Define Your Purpose for Reading

Before you start reading, ask yourself why are you reading this book. Most people read for two main reasons - pleasure or knowledge.

Being specific and clear about your reading purpose not only helps you to eliminate books that you don't need to read. It also reminds you why reading the book is important to you as you are reading it. This motivates you to keep reading and complete the book faster.

Read Only What You Are Attracted to

Whether you are reading fiction or nonfiction, it's important to enjoy what you read. Your friends may recommend books that they love, but those books might not necessarily be the ones you enjoy.

Give up Books That You Don't Enjoy

You may have selected books that are aligned with your purpose. You may have selected books that you are attracted to. But as you are reading them, there may still be some books that you won't enjoy reading.

Whenever you realize that you aren't enjoying the book you are reading, give it up. Remember reading shouldn't be a chore.

Set a Reading Goal

Having a reading goal helps you figure out how much reading you need to do in a week or even a day.

Give Yourself a Deadline to Complete Each Book

Before you read each book, ask yourself when you need to complete this book by.

What I find interesting is that I tend to read books that I borrow from libraries faster than the books I bought. The reason is the books I bought don't have a due date! I don't need to return those books.

When you don't set a deadline to complete your book. There isn't a sense of urgency. And when something isn't urgent, you tend to procrastinate.