reading instead.
   • Make reading your default leisure activity by keeping a book nearby for moments of boredom or downtime.
   • By reducing screen time and focusing on reading, you can significantly increase the number of books you read each month and enhance your cognitive abilities.

By following these five steps, you can effectively incorporate reading into your daily routine, increase your reading speed, and achieve the goal of reading five books a month. Remember, the reading life is a deep and enriching life, so make an effort to prioritize reading in your daily habits.