To scroll or to read? That is the question.
I am very familiar with the feeling of finally sitting down with a book and thinking to myself, “Why don’t I do this more often?” Most of us want to read more, but life gets loud. Between work, notifications, and endless to-dos, even the best intentions can fade after a few pages.
Reading doesn’t need to be another thing on your list; it can be a hobby you genuinely enjoy coming back to. Building a reading habit isn’t about speed or hitting a number—it’s about rediscovering curiosity and giving your mind space to wander.
If you’ve been craving a gentler, more intentional way to bring books back into your daily life, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through how to create a reading rhythm that actually sticks—and how the Passion Planner Reading Journal can help you turn that spark of interest into something lasting.
How to Read More
If you’ve ever scrolled through a “50 Books I Read This Year” post and felt a pang of guilt, you’re not alone. Being chronically online can trick us into believing that reading has to look a certain way—that to be a “reader,” you need to tear through a new novel every week. But that’s not true. There were seasons in my life when I was reading 30 books a year, and now I’m lucky if I read five. What matters isn’t the number—it’s the consistency. Start small, and choose a number that feels realistic for the season you’re in.
Don’t Read Books — Become a Reader
One of my favorite takeaways from Atomic Habits is to bind your goals with your identity. Instead of aiming to “read 20 books this year,” try shifting the focus to who you want to become. “I want to be the kind of person who always has a book on their nightstand.” “I want to be a bookworm who reads to relax after work.” When your reading habit becomes part of who you are, it sticks.
Start with Stories You Already Love
If you’re starting fresh, re-read a favorite book or pick up the novel behind a movie you love. Familiarity builds momentum—it’s easier to turn the page when you already know the story has something good waiting for you. And don’t underestimate children’s literature. As I write this while pregnant with my first child, I’ve found so much joy in simple board books. Whether it’s five pages or five hundred, every book counts.
Join a Book Club
You might also find it helpful to add a little accountability. Joining a book club can turn reading from a solo hobby into a shared experience. During the pandemic, my own reading life came back to life through a small virtual club—it was fascinating to hear how differently everyone interpreted the same story.
Try Nonfiction
Fiction, especially genres like fantasy and romance, gets a lot of attention on social media and many book clubs. But if those don’t resonate with you, consider diving into nonfiction. There’s a book for whatever topic you may be interested in: personal development, pop culture, social commentary, and more. I leaned on nonfiction when I couldn’t connect with the characters or stories that I’d pick up, and it was always easier to digest.
Tablet, Audiobooks, or Physical Books
Finally, remember that there’s no “right” format. Some people love the feel of a paperback with a bookmark, others swear by their Kindle, and audiobooks count too. Personally, I adore my Kindle for travel days, but I’m also a big fan of checking out books from my local library. It’s the most affordable (and community-minded) way to keep your reading list growing without emptying your wallet.
The key is to experiment until you find what works for you. The goal isn’t to read the most—it’s to read more than you did before.
What is a reading journal?
A reading journal is a dedicated space to capture your thoughts and insights as you read. It’s where you record not just what you’re reading, but how it makes you feel and what you’re learning along the way. Over time, it becomes a quiet reflection of your growth as a reader—what drew you in, what challenged you, and what stayed with you long after you closed the book.
Journaling as you read also helps you slow down and stay present with each story. Instead of rushing to finish your next book, you give yourself time to sit with the ideas that moved you.
Many readers use their journals to log titles, track progress, write down memorable quotes, and note key takeaways—all things that can deepen your connection to the books you love and keep your reading habit thriving.
The Best Reading Journal
If you’ve ever wished you could remember more from what you read—or wanted a place to track all your bookish thoughts—the Passion Planner Reading Journal was designed for you. Whether you’re getting back into reading after a long break or rediscovering the joy of a quiet evening with a book, this journal (available in a physical or digital edition) is your companion for the journey.
Each page invites you to slow down and savor your reading experience. Log books as you finish them, jot down favorite quotes, capture big takeaways, and even reflect on how a story changed your perspective. The journal gently encourages you to read with curiosity and notice how each book influences your changing tastes—maybe even your sense of self.
Reading Journal Pages
What does this reading journal track? A lot more than just list the titles you’ve finished. Our Reading Journal helps you build a relationship with what you’re reading in each page.
Favorite Books
Some stories stay with you long after the last page. This section is where you celebrate them. Looking back at the books that moved you can remind you why you love to read—and maybe even help you find your next favorite.
Book Reviews
For the readers who love the details, these pages invite you to capture your thoughts while they’re still fresh. Reflect on what resonated, what surprised you, and even how you felt about the structure of the story.
To Be Read (TBR)
Every reader has a growing list of “someday” books. Keep them all in one place so you can pick your next read without the endless scroll. Your TBR list is a promise to yourself—a collection of stories waiting for the right moment.
Did Not Finish (DNF)
Life is too short to read books you don’t like. You might return to it later—or you might not. Give yourself the credit for trying by noting it here and releasing the guilt of forcing yourself to finish.
Monthly Reading Challenge
Books have seasons too. Some bloom best in spring, others belong beside a mug of cocoa in December. Think of this challenge as a way to read like you live—switching things up as the months change. Just as fresh fruit or festive lights mark the time, the right book can help you savor it.
Reading Habit Tracker
Every page counts. Track your progress one day at a time and watch your consistency grow into momentum. At the end of the year, you’ll see more than numbers—you’ll see proof of how your small, steady effort turned you into the bookworm you’ve always wanted to be.
Favorite Quotes
You know those lines that stop you mid-sentence and make you rethink everything? This section is for them. Capture the words that hit home so you can revisit them whenever you need a spark of perspective or inspiration.
A Reading Journal for a New Chapter
There’s something special about getting lost in a good story. For me, your run-of-the-mill introvert, it’s the sense of being somewhere new without ever leaving home.
Some books will pull you in for hours; others will sit by your nightstand, waiting for the right time. Both count, as long as you pick them up every once in a while.
If you’re ready to start building that habit, the Passion Planner Reading Journal is a gentle place to begin.
AUTHOR BIO
Paula Palomar is a Digital Marketing Copywriter who loves using words to uplift the messaging of mission-driven companies and organizations. In her spare time, you’ll find her practicing yoga or eating churros at Disneyland.
