4 Reasons You Don’t Read (And How to Change It)
Recently, in our Activation Book Circle, someone was brave enough to admit: “I really don’t connect with this author, and I’m having a hard time keeping up with the reading.”
If you’ve ever been part of a book group, you have probably been there. You might have even quietly agreed with the person who finally said it out loud. The truth is, not every book captivates every reader. This might explain why a significant number of adults haven't finished a book in the past year.
That honest comment started a great conversation and got me thinking about why we read. And, more importantly, why we choose to stop. It's easy to blame being busy, but often, the reasons run a little deeper.
Why We Stop Reading (And How to Reframe It)
When a book fails to grab our attention, our internal monologue often sounds the same. We tell ourselves it’s the book's fault. But what if we shifted our expectations? Here are four reframing exercises for the next time you want to stop reading and put the book in the donate pile.
1. "It doesn’t resonate with me."
This is a valid feeling. Not every message will land at the right time. But before you close the book, it's worth exploring that feeling of disconnect. Instead of a simple "yes" or "no" on resonance, try asking more specific questions to find hidden value.
What specifically doesn’t feel right? Is it the author’s tone, a particular chapter, or the core premise? Pinpointing the source of the disconnect can be a learning experience in itself.
What’s the 10% that might resonate? Even in a book you dislike, there is often a single sentence, idea, or anecdote that holds value. Look for that small piece you can take with you.
What part doesn’t fit my situation? Have I truly given it a shot? Sometimes, we resist ideas because they challenge our current way of thinking. Pushing through that initial resistance can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
2. "The author is boring."
Fair point. Not every book needs to read like a thrilling beach novel, especially when its purpose is professional development. If a book is a slower read, you don't have to force yourself through every single word. You are seeking transformation, not entertainment.
Instead of abandoning it, adjust your strategy. Scan the chapters, read the headings, and pull out the key points. Your goal is to identify one or two actionable steps. Progress, not perfection, is the point. You can extract immense value without enjoying every paragraph.
3. "It doesn’t fit my situation perfectly."
Here’s a secret: no book will ever be a perfect, one-to-one match for your life or business. The magic isn't in finding a book that mirrors your exact circumstances, but in finding one that stretches your thinking.
Reading for growth means looking for principles, not just prescriptions. Ask yourself powerful questions to bridge the gap between the author's world and your own.
If this advice did apply to me, what might that look like? This creative exercise can unlock new possibilities.
How could this different perspective expand my own thinking? Even if you disagree with the author, understanding their viewpoint can strengthen your own convictions or open your mind to alternatives.
4. "There’s so much information, it’s overwhelming."
Information overload is real. Some books are so packed with insights that you feel like you're drinking from a firehose. This can lead to paralysis, where you do nothing because you feel you must do everything.
Combat this overwhelm with a simple system. After each chapter, jot down three main takeaways. Then, review your list and highlight the single most important one you can act on right now. This approach turns a mountain of information into a series of small, manageable steps. Then, after you've worked on all your action items, decide if you want to revisit the book and see what other takeaways you can pull out.
The Real Reason We Read for Growth
We read business and development books because they open our minds and expand our worlds. We get the chance to learn from people who have already navigated the challenges we are facing right now. We gain access to years of experience and wisdom condensed into a few hundred pages.
Some books provide direct truths that you can immediately apply to your business. Others offer a new lens through which to see your work and your life, fundamentally shifting how you think.
Think of it like receiving feedback. Whether you find it insightful, challenging, or even irritating, the way you handle new information often matters more than the information itself. Will you dismiss it, or will you let it inform you? Better yet, will you allow it to transform you?
Before You Open Your Next Book
To get the most out of your reading time, it helps to begin with the end in mind. Before you even crack the spine, take a moment to set your intention. Ask yourself:
What is the most important reason I am opening this book?
What do I hope to learn or achieve by reading it?
What specific problem might this book help me solve?
Am I looking for entertainment, inspiration, information, or transformation?
How is my perspective different from the author's, and what can I learn from that difference?
And remember, it’s also okay to decide a book isn’t for you. Giving yourself permission to mark a book as "DNF" (did not finish) is a powerful act. With millions of books published, you are allowed to skip a few. The goal is to find the ones that will help you move forward, not to finish every single one you start.