How to Read More Books by Optimizing Your Digital Focus.
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Introduction
Most people want to read more books, but they spend 4 hours a day scrolling instead. Consequently, our attention spans are at an all-time low. However, you don’t need more free time; you need a better digital strategy. In order to help you reclaim your focus, I have audited my habits as an SMM to find what actually works in 2026. Furthermore, these 10 hacks will turn your “To-Read” pile into a “Finished” list without extra effort.
QUICK RECOMMENDATION: Short on time? If you only take one thing from this guide, it should be the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft it is the single best tool I have used to reclaim my focus from my smartphone.
How to Read More Books by Auditing Your Digital Habits
Before you start your journey to read more books, it is helpful to understand which format fits your current lifestyle and financial goals. Consequently, I have broken down the pros and cons of the three most popular methods below:
| Reading Format | Best For… | Cost Level | SMM/Pro Tip |
| Physical Books | Deep focus & digital detox | (High) | Use as “shelfies” for aesthetic social content. |
| E-Books (Kindle) | Travelers & night readers | (Medium) | Highlights sync with apps like Readwise for easy note-taking. |
| Audiobooks | Commuters & busy multitaskers | (Subscription) | Listen at 1.5x speed to finish “business” books faster. |
| Library Apps | Budget-conscious readers | Free | Set notifications for “Hold” items so you never run out of content. |
To read more books, you must first find where your time is leaking. Most of us have the hours; we just spend them on “low-value” digital consumption. Use these three strategies to flip the script:
1. The “Screen Time” Swap
Most people spend 2+ hours on social media daily. Instead of trying to find new time, simply swap your first 20 minutes of scrolling for 20 minutes of reading. In fact, by replacing just one “scrolling session” a day, you can finish an extra book every two weeks.
2. Implement “Digital Redlining”
As an SMM, I know how apps are designed to keep you hooked. To combat this, set your phone to “Greyscale” mode after 8:00 PM. Consequently, your phone becomes less stimulating, making the physical pages of a book much more attractive to your brain.
This approach aligns with Cal Newport’s philosophy on Digital Minimalism, which focuses on reclaiming your deep focus.
3. The “Micro-Reading” Strategy
Don’t wait for a “perfect” hour of silence. Rather, keep a book (or E-reader) in your bag at all times. Use “dead time”, waiting for coffee, commuting, or standing in line, to read just 5 pages. Furthermore, these micro-moments add up to thousands of words per week.
Financial and Lifestyle Hacks to Read More Books
Building a library shouldn’t drain your bank account. Moreover, the way you organize your space directly impacts how often you pick up a book. In order to stay consistent, try these lifestyle-focused strategies:
4. Leverage the “Library First” Rule
One of the biggest barriers to reading is the cost of new releases. However, by using apps like Libby or Hoopla, you can access thousands of titles for free. Consequently, you can read more books without increasing your monthly expenses, turning your reading habit into a savvy financial move.
5. Curate a “Visual Trigger” Display
As we discussed with bookshelf styling, visibility is key. For example, instead of hiding books on a high shelf, place your current read on your nightstand or coffee table. By doing so, you create a visual “nudge” that reminds you to choose pages over pixels every time you sit down.
6. The “Sunk Cost” Rule: How DNF-ing Helps You Read More
Many people stop reading because they feel forced to finish a boring book. On the contrary, life is too short for bad content. Use the “50-page rule”, if it hasn’t hooked you by page 50, drop it. Furthermore, this prevents a “reading slump” and keeps your momentum high so you can move on to something you actually love.
If you are looking for a book that you won’t want to put down, thrillers are a great place to start. In fact, I recently curated a list of the most gripping quotes from Freida McFadden’s books that perfectly illustrate why her psychological thrillers are so addictive
Strategic Systems to Read More Books Consistently.
As a strategist, I know that goals without systems are just dreams. Therefore, to truly read more books, you must treat your reading list like a professional content calendar. By following these final hacks, you’ll turn reading into a seamless part of your lifestyle:
7. The “Batch Reading” Method
Just as we batch-create social media posts, you should batch your reading. For instance, dedicate Sunday afternoons to “Deep Work” reading while saving lighter audiobooks for your morning commute. Consequently, you match the book’s difficulty to your energy levels, ensuring you never feel too tired to start.
Strategist’s Choice: The Must-Read: If you want to understand the science behind these 10 hacks, you need to read Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s the foundation for every system I use in my SMM audits and my personal reading.
8. Utilize Social Accountability To Read More Books
If you are an SMM, use your platforms for good. In other words, post your “Current Read” on your Instagram Stories. As a result, the social pressure to provide an update will motivate you to finish the book. This turns your digital presence into a tool for offline growth.
9. Curate Your Digital Environment
Your phone is a library, not just a distraction. Specifically, move your Kindle or Libby app to your “Dock” (the bottom bar of your phone) and move Instagram to a folder on the third page. In doing so, you make it physically easier to click a book than a social app.
10. Habit Stacking: The Ultimate Tool to Read More Books
The most effective way to read more books is to attach reading to an existing habit. For example, read while your morning coffee brews or right after you brush your teeth. Furthermore, this “habit stacking” removes the need for willpower entirely.
As habit expert James Clear suggests, making reading obvious is the first step to success. Read his Guide to Building a Strong Reading Habit.
If you’re a visual learner, I highly recommend this breakdown by Ali Abdaal on how he reads 100+ books a year
Bonus Tip: Use Audiobooks to Read More Books
Furthermore, audiobooks are a secret weapon for busy people. Specifically, they allow you to read while commuting or exercising. However, many believe listening is “cheating.” In fact, your brain processes the story similarly to print. Consequently, adding audio to your routine is a simple way to read more books without needing extra free time. Indeed, it is the ultimate strategy for 2026.
My 2026 Reading Tech Stack
In addition to the habits mentioned above, using the right tools can significantly lower the friction of starting a new book. Specifically, I rely on these three apps to manage my library and stay focused:
- StoryGraph (The Data-Driven Tracker): Furthermore, if you love analytics like I do, this is the best alternative to Goodreads. It provides gorgeous charts of your reading moods and pace.
- Forest App (The Focus Builder): Consequently, if you struggle with phone addiction, this app gamifies your focus. You plant a digital tree that grows only while you are reading.
- Libby (The Budget Saver): Indeed, you don’t need to buy every book. This app connects to your local library card so you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of reading in 2026 isn’t about speed; it’s about intentionality. In summary, by auditing your screen time, using your SMM strategy for your library, and treating your focus as a financial asset, you will naturally read more books than ever before. Now, the only question left is: which book will you pick up first?
What’s on your nightstand right now? I’m looking for my next read and would love your recommendations. Drop the title of your current favorite book in the comments below. Reading is better with friends. Follow me on Instagram where I share my weekly ‘Digital Audit’ and the book aesthetic that’s currently inspiring my feed.
