How to Actually Finish More Books This Year
In the past I would start a lot of books and only finish a few each year. I felt guilty and frustrated about the pile of unread books. So I tried an entirely different approach. I went from an average of 18 books a year to 50-70 books a year for the last three years, and I’ve learned to enjoy the process more.
Here’s the system I use in 2026 to get a lot more books done without burning out:
1. Embrace the Power of DNF
This was the biggest change in my perspective. I used to put pressure on myself to finish every book that I started. I now give each book a fair chance (usually the first 50-100 pages or 20-25%), but if it doesn’t grip me, I put it down guilt-free.
My policy is, if I am not excited to pick it up again, then it is DNF time. Life's too short to read books that are less than impressive, or less than remarkable. This one change let me finish so many great books.
2. Choose Books According To Your Energy And Mood
I have always divided literature into three different classes:
Novels that are fun and high energy
deep focus books
Comfort books
I am quite sure I will not be able to finish a dense history book if I am tired.
3. Apply the Minimum Page Rule
Instead of “I need to read for 30 minutes” I will say this:
It is very possible to do a minimum of 20-30 pages per day.
On days when I’m having a good day I read a lot more but I still get the minimum in on bad days.
This builds momentum and helps avoid the “all or nothing” trap that sabotages reading habits.
4. Set Up a No-Friction Reading Environment
A few small changes that made a big difference for me:
Make sure to have a physical book or Kindle in each main room.
Have a good reading light, and a comfortable chair.
You can turn off all notifications while you are reading.
Keep a “reading playlist” or white noise that’s just for reading.
5. Track Progress Without Pressure
I use Goodreads mostly to keep track of my books read per year and to remember what I read, not to compete with others. I also keep a simple notebook where I write one sentence about each book I finish. It’s so inspiring to look at those notes again.
6. My Weekly Reading Routine
Morning: 20-40 pages of hard fiction or nonfiction
Evening– Before retiring for the night, try reading a work of fiction or Audiobook: Walk/Commute
Weekends: Long reading sessions at peak energy times
I don’t read every day but consistency over weeks and months adds up.
This system provides real results.
I read 58 books last year. And besides, I found I enjoyed almost all of them since I stopped forcing myself to read books that weren't right for me at the time. My “favorite books” list is longer. My “unread” pile is smaller.
Final thoughts
It is not about enforcing discipline or reading more quickly to finish more books. It’s the removal of friction, the development of sustainable habits that bring back the joy of reading and the attention to your time and mood.
Set a modest goal this week. Choose one or two of the above concepts and conduct a test. You may be surprised at how quickly your final count builds up.
