Why I Read 50 Books in One Year and How It Changed Me

I used to hate reading. I thought it was boring, slow, and a waste of time. I would start a book, read a few pages, then quit. I never finished more than 2–3 books a year. Then, two years ago, I decided to challenge myself: read 50 books in one year. It sounded impossible, but I wanted to try. Today, I’ve done it twice, and reading has become my favorite hobby. This is how I did it, and how it changed my life.

The Mindset Shift: From “I Have To” to “I Want To”

The first problem was my mindset. I used to think reading was a chore—something I “should” do, not something I wanted to do. I associated reading with school, homework, and pressure. To change this, I stopped reading books I thought I “should” read (classics, self-help bestsellers) and started reading books I was actually interested in.

I read fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, thrillers, personal growth, business, and science. I read books that excited me, that made me curious, that I couldn’t wait to pick up. This small shift made reading fun. I no longer saw it as a chore—I saw it as a pleasure.

The System: How I Read 50 Books a Year

Reading 50 books a year sounds like a lot, but it’s actually only about 1 book per week. You don’t need to read for hours every day. You just need to read consistently, in small chunks. This is my system:

1. Read 20–30 minutes per day. That’s it. 20 minutes in the morning, or 20 minutes before bed. Consistency is more important than length.
2. Always have a book with you. I keep a book in my bag, on my phone (e-book), and on my nightstand. Whenever I have a spare minute—waiting in line, on the bus, during a break—I read a few pages.
3. Ditch “should” books. If I start a book and don’t like it after 50 pages, I quit. Life’s too short to read bad books.
4. Read multiple books at once. I read one fiction book and one nonfiction book at the same time. When I’m tired, I read fiction. When I’m focused, I read nonfiction.
5. Track my progress. I keep a list of books I’ve read, and I update it every time I finish one. Seeing the list grow motivates me to keep going.

The Changes: How Reading Transformed Me

Reading 50 books a year didn’t just make me smarter—it changed who I am:

1. I’m more curious. Reading exposes you to new ideas, new cultures, new perspectives. It makes you ask questions, think deeper, and see the world differently.
2. I’m more empathetic. Fiction books let you step into other people’s shoes. You understand their struggles, their joys, their fears. It makes you kinder and more understanding.
3. I’m calmer. Reading is like meditation. It takes you away from your phone, from social media, from stress. It helps you relax, focus, and be present.
4. I’m more confident. Reading gives you knowledge, ideas, and stories to share. It makes you a better conversationalist and helps you trust your own opinions.
5. I’m more creative. Reading sparks your imagination. It shows you different ways to think, write, and create. It inspires you to pursue your own ideas.

The Common Excuses (and Why They’re Wrong)

“I don’t have time.” → You have 20 minutes a day. Everyone does. Cut 20 minutes of social media or TV.
“I’m too slow.” → Speed doesn’t matter. Understanding and enjoying the book does.
“I don’t know what to read.” → Start with books about your hobbies, your problems, or your curiosity.

Final Lessons

1. Read what you love. Not what you think you “should” read.
2. Consistency > speed. 20 minutes daily > 3 hours once a week.
3. Quit bad books. Life’s too short to read books you don’t enjoy.
4. Reading is self-care. It’s not a chore—it’s a gift to yourself.
5. Books change lives. They’ll change yours, too.

If you want to read more, start today. Pick a book you’re curious about, read 20 minutes, and keep going. You’ll be amazed at how much it changes you.