Are You Struggling to Finish Reading a Book? Here’s What Helped Me

Have you ever started a book with excitement only to find yourself halfway through, unable to finish it? Does reading feel like a task you struggle to complete? If this sounds like you, then this article is for you.

At the start of each year, many of us write down our goals, hoping to tick them off one by one as the months go by. Some of us even quote Habakkuk 2:2, which advises us to “write the vision, make it plain.” While writing down goals is a great start, we often overlook an important truth: some goals require more than writing and praying over them. They demand discipline, effort, and action—because there are things God will not do for us.

For years, I personally struggled with finishing a book. I could pick up a book and read it for an entire year—yes, a whole year—and still not finish it. Sound familiar?

In this article, I’ll share what helped me overcome this struggle and how I gradually built the habit of finishing books. These tips might help you too.

Building the Discipline to Read During Prayer and Fasting

For me, the turning point came in moments of fasting and prayer. There’s something powerful about the stillness of prayer—a time when distractions fade, and you can focus on God’s word and other meaningful activities.

Before turning 30 and after, I embarked on two transformative fasts. The first was a 30-day fast before my 30th birthday. It wasn’t easy, but it was life-changing. During this time, I cut out all distractions. I deleted social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat from my phone and limited myself to watching only edifying YouTube content. It was a season of cleansing my soul.

This period of consecration allowed me to focus on several things:

• I completed the manuscripts for my books, Sow, Grow, Reap: Pruning to Bear the Fruit of the Spirit from Within, The Fruit of the Spirit for Kids, and The Fruitful Companions.
• I immersed myself in the Bible, sermons that helped me grow spiritually, and Bible reading plans from the YouVersion app.
• I developed a new habit of reading books.

Fast forward to the beginning of 2024, I embarked on my most challenging fast yet—the 21-day Daniel Fast. I documented my experience in a YouTube video, which you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WowJDR16-Zw

During this fast, I incorporated the same practices from my 30-day fast—no social media distractions and focused time in prayer. I also began reading books more intentionally. I started with one chapter a day, and before long, I was reading two or three chapters daily.

Finding Inspiration to Read

One sermon that greatly inspired me was by the late Dr. Myles Munroe, where he challenged himself to read at least three books a month. His words stuck with me, and I decided to set a similar goal for myself: one book a month. While I didn’t always meet this target, I found that reading became a vital part of my daily routine. If I skip a day without reading, it feels like something is missing.

Tips That Helped Me

One habit that transformed my reading journey was finding times and places that naturally fit into my routine. For instance, I read books that interest me before bed, comfortably in my bed with my bedside lamp on. If you enjoy reading in bed, this approach might work for you too.

Sometimes, I read during the day in my office or while lying on my couch. The key is to think of times in your schedule that are most convenient and relaxing for you to incorporate reading.

Tools That Helped Me

Another habit that has enriched my reading journey is daily Bible study. My Inspired to Pray Daily journal has been a crucial tool. It allows me to record my prayers and reflections while I study God’s word. I also use a small devotional handbook called Our Daily Bread alongside my Bible and journal to stay consistent in the Word.

Tips for Building Your Reading Routine

Here are some practical tips to help you get started:

1. Start Small: Set a goal to read just one chapter a day. Gradually increase as you build the habit.
2. Eliminate Distractions: Create a distraction-free environment, especially during moments of prayer and reflection.
3. Choose Interesting Books: Pick books that genuinely excite and inspire you.
4. Incorporate Devotionals: Combine your reading time with Bible study to nurture your spiritual growth.

Conclusion

Finishing a book is not just about discipline—it’s about creating a routine that works for you. Start small, stay consistent, and allow God to guide you in areas where you need strength.

Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. With prayer, intentionality, and the right tools, you can achieve your reading goals and more.

Let’s make 2025 the year we accomplish even the goals we once thought impossible!