I (18F) hate reading but I keep buying books hoping I'll magically get the urge to read them. I take an interest for psychology and I have Atomic Habits since I've heard it's a great book. I've tried audiobooks and they help but I want to read physical books but don't know what to start with.
I want to find books that I literally cannot put down or stop thinking about. Or even books so helpful it rewires my brain. I struggle immensely with procrastination and efficient time management. I'm hoping to find a book that speaks to me and can help me with my habits.
I'm open to dark psychology, life habits, skills, and honestly anything or even advice!
by acura_integra2
3 Comments
If you’re struggling to finish books but still want something that sticks, you’re definitely not alone I’m the same way. I hate when books just feel like a slog, and the ones I actually finish are the ones that grab me emotionally or feel useful in a real way.
Since you mentioned Atomic Habits, that’s a great start. If you haven’t read it yet, try doing it in very short chunks and take notes that helped me remember things better than just listening.
If you want something that really reframes habits and thinking in a way that’s hard to forget, I’d also recommend Trouble off the Tee by Marty Midian not a self-help book, but it’s one of the few books I couldn’t put down and actually kept my attention, which might be the mindset shift you’re looking for. The narration on audiobook (especially the version read by Jake Adams) makes it feel more like a story than a “book I have to finish,” which helped me get over the hurdle of attention.
I found great use of the book driven to distraction. As someone with ADHD I didn’t realize how often it was incarnated into my daily life or the ways it could manifest. It taught me a lot about my strengths and solidified the importance of exercise and routine. Maybe if you have issue with time management and finishing things this kind of book will help you.
I generally would not suggest broad types of self help books. Specific interests are King here otherwise you’re going to let a psychopath wax philosophy at you. Ryder has a good book on bullet journals that has helped me a lot. It’s also nice to have the habit of drawing out and writing what you want done ever day. This type of organization is very good for everyone.
Honestly, if you hate reading, most self-help books are a rough place to start. They’re usually repetitive by design, which is great if you already like reading and terrible if you don’t.
A few suggestions that tend to work better for non-readers:
• Very short chapters or modular structure so you don’t feel trapped. You should be able to stop anywhere and still feel like you got something.
• Narrative or slightly unhinged energy, not “here are 12 principles.” Momentum matters more than wisdom at first.
Specific recs:
• Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman – It’s about time management, but in a “you’re not broken, the system is” way. Short chapters, sharp tone, no hustle-bro nonsense.
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson – I don’t love everything in it, but it’s readable, blunt, and keeps moving. Many people who never finish books actually finish this one.
• Atomic Habits is fine, but I’d say don’t try to read it cover to cover. Skim it. Skip around. Use it like a reference, not a novel.
Also totally valid to read 10 pages of a book, get something useful, and move on. That still counts.