Introduction
How My Reading Habits Changed After 30 Books. I didn’t start out as a “reader.” In fact, just a couple of years ago, I barely picked up a book unless I absolutely had to. But after a challenge I gave myself—read 30 books in a year—my relationship with reading changed completely. I thought I’d just tick off a to-do list and be done with it. Instead, I found myself reflecting, rethinking, and even rebuilding how I read.
This blog isn’t just about the books I’ve read. It’s about how the act of reading has slowly reshaped my mindset, attention span, preferences, and even daily routine. If you’re someone who’s curious about how sustained reading might change you, here’s what I discovered after 30 books.
Table of Contents
1. I Stopped Forcing Myself to Finish Books I Didn’t Like
This might sound obvious to seasoned readers, but for a long time, I felt guilty abandoning books. Somewhere along the way, I realized that life is too short to finish stories that don’t spark interest or bring joy. I now give a book about 50 pages. If I’m not hooked or curious by then, I move on.
Surprisingly, letting go made room for better books and allowed me to enjoy reading rather than treat it like a task.
2. I Started Mixing Genres—and It Was a Game Changer
Before this journey, I was stuck in a single genre rut (mostly thrillers). But somewhere around Book #12, I picked up a memoir on a whim, and it opened the floodgates. I’ve since explored science fiction, historical fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, and even poetry.
Books like Educated by Tara Westover and Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari source pulled me in with new perspectives. I realized different genres feed different parts of the brain—some spark imagination, others provoke reflection.
3. I Ditched the Idea of “Reading Time” and Made It a Lifestyle
In the beginning, I set alarms and blocked out reading hours like it was a workout plan. It worked temporarily, but it started feeling robotic. Eventually, reading found its way into the quiet parts of my day—early mornings, during lunch breaks, or even while waiting at appointments.
Now, I don’t think of reading as a “thing to do.” It’s more like brushing my teeth—just part of the rhythm of my day.
4. I Took Better Notes (And Remember More Than I Thought)
I used to finish a book and instantly forget half of what I’d read. Now, I jot down thoughts in the margins (or on sticky notes), highlight favorite quotes, and occasionally journal about them. It’s nothing fancy, but it keeps the ideas alive.
A great tip I picked up from James Clear’s blog was to pause after each chapter and write down 1–2 key takeaways in my own words. This one simple habit improved my memory and made discussions with friends more insightful.
5. My Screen Time Dropped—And I Didn’t Even Notice
This was unexpected. As reading increased, doomscrolling decreased. I wasn’t consciously trying to cut screen time, but I naturally started reaching for a book instead of my phone.
Eventually, I noticed I was sleeping better, thinking more clearly, and feeling less overwhelmed by the constant flood of content. It’s made me more intentional about the kind of input I allow into my brain.
6. I Began Sharing and Discussing Books More
In the beginning, reading was solitary. But after a few transformative reads, I found myself itching to talk about them. I started small—recommending a title to a friend, joining a casual book club, and sharing short reflections on social media.
Discussing books has added a new dimension to the experience. Hearing how others interpret the same story opened my eyes to new meanings I would’ve missed on my own.
7. I Stopped Chasing Numbers and Started Chasing Meaning
The “30-book goal” started as a number—something to achieve. But somewhere along the way, the goal shifted. I cared less about how many books I read and more about how deeply I read them.
Now, even if I read fewer books in a year, the experience feels richer. I choose books that stretch me, slow me down, or even challenge what I believe.
Conclusion: Reading Is Now a Companion, Not a Checklist
After 30 books, I’m no longer the person who saw reading as a task. It’s become a part of who I am. My habits aren’t perfect—I still go through reading slumps, I still get distracted—but I’ve come a long way from where I started.
If you’re just beginning your own reading journey, don’t stress about the numbers. Focus on the experience. Let each book take you somewhere new, and let your reading habits evolve with you. You might be surprised by how much they change you in return.
Have your reading habits changed over time too? I’d love to hear your story in the comments.
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