How to Finish Books (Simple, but Effective Strategy)

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably got a pile of half-read books lying around. Finding the time and motivation to finish them can feel impossible with everything else going on. But here’s the deal—it’s not about having more time, it’s about having a solid system. And today, I’m going to show you exactly how to finish books without stressing, rushing, or feeling overwhelmed. 😌

Trust me, if I can finish over 50 books in a year while juggling a crazy schedule, you can do it too. The secret? It’s simple but effective. Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Why finishing books matters

Finishing books is important because the real value comes from completing the entire journey, not just getting halfway through. When you only skim or stop midway, you’re missing out on key insights that often come together in the later chapters.

Also, let’s be real—half-reading feels like wasted effort. You’ve already put in the time to start, so why not finish?

When you complete a book, you get the full picture of the author’s ideas. Ideas build on each other throughout the book, and by the end, you often have a better understanding of the whole concept. The lessons or stories make more sense, and you’ll actually remember them longer.

Finishing books also creates a sense of accomplishment. When you finish something, it feels rewarding, and you’ll be motivated to pick up the next one. It’s a simple mindset shift—if you commit to finishing, you’ll be more likely to start and finish the next book.

Instead of rushing through or giving up halfway, try thinking of books like a journey you’ve started—why leave it unfinished when the best part could be waiting at the end?

The key strategy to finish books

The key to finishing books is simple: break it down, day by day.

Before the start of each month, pick the books you want to read. Personally, I choose four books—one for each week. Once you’ve got your books, go through them and check the total number of pages. Divide that number by seven (since there are seven days in a week), and you’ll know exactly how much you need to read daily to finish it in a week.

To make this process easier, I use sticky notes or markers. For example, if the book has 350 pages, I’ll divide it by seven and get 50 pages a day. Put a marker every 50 pages so you can see exactly where you need to stop each day.

This little visual reminder makes it super easy to stay on track. By the end of the week, you’ll have finished the book.

It’s not strict—if you miss a day, just catch up the next. If you want to read more one day, go for it. It’s all about progress, not perfection.

And here’s the thing—it works. 👍

How to split your reading categories

To finish books efficiently, split your reading into categories. This keeps your approach organized and manageable. Here’s how to do it:

Physical Books

Aim for a specific number each month.
Set a realistic goal—one book a week works well for most.
This is where you get to enjoy the tactile experience of reading.

Audiobooks

Listen while working out, driving, or walking.
Target two audiobooks a month.
For shorter self-help books, you can finish them quickly—often within three to five hours.

Digital Books

Aim for one ebook per month.
Treat this category with less rigidity. It’s for those quick moments when you have a spare second.
Use your phone or e-reader to scroll when you’re on the go.

By categorizing your reading, you can create a balance that fits your lifestyle. It reduces overwhelm and helps you stay on track. If you’re falling behind on a digital book, consider picking up the audiobook version. This way, you can double down on your progress while maximizing your reading experience.

Using time efficiently

Finding those hidden moments in your day can make all the difference when trying to finish books. Every second counts!

Think about your daily routine. Are there times when you’re just waiting around? Maybe you’re commuting, standing in line, or even taking a break at work. Use these moments to read!

Here are some effective ways to squeeze in reading:

Commute: If you take public transport, grab a book or your e-reader. Even if you’re driving, consider an audiobook—perfect for maximizing that travel time.
Workouts: Whether you’re on a treadmill or taking a walk, audiobooks are great companions. You’ll be surprised how many pages you can get through while exercising!
Breaks: Use your lunch or coffee breaks wisely. Even 10-15 minutes can help you knock out some pages. Make it a habit to pull out your book instead of scrolling on your phone.
Waiting: Doctor’s appointments, waiting for friends, or even during commercials can add up! Keep a book or audiobook handy so you can fill that time effectively.

By leveraging these opportunities, you’ll find that finishing books becomes less daunting. Make reading a part of your daily routine, and it won’t feel like a chore anymore! Just remember, the key is to be consistent.

How audiobooks speed things up

Audiobooks can seriously accelerate your reading game. They let you consume books while doing other things, making it easier to fit more content into your day.

You can listen while you’re:

Working out
Driving
Walking

This multitasking means you’re not sacrificing time; you’re just using it more effectively.

When it comes to speed, you can play around with the playback settings. Most platforms let you increase the speed, and you might find that you can comfortably listen at 2x speed.

But what about those boring parts? Speed it up to 3x! If a section is interesting, slow it down to 1.5x so you can really soak it in.

This approach lets you stay engaged without losing interest. You might even find yourself racing through a book much faster than you would reading it on your own.

And here’s a pro tip: if you find you’re lagging on a book, consider grabbing the audiobook on Audible. You can speed up your listening process and when you’re near the end, simply return the audiobook. Then, finish it on your e-reader.

This combo of strategies can transform how you approach reading, making it much easier to fit books into your busy life.

How Mind Lab Pro helps you stay sharp

Mind Lab Pro is a game changer for your reading experience. This nootropic enhances cognitive function, allowing you to read faster and retain more information.

Staying focused is crucial when tackling multiple books. Mind Lab Pro helps eliminate distractions, letting you dive deep into your reading without losing momentum. You’ll find words flowing effortlessly, and your comprehension will soar.

With improved memory, you won’t just finish books; you’ll actually remember what you read. This is especially important for complex topics.

Mind Lab Pro also supports mental clarity, helping you analyze and synthesize information quickly. You can grasp key concepts and connect ideas seamlessly.

Maximize your reading sessions with Mind Lab Pro. It’s the boost you need to power through those pages and truly enjoy what you read.

Learn more about Mind Lab Pro