"I don’t have time to read."
For years, this was my mantra. Between work, family, and the endless scroll of social media, picking up a book felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. My shelves gathered dust, and my reading list grew longer—until I stumbled upon a simple, life-changing idea: just 10 pages a day.
What started as a desperate attempt to reconnect with books became a transformative habit. Here’s why I embraced the 10-page rule—and why I’ll never go back.
The Problem: Why I Stopped Reading
Like many people, I used to devour books. But as adulthood set in, reading fell by the wayside. I’d set ambitious goals ("I’ll finish this 400-page book by Friday!") only to abandon them by Wednesday. The guilt piled up, and soon, I avoided reading altogether.
Sound familiar?
The issue wasn’t a lack of interest—it was overwhelm. Modern life is a constant barrage of distractions, and carving out hours for reading felt impossible. That’s when I realized: What if I stopped chasing huge reading goals and just focused on consistency?
The 10-Page Solution
1. It’s Manageable
Ten pages take about 10-20 minutes, depending on the book. Unlike marathon reading sessions, this feels doable—even on the busiest days. No more guilt about "not reading enough."
2. It Builds Momentum
Small wins add up. At 10 pages a day, you’ll finish a 300-page book in a month. Suddenly, I wasn’t just wanting to read—I was actually reading.
3. It Improves Focus
In a world of infinite scrolling, 10 pages of deep reading became my mental reset. No notifications, no multitasking—just me and the words.
4. It Makes Reading Joyful Again
When reading isn’t a chore, it’s fun. I rediscovered the pleasure of getting lost in a story, one small chunk at a time.
How to Make It Work
1. Choose the Right Book
Pick something engaging—whether it’s fiction, self-help, or biography. If a book doesn’t grab you, ditch it. Life’s too short for boring reads.
2. Set a Daily Trigger
Pair your 10 pages with an existing habit:
- With morning coffee
- Before bed
- During lunch
3. Track Progress
Use a habit tracker or a simple checklist. Watching those small wins accumulate is incredibly motivating.
4. Be Flexible
Some days, you’ll read more. Some days, you’ll barely hit 10. That’s okay. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
The Results: Why I’ll Never Go Back
A year into the 10-page habit, I’ve:
- Finished 24 books (without stress!)
- Retained more of what I read
- Actually looked forward to reading
Most importantly, I stopped seeing books as another item on my to-do list and started seeing them as a daily gift to myself.
Final Thought: Start Small, Think Big
You don’t need hours to be a reader. You just need 10 pages.
Try it for a week. Then a month. Before you know it, you’ll have built a habit that lasts—and a bookshelf full of stories you’ve actually read.
What’s your next 10 pages going to be?