As a book trader, your life revolves around books — not just collecting but devouring them. However, one of the biggest challenges is increasing reading speed without losing comprehension. Reading slowly can limit how many books you enjoy or how much knowledge you gain.
The good news is that increasing reading speed is achievable with some simple daily habits grounded in science. Rather than chasing tricky speed reading gimmicks, the best way is consistent, purposeful practice that boosts both speed and understanding.
In this article, you will discover effective ways for book traders to increase reading speed through daily habits that fit easily into your routine. These will help you enjoy more books and trading knowledge without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Your 3 Daily Habits To Increase Reading Speed
Habit 1 — Read Every Day For Pleasure
Why: Reading regularly trains your brain to recognize words faster and process text more efficiently. It naturally improves reading speed without sacrificing comprehension.
How: Set aside at least 15 to 20 minutes daily to read something you truly enjoy and can understand easily. This could be fiction, a topic you love, or lighter material that keeps you motivated.
Cue: Keep a favorite book or e-reader within sight as a reminder to read daily, like before bed or after meals.
Habit 2 — Practice Using a Visual Tracker
Why: Using a pen or finger to guide your eyes eliminates regression (rereading) and reduces fixation time per line, increasing reading speed.
How: While reading, use a pen or your finger to underline or pace each line, moving steadily without going back. Start slow and gradually increase your pace over sessions.
Cue: Make it part of your reading setup: hold a pen or have your finger ready each time you read.
Habit 3 — Build Your Background Knowledge and Vocabulary
Why: Knowing the topic well and understanding nuanced word meanings mean your brain spends less time decoding text and more time grasping meaning quickly.
How: When you encounter unfamiliar words or concepts, pause briefly to look them up or read related articles. Over time, this deepens your familiarity and speeds up subsequent reading.
Cue: Keep a dictionary app or notes section handy to quickly check words and concepts during reading sessions.
Week 1 Schedule
| Day | Daily Habit Focus | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Read for Pleasure | 20 |
| Tuesday | Use Visual Tracker | 15 |
| Wednesday | Build Knowledge / Vocabulary | 15 |
| Thursday | Read for Pleasure | 20 |
| Friday | Use Visual Tracker | 15 |
| Saturday | Build Knowledge / Vocabulary | 15 |
| Sunday | Combined Habits Review | 25 |
Troubleshooting
Barrier: Getting bored or feeling mentally fatigued during daily reading.
Fix: Choose content that you genuinely enjoy or topics that intrigue you. Shorten sessions and gradually build up time as focus improves.
Barrier: Difficulty maintaining steady eye movement with a visual tracker.
Fix: Start slowly and focus on smooth pacing rather than speed. Practice with easier texts before advancing.
Barrier: Forgetting to look up unfamiliar words or concepts.
Fix: Use a reading journal or app reminder to capture new terms immediately and review them later.
FAQs
Q: Will increasing reading speed reduce my comprehension?
A: When you follow the daily habits consistently, your reading speed and comprehension both improve. The key is gradually increasing speed while ensuring understanding.
Q: Is speed reading a good option for all types of books?
A: Speed reading techniques work best for non-fiction and informational texts. Enjoyment reading, like novels, benefits more from a deeper, slower pace.
Q: How long does it take to see improvement in reading speed?
A: With daily habits, you may notice improvements within a few weeks. The more consistent you are, the faster and more sustainable the progress.
Tracking & Motivation Tips
To stay motivated while trying to increase reading speed, keep a simple reading log tracking daily minutes read, pages covered, and any new words learned. Celebrate small wins, like finishing a book faster or comprehending challenging texts more easily. Remind yourself how increasing reading speed helps you enjoy more knowledge and connect better during book trades.
Key Takeaways To Increase Reading Speed
Increasing reading speed requires practice and patience. Focus on daily habits like reading regularly for pleasure, using visual trackers to pace your eyes, and building background knowledge and vocabulary. These habits together enhance your brain’s ability to process text faster while maintaining comprehension, making you a more skilled and efficient book trader.
