• Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Kalyn Brooke

Simple Solutions to Manage Everyday Life

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Shop
  • Contact

How to Know What to Read Next (Every Time)

June 13 // 2 Comments // 5 Minute Read

Jump To Recipe Β· Print Recipe
  • Facebook33
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest103
  • Email
If you're a book nerd like me, you probably want reading habits that allow you to read more books. But I've quickly discovered the BEST reading habit is figuring out the right books to read!
 This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.
These reading habits make so much sense! I've always focused on finding more time to read but never thought about making sure I filled that time with quality book choices. I just love Kalyn's intentional reading system and while I didn't think I could ever be in the middle of more than one book at a time, I'm ready to give it a shot! #readinghabits #reading #books

During almost every visit to my grandmother's house, I gravitate toward her tightly packed bookshelves and the stack of books resting in the basket next to her favorite recliner.

My grandmother is a diverse reader. From biographies to memoirs, to theology and books about current events, she is always in the middle of two or three books at a time.

And I remember her distinctly saying when I reached high school age, “If you want to be well-read, you have to expand your reading tastes.” At the time, I was knee deep in fluffy Christian fiction reads, which I rather enjoyed, and I couldn't imagine reading anything else.

And yet her comment stuck with me and pushed me past my literary comfort zone.

I didn't want to shy away from challenging reads just because I couldn't fly through it in an afternoon. I really did want to broaden my horizons. Learn more about how the world works. And discover a way to grow as a person, through my reading.

So after making reading a bigger priority in my life, I made intentional reading a priority too.

Don't get me wrongβ€”it's still important to pick up books that excite you! I'm a sucker for good reviews and usually only read books recommended to me–sometimes from multiple sources! I also will set a book down without guilt if I'm not interested by the third chapter, no matter what genre it is.

How about you?

When you look over your “Read” list, do the titles accurately reflect the type of books you want to read? Or could you branch out? Do you want to experience new places, people, and ideas?

As an intentional reader, you have the power to shape and influence your life based on the next book you pick up. Here's my 3-step system for deciding what that next book should be.

1. Define your Reading Goals

Just like you have goals for your life, you can set goals for your reading habits too. Here are some questions to ask to determine your goals:

  • What do you want to learn more about?
  • Do you want to explore the world through travel memoirs?
  • Do you like getting to know historic figures through their biographies?
  • Do you desire to learn practical tips to improve your health?
  • Do you dream of discovering new ways to launch or scale your home business?

Knowing yourself and your interests is the first step to expanding your reading life. As I noted before, I'd read only fiction if I had the chance! But my reading goal is I want to develop my reading life in terms of productivity and personal growth, as well as read business books to improve and grow as an entrepreneur.

So the books I typically pick up fit either in the fiction, personal development, or business category. I try to have a good mix of all three going at once and focus on one from each category every month.

2. Make an Intentional To-Read List

List maker as you are, you probably already have a “to be read” list somewhere. But now it's time to make an intentional to-read list with books from the goals you've honed in on above.

You can do this using Goodreads (here's my list!), an Amazon Wish List, or creating a paper list inside your bullet journal. The key is to keep every title you want to read in one place so you always know where to go when it's time to choose another book.

Where to find good books:

  • Modern Mrs. Darcy's What Should I Read Next? podcast (I get a lot of my book ideas from her blog but especially love her podcast interviews!)
  • Book recommendations from friends (Conversations often turn to books and we often swap titles we can't stop thinking about.)
  • New book releases from favorite authors and bloggers (like my blogger friend Kim Anderson's recent book!)
  • Book lists on Club31Women
  • The best kept secret in your town

Reading more books doesn't have to mean a bloated line item in your budget. If you're trying to cut down on the amount you spend on books, you can find thousands of free paperbacks and eBooks HERE.

3. Create a System for Reading

If you really do want to create better reading habits, simply adding a title to a list and hoping you get a chance to read it probably isn't going to be enough. Sometimes you need to add a fun step to get that book off your nightstand or bookshelf and into your hands!

You could:

  • Participate in a reading challenge like this annual event hosted by Modern Mrs. Darcy. Or follow Ana on Instagram for a peek into readathons, book parties, and more. You might be challenged to read books waiting patiently on your to-read list, reading books with a person on the cover (novels, biographies), and reading books in a row that begin with every letter of the alphabet.
  • Establish a routine to fit reading into your day at strategic times. In the morning after my devotions, I read a business book to get me pumped for the day or I read a personal book to think on throughout the day. I savor my fiction books for only at bed (I don't want to think at night!).
  • Start a Bookstagram (book-only Instagram account) or book blog. Writing a review or posting a photo of your next read keeps you accountable with your reading goals and as an added perk, you get to share the love of reading with a like-minded community.

Psst… Here's the cheapest and best way to start a blog.

  • Join a bookclub. If there's not one in your area, start one! Or you could get together with a bookish friend, pick the same book to read, and discuss it each week over coffee. Reading a book with friends is sometimes even more fun than reading it alone.

(Get this mug HERE)

Just so we're clear, reading intentionally is not about a list of rules of what you should and shouldn't read. It's about expanding your horizons into the type of reader you want to be.

As I've pushed back the fictional curtain and immersed myself in more thought-provoking reads, I've experienced a greater sense of well-being. Some of the books that have impacted me the most were non-fiction titles I would have normally passed by:

  • I've created more margin in my life as a result of reading The Best Yes.
  • I've stopped feeling guilty about not being a morning person after reading The Power of When.
  • I've completely revamped my goal-setting structure and get MORE done because I recently read The 12 Week Year.

Maybe you're the opposite and you haven't read fiction in so long you can't remember why you stopped. Find a good story and rediscover the joy of losing yourself in a novel. Whatever book you decide to pick up next, give a little more thought to what kind of books you want to influence and shape your life.

Because it's not about reading as many books as you can. It's about reading the RIGHT books.

What genre would you love be more intentional about?

 

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

« Previous Post10 Improvement Projects to Get the Most Value from Your Home
Next Post »How to Take Charge of Your Day with Time Blocking


Comments

  1. Lauren Lanker says

    February 18 at 11:06 pm

    Ahhhhh! Soaked up so much goodness in this post. I really admire how you push yourself to read books in genres you don’t naturally gravitate toward. I gotta start doing the same. Also, I followed lots of fun bookish rabbit trails thanks to you. (Including leaving you a book review of “31 Days to Radically Reduce Your Expenses” on Goodreads. πŸ˜‰ Gotta keep spreadin’ the good word!

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      February 19 at 12:09 pm

      Aww, thanks! Bookish rabbit trails are the best kind of rabbit trails. πŸ™‚

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi, I’m Kalyn—a recovering perfectionist who nerds out about organizing systems, personal productivity, and helping you prioritize what matters over the pressure to do it all. I have a feeling we’re about to become the best of friends! Learn more >>

New? Start Here!

  • Take a Tour
  • Become a BFF
  • Favorite Recipes
  • The Printable Library
  • Just for Bloggers
  • Visit the Shop

kalynbrookeco

πŸ‘©β€πŸ’» | I help value-driven women lead manageable + meaningful lives.
πŸ’¬ | INFJ / Enneagram 1
πŸš™ | RV Life @openroading
πŸ‘‡ | Resources + Links


Instagram post 2190817877047784603_242948575
Even though we won't be spending Christmas in the RV, I just had to put up a few decorations to enjoy before we leave! πŸŽ„β£
⁣
The next three weeks will be our first time traveling without our home-on-wheels and I'm feeling all sorts of anxiety over choosing what items to pack. We've always had everything we need with us, which means I'll probably forget something. 😬 RV living tends to spoil you in that way!⁣
⁣
Q: Are you staying home for the holidays or going out of town?

Instagram post 2188622923628264971_242948575
Earlier this fall I hosted a Facebook challenge where I invited you to define what self-care looks like for your life while making an intentional effort to incorporate it into your week. πŸ“†β£
⁣
This event was even more popular than I expected, and I am so pleased with the positive results many of you shared!⁣
⁣
What I didn't expect? πŸ‘€β£
⁣
The haters.⁣
⁣
Some readers morally disagreed with my Facebook self-care event and let me know by messaging me and calling self-care "misguided," "unbiblical," and even an "idol." ⁣
⁣
Let me be clear: I do agree that we should be careful about our priorities and not neglect our responsibilities completely for the sake of a little me-time.⁣
⁣
πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘¦ Your family still needs you.⁣
πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘¦ Your church still needs you.⁣
πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘¦ Your community still needs you.⁣
⁣
What they don't need is someone who is a frazzled, stressed-out mess who serves out of obligation rather than joy. Because when we demonize rest, we inadvertently swing the pendulum the other way and create an idol out of working, serving, and hustling. βš–β£
⁣
God didn't intend for us to wear ourselves out for His glory. Rather, I think He created us with needs (food, water, shelter, rest, etc.) to remind us that we ultimately *need* Him.⁣
⁣
So when you take time to address those needs and care for yourself, remember that it's not selfish. It's just wise.

Instagram post 2186605700330038386_242948575
Are you ready for Turkey Day tomorrow? Although I’m not hosting this year, I’m helping my sis-in-law prepare and contributing my Creamy Parmesan Mashed potatoes and a cherry pie (Joseph’s request) ☝ to the menu. ⁣
⁣
When I *did* host Thanksgiving, my family made fun of me for being over-prepared, but they later told me it was the smoothest Thanksgiving they’ve ever hadβ€”and they weren’t just talking about the mashed potatoes! πŸ₯”⁣
⁣
I relied on these seven tips to pull things off without a hitch:⁣
⁣
1️⃣ Read over your recipes one more time and confirm you have ALL the ingredients. ⁣
⁣
2️⃣ Create your day-of timeline. Calculate backward from dinner time so you know exactly what needs to be in the oven when.⁣
⁣
3️⃣ Copy/hang recipes on your cabinets  so you can see everything you need to make at a glance rather than being forced to flip through several cookbooks.⁣
⁣
4️⃣ Lay out and label all food dishes (including serving ware) with sticky notes.⁣
⁣
5️⃣ Set the table. (And perhaps bust out some crime scene tape to keep kiddos out of the dining room!) 🀣⁣
⁣
6️⃣ Make whatever food you can ahead of time, whether it’s chopping veggies, assembling dry ingredients, or making the entire recipe and refrigerating until it’s time to warm! ⁣
⁣
7️⃣ Do a quick clean of your kitchen so it’s fresh and ready for the big day!⁣
⁣
Remember: the point of Thanksgiving is NOT to pull it off perfectly. 🚫⁣
⁣
No one cares if you spill blueberries for the fruit salad all over the floor (true story) or you pull a too-jiggly peanut butter pie out of the fridge because it didn’t set right (also a true story). Those are just extra memories you can add to a table already brimming with abundance...and gratitude. 🍽Q: What is your favorite pie to eat at Thanksgiving?

Instagram post 2184616251306487700_242948575
Family members are just about as different as the ice cream toppings they choose. 🍨⁣
⁣
Even though we love them unconditionally, it's not easy for family to come together during the holidays and have it be completely drama-free. There's increased social pressure, obligation, tradition, personality differences, and always a comment or two that makes you bristle, whether it was intended that way or not! 😀⁣
⁣
So, how can you celebrate holidays without the drama? πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦β£
⁣
PREPARE. Head into family get-togethers knowing how you’ll respond in a tense situation. πŸ—£β£
⁣
Here are three ideas:⁣
⁣
1️⃣ Leave the conversation and start a new one with someone else. πŸšΆπŸ»β€β™€οΈβ£
2️⃣ Ignore the frustrating comments, and shift the conversation. 🀐⁣
3️⃣ Engage--but instead of gearing up for battle, respond with a curiosity-driven dialogue. Ask questions in order to understand the other person's perspective, rather than focus on "winning" the argument. πŸ₯Šβ£
⁣
Most of all, prioritize being kind over being right. Because if you approach conversations with a different attitude, your button-pusher might too. πŸ˜‰β£
⁣
Q: On a lighter note, what is YOUR favorite ice cream topping? I love rainbow sprinkles!

Instagram post 2182143856291887272_242948575
Introverts, UNITE! Separately. In their own homes. And you better not stop by without calling...er...texting first. ⁣
⁣
Whether you're an introvert yourself or have a best friend who's idea of a wild Friday night is a date with a snuggly blanket and book, then you're going to love these brilliant gift ideas picked out by an introvert (that's me!) FOR introverts! ⁣
⁣
This roundup includes "Small Talk Survivor" pins, "Go Away" doormats and my new favorite sweatshirt, "It's Too Peopley Outside" among other laugh-worthy gifts. ⁣
⁣
Drop a gift emoji in the comments below, and I'll send you a link to the curated list. Or you can access the post via the link in my profile!

Instagram post 2179979505929828586_242948575
Although Upstate NY might be where I grew up, Florida will always feel like home. 🌴⁣
⁣
When Joseph and I moved here six years ago, we were officially on our own for the first time. Without family super close by, we had to establish friendships and speed-date churches and navigate new-to-us grocery stores all by ourselves. We finally felt like adults! πŸ˜†β£
⁣
While we don't have roots holding us here anymore (we sold our physical home exactly one year ago!), I'm thrilled to be back...especially since the Sunshine State is one of the only warm spots from December-March for an RV. β˜€β£
⁣
All that to say, if you're looking for me in the next few months, I'd check the beach first! πŸ–β£
⁣
Q: Is there a place that feels like home to you, even if you might not live there anymore?


Load More…


Follow on Instagram


ARE YOU EXHAUSTED TRYING TO DO IT ALL?

Privacy Policy
You’ll love the freedom found inside my Saturday morning newsletter
Copyright © 2019 Β· Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
ARE YOU EXHAUSTED TRYING TO DO IT ALL?
Privacy Policy
You'll love the freedom found inside my Saturday morning newsletter
Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy