How to Read 50 Books a Year Without Burning Out
The secret is not reading harder, but reading smarter.
Reading 50 books a year sounds impressive.
But if you’re like most people, your first thought is
“I don’t have the time.”
The truth? You do.
You’re just not using your time intentionally — and that’s okay. Most of us weren’t taught how to read consistently. We were just thrown into school and told to read what was assigned.
But reading for personal growth, not homework, is a different game.
It’s not about finishing books as fast as possible. It’s about building a system that makes reading automatic without pressure, guilt, or burnout.
Here’s how:
1. Stop measuring by time. Start measuring by pages.
You don’t need to read for hours.
Just commit to 10 pages a day.
This is where I get it wrong. I usually start reading for 60 minutes every day. But that doesn’t take long before burnout comes in.
When I started reading like 10 pages a day, it changed.
I felt more progress and momentum coming in. And consistency is much easier. Increasing difficulty felt fun.
So, if we count it:
That’s roughly 1 book every 2–3 weeks.
Which leads to about 25 books per year
Double it to 20 pages, and you’re at 50.
Simple math.
Consistent habit.
2. Read during “dead” time.
Scroll less, read more.
Waiting in line? Read
Taking a dump? Read
10-minute coffee break? Read.
Simple, and yet not many people are doing it.
We will have tiny gaps and use them for reading. Even if it’s only reading for one paragraph every tiny gap, that’s still fine. At least you read.
Start reading whenever you can.
Fill them with words, not doomscrolling.
3. Always have a book within reach.
Keep a book by your bed, in your bag, or on your phone.
The fewer steps it takes to start reading, the more often you’ll do it.
Just like what James Clear said in the book Atomic Habits. It’s important to have an environment that supports your habit building. Having books accessible will likely help you read more.
When you read more, you finish more books.
4. Follow your curiosity, not the trends.
Don’t read what you’re supposed to read.
Read what excites you.
If you don’t like the book, just change it! There are no rules that say you have to finish that book. At the end, you are the one who read it.
Forcing yourself to read a book you don’t like will give
Boredom
Drained willpower
Burnout
5. Mix heavy books with light ones.
Read something deep?
Follow it with something fun.
A philosophy book followed by a thriller.
A self-help guide followed by a memoir.
A study book followed by a history.
This is why I kept changing books from reading self-improvement to biography. And then change it also into history. Then I kept changing, but still, I read.
Keep it interesting. Keep it balanced.
6. Track your books for motivation.
Use Goodreads, Notion, or a journal to log your reads.
Seeing your list grow is very satisfying. It gives you momentum, and that momentum keeps you going. And when you got the progress, you got the consistency.
The key to reading more books is doing it consistently.
There’s no other way around doing it every day. So, start reading now! Also tomorrow.
7. Make it part of your identity.
Say this:
“I’m a reader.”
Not: “I’m trying to read more.”
When reading becomes who you are, your actions follow naturally. This is why I double down on building identity in The Mastery of Reading.
When it’s become identity, habit is not used anymore.
Identity is the next level of habit.
8. Don’t chase the number. Chase the impact.
50 books a year is a fun goal.
But it’s not the real point.
One book that changes your mindset is better than ten you forget.
Read with purpose, not pressure.
Bonus: Build a Reading System
Here’s a simple framework to stay consistent:
What to read? Have a “to-read” list (physical or digital).
When to read? Set 1–2 fixed reading slots each day.
How to read? Use the 10–20 pages/day rule.
Where to read? Create a distraction-free spot.
Why do you read? Remind yourself weekly: growth, clarity, creativity.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need more motivation.
You need a system.
Reading 50 books a year is not about hustle.
It’s about alignment — between your environment, habits, and mindset.
Start with 1 page.
Then 10.
Then a book a month.
Then a book a week.
And suddenly, you’ll look back and realize:
“Damn. I’ve become a reader.”
Want to build your reading habit with support and guidance?
Find your reading friends in our free community. You will get weekly tips, reading plans, and book discussions.
You’ll never read alone again.
I used to read an average of 80 books a year (see yearlyreads.wordpress.com ). It started because of an online book group I was in called “Book-a-Week”, where we all had the goal of reading 52 books per year, and keeping track of what we read. I was a charter member.
These days, I’m lucky if I finish 12 books a year. But I do want to read more. I love learning. 🥰
Thank you for your helpful messages ☺️
Does ”A philosophy book followed by a thriller.“ mean reading them at the same time?