Becoming a more skilled and more prolific reader can be daunting. I know that I personally sway between consuming every book in sight and taking a long hiatus when life gets in the way. Nevermind the difficult aspects of keeping up, the important thing is to keep trying. Take advantage of the moments you find time or have an interest. Life doesn't have to be one size fits all towards the finish line. Here are a few things to consider when trying to boost your reading life:

How often do you read and when?

What do you prefer in terms of length and depth? Do you prefer different levels of challenge during different times of your life? The great thing about books is that they aren't one size fits all. Not to discourage openness to new texts, but try to gather a sense of what you will actually finish. I know that during midterm exams or finals I'm not cracking open Beowulf or War and Peace. Look at your schedule and make adjustments from there. 

Beyond how much one reads, one must consider taste and preference.

I err on the side of caution when it comes to getting stuck in one genre. However, feel free to hone in on horror, fantasy, magical realism, or whatever you fancy. In today's climate, we should look to the past for help with the future and search for new perspectives. I consider my collection pretty eclectic. You don't have to be an expert in a particular genre, so feel free to explore to your heart's content!

Do you prefer to read one or two or more books at a time?

When I was young, I certainly felt the perfectionist in me pressuring to finish what I started. Sticking to one book may work for a lot of people as a way to get things done, however, I view reading like I view any entertainment. For example, at times I prefer to stick with one tv show, binging and plowing my way through every episode. At other times, I bounce between my favorite shows to spice things up. There is no right way to read, and that's fine! If you must stick with one book by all means do. Get to know your reading style!

Escape the Pressure and Read Books You Actually Enjoy!

Whether you're a die hard for the classics or not, the best way to become a better reader is to read what you enjoy. Sure, plenty of people love to flip through the pages of Heart of Darkness or Moby Dick for pleasure. However, my reading increased once I was real with myself about what I enjoy. The utility of reading increases when we balance preference with openness.

Audiobooks - Give Them a Try! 

Whether you already partake in audiobooks or you feel tempted to try, the audiobook is a fantastic way to expand your reading. Perfect for people on the go or busy bees ready for a relaxing read, the audio medium can be enjoyed on the train, in the car, or even in the tub. At the end of the day, audiobooks allow people to read and that's what`s important!