How to Develop a Reading Habit That Actually Sticks

Bill Gates reads around 50 books a year. Elon Musk reportedly read 80 to 90 hours a week growing up. Oprah Winfrey credits books for shaping her worldview. Barack and Michelle Obama are both voracious readers. Mark Zuckerberg once set a goal to read a new book every two weeks. Do you see a pattern? Some of the most successful people in the world aren’t just occasional readers. They’re deeply committed to reading because they understand that continuous learning is essential for long-term success.

If you want to grow intellectually, think critically, or simply spend less time on screens, developing a reading habit is one of the best decisions you can make. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to revive a stalled reading routine, here are research-backed and practical ways to build a sustainable reading habit.

1. Start With Access: Find a Way to Read

You can’t build a habit without books. First, make sure you have easy access to them. At Books Mandala, we offer over 50,000 titles, including both new and used books at accessible prices. You can buy online and get them shipped anywhere in Nepal or internationally. If you're unsure about the ordering process, our guide on how to place an order walks you through everything.

Other options include borrowing from friends, joining libraries, or asking for books as gifts. If affordability is a concern, our discounts and deals page is updated regularly, and we even support Cash on Delivery in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

2. Choose Books That Genuinely Interest You

Reading something that bores you is a sure way to quit early. One of the most common reasons people give up on reading is picking the wrong book. Start with genres you already enjoy in movies or shows; be it fantasy, romance, horror, or young adult fiction. Once you gain confidence, you can slowly branch out.

Not sure where to begin? Our Book Recommendations for Beginners blog is a great place to start. We also recommend browsing our curated bestsellers and staff picks to discover books that others love.

3. Experiment With Reading Formats

Print books, eBooks, and audiobooks all have their place. While audiobooks are great for multitasking, and eBooks offer portability, numerous studies; including one published in Frontiers in Psychology—have shown that physical books promote better retention and deeper focus. We explored this in detail in our blog The Scientific Benefits of Reading Physical Books, which outlines why your brain benefits more from turning pages than swiping screens.

For beginners, we recommend starting with physical books. They're immersive, distraction-free, and provide tangible progress as you watch your bookmark move forward.

4. Start Small and Build Gradually

Don’t dive into dense 600-page epics right away. Begin with short novels, novellas, poetry collections, or even graphic novels. Studies from the Journal of Behavioral Medicine suggest that creating small, achievable goals increases the likelihood of habit formation. Even reading for 10 minutes a day is enough to start building momentum.

Authors like Roald Dahl, Mitch Albom, and Haruki Murakami offer beautifully written, beginner-friendly titles that are both engaging and quick to finish.

5. Set a Time and Stick to It

Consistency is key to building any habit. Set a fixed time to read each day; whether it’s 15 minutes in the morning or 30 minutes before bed. Research from The British Journal of Health Psychology shows that linking new habits to a specific time or existing routine increases follow-through. Avoid reading only when you're "in the mood." Treat it like brushing your teeth: non-negotiable.

Need help sleeping better? Reading before bed has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce stress by over 60%, according to the University of Sussex. Swap your late-night scrolling for a physical book and watch your sleep improve.

6. Join Book Communities Online

Surrounding yourself with other readers can be incredibly motivating. Platforms like Goodreads, Reddit’s r/books, and Bookstagram offer engaging spaces for discovering new reads and sharing reviews. You can also join the Books Mandala Discord server, Nepal’s largest online book community, with genre-based channels, recommendation threads, giveaways, and real-time restock alerts.

A study published in the International Journal of Social Psychiatry found that being part of an online reading community helps boost motivation and mental well-being. Reading is powerful, but sharing the journey makes it even more rewarding.

7. Know Why You Want to Read

This step is often overlooked, but it’s crucial. Ask yourself: Why do I want to read more? Is it to improve focus? Build your vocabulary? Learn something new? Escape reality for a while? Knowing your purpose helps you stay committed, even when your motivation dips. According to the Harvard Business Review, attaching intrinsic value to your habits significantly increases long-term success.

Write down your reasons. Keep them visible. Revisit them whenever you're tempted to quit.

Bonus Tip: Track Your Progress

Use a journal, spreadsheet, or Goodreads account to log the books you've read. Seeing your progress builds momentum and gives you a sense of accomplishment. You can also follow your yearly reading goals and celebrate small wins.

Final Thoughts: Start Where You Are

You don’t need to read 50 books a year like Bill Gates. Even one book a month will make a difference. What matters most is building consistency, staying curious, and enjoying the process.

At Books Mandala, we’re committed to helping you on your reading journey. From curated collections to smart recommendations powered by Jubilee AI, we make it easier for you to find books you'll actually love.

Need help getting started? Explore our full collection, pick from our recommendations, or reach out in our Discord community for real-time suggestions.

Happy reading. Your future self will thank you.