7 Simple Tips to Build a Daily Reading Habit for Doom Scrolling Addicts
Replace your doom scrolling with reading now.
Reading consistently is a challenge for many of us.
We buy books. We download eBooks. We save articles to read later. But we never get around to actually reading them.
I’ve been there too. I had shelves full of unread books and a long list of “must-read” recommendations that I kept putting off. Every time I tried to start reading, something would distract me — my phone, a YouTube video, or just the simple thought of doing something else.
It felt impossible to build a daily reading habit.
But here’s what I’ve learned: Reading doesn’t have to be hard.
You can build a reading habit without forcing yourself or feeling overwhelmed.
Why I Decided to Build a Daily Reading Habit
There came a point where I realized my attention span was shrinking.
I couldn’t focus on long articles or books, and that was affecting my ability to learn, write, and even enjoy conversations. So, I made a choice. I wanted to recover my ability to focus and learn deeply. And to do that, I needed to make reading a habit — one that I can do automatically.
After some trial and error, I found a simple formula to make reading a part of my daily routine.
The Cheat Code to Building a Reading Habit: Small Wins
If you’re struggling to make reading a habit, you might think the problem is you need more time or motivation.
But here’s the cheat code: It’s not about time or motivation — it’s about creating small wins that you can build on.
Here are some practical tips to help you master the art of reading.
1. Start Small: Just Read for 2 Minutes
Don’t set yourself up for failure by trying to read for hours right away.
Start with just 2 minutes. Yes, you read that right — 2 minutes. It might seem insignificant, but the goal isn’t to read a whole chapter. The goal is to make reading a consistent part of your day.
Open a book, read for 2 minutes, and then stop if you want.
The key here is consistency, not quantity.
If you can show up every day, even for just a couple of minutes, you’re already winning.
2. Make reading the first thing you do in the morning.
We often lose the battle with our phones first thing in the morning.
You wake up, check your notifications, scroll through social media, and before you know it, you’ve wasted 30 minutes.
Here’s how you fix that: Make reading the first thing you do in the morning. Keep a book right next to your bed or in a place where you can easily grab it. Before you touch your phone, pick up your book and read a few pages.
This simple switch can change everything.
Instead of starting your day with distractions, you’ll start it with learning and focus.
3. Pair Reading with Another Habit
We all have daily habits that we do without even thinking — drinking coffee, brushing our teeth, or eating breakfast.
Why not pair your reading habit with one of these activities?
For example, you could read while drinking your morning coffee or right after brushing your teeth at night.
By doing habit stacking, you make it easier to remember and stick it into your routine.
4. Use the “one-sentence rule.”
Some days, you won’t feel like reading at all. That’s okay — it happens to everyone.
On those days, use the “one-sentence rule.” Tell yourself that you only need to read one sentence. No pressure to do more; just one sentence and you’re done.
Most of the time, once you get started, you’ll end up reading more than just one sentence.
But even if you don’t, you’ve still succeeded because you maintained your habit.
Remember: Daily Wins!
5. Track Your Progress (But Don’t Overdo It)
Tracking your reading progress can be a great motivator, but it’s important not to overcomplicate it.
You don’t need to use fancy apps or set crazy goals.
Just keep it simple. Write down the days you read, or make a small note of how many pages you read each day.
Tracking can give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated to continue.
6. Choose Books You Actually Enjoy
This might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning.
Choose books that genuinely interest you.
If you’re forcing yourself to read something that bores you, it’s no wonder you can’t stay consistent.
Don’t feel pressured to read the latest bestseller or the book everyone else is raving about. Read what excites you, what pulls you in, and what you can’t wait to get back to. I’ve explained this in The Habit of Reading; you can check the book recommendations too.
When you enjoy what you’re reading, the habit becomes much easier to maintain.
7. Make reading social.
Reading doesn’t have to be in a quiet room.
You can make it social by joining a book club, discussing books with friends, or even sharing your reading goals on social media.
When you involve others, you create accountability.
You’ll feel more motivated to keep up with your reading because now you have people to share your progress with.
You can share your journey and progress with my chat community in Substack.
Just start and keep going.
Building a daily reading habit isn’t about reading the most books or spending hours each day with your nose in a book.
It’s about showing up, even if it’s just for a few minutes, and making reading a natural part of your life.
So, don’t overthink it.
Just start today — read for 2 minutes, or one page, or whatever feels easy.
The more you show up, the more reading will become your habit.
Remember, small wins add up.
And before you know it, you’ll be reading more than ever before.
What’s your next step?
Grab a book and read for a minimum of one sentence.
Win your day right now.
Ready to Transform Your Reading Habit? 📚 | From Zero to Consistent Reader
If you’ve struggled to pick up a book or stick to reading, this course is designed just for you.
Reading 0 → Reading 1: From not reading at all to reading consistently and loving it.
🔍 Inside the Course, You’ll Learn How to:
Find books you’ll actually enjoy 📚
Master the art of skimming for quick insights 🔍
Start small and build momentum 🚀
Develop the mindset and identity of a true reader 🧠
→ Click Here to Access the Full Guide and Start Your Reading Journey Now!
⏰ Limited-Time Offer: Unlock “The Habit of Reading” course today and take your first step toward becoming the reader you’ve always wanted to be!
New Substack! ✨
I’ve been working on making my articles more structured and exclusive, and I found the perfect platform in Substack.
I’m excited to share two new newsletters with you:
Kevin Nokia Writing: My personal journey from struggling through depression to becoming a successful individual.
I Am Literate: Discover how to replace scrolling addiction with effective reading habits to improve focus and attention span.
Join now for exclusive articles and a growing community!
Essential Resources for Your Journey 📚
The Mastery of Reading (Paid) | Download here
A Step-by-step Guide to Mastering Your Reading Habit from 0 to 10030-day Simple Habit Tracker (Free) | Download Here
Track Your Daily Habits with Customizable MonthsLife-changing Blueprint (Free) | Download Here
How to Change Your Life with Implementation GuideMy Booknotes (Free) | Download here
Understand What You Read with Implementation Guide