Not so long ago, the thought of voluntarily reading a self-help or business book would have made me groan. Yet today, I devour 60 to 80 books a year. What changed? I discovered the incredible value these books offer—a wealth of knowledge condensed from years of experience, all for the price of a single meal. But, of course, there’s a catch: to reap these benefits, you actually have to read the books. And more importantly, you have to focus.
Reading, especially nonfiction, often competes against a noisy world packed with digital distractions. Social media feeds, endless notifications, and the constant ping of emails pull our attention in countless directions. So, how can one stay focused long enough to truly absorb the lessons these books offer?
The answer lies in mastering focus itself. And that’s where Nir Eyal’s Indistractable Model becomes a game-changer. This four-step framework offers practical strategies to not only make more time for reading but also enjoy and apply what you learn. Let’s explore how you can transform your reading habits by becoming indistractable.
Step 1: Tame Your Internal Triggers
For many of us, the real struggle with reading isn’t the act itself—it’s the internal discomfort that nudges us toward distraction. You pick up a dense business book, and within minutes, boredom or restlessness creeps in. The temptation to check your phone or wander into another task feels almost irresistible.
Nir Eyal argues that these feelings—what he calls internal triggers—are the root causes of distraction. Distraction isn’t merely about external interruptions; it’s about how we respond to our internal discomfort. When we feel bored, anxious, or restless, our instinct is to escape that feeling by diverting our attention elsewhere.
The key is to meet these internal triggers with curiosity instead of resistance. One effective approach, inspired by research from Ian Bogost at Georgia Tech, is to reframe reading as a form of play. Bogost discovered that by introducing elements of novelty and variability into routine tasks, we can transform even the most mundane activities into something enjoyable.
Think of reading as an adventure. Each turn of the page holds the potential for a new idea, a solution to a problem, or an insight that could change your life. In this way, reading becomes like playing a slot machine—each spin (or page turn) might yield a jackpot of wisdom. This perspective keeps your mind engaged and your attention anchored to the text, rather than drifting toward distractions.
Step 2: Schedule Time for Reading
In Eyal’s framework, actions that move you closer to your goals are called traction, while distractions pull you away from them. If reading is part of your personal growth plan, then it deserves a place on your calendar like any other priority.
The common excuse of “I don’t have time to read” often hides the real issue: reading hasn’t been scheduled. Carving out consistent reading sessions, even in small chunks, can add up to significant progress over time.
In my book Rise of the Reader, I recommend starting with two short reading sessions a day—15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night. That’s about 20 pages daily, leading to approximately 5,200 pages a year. That’s the equivalent of 20 or more books annually, all by dedicating a mere half-hour each day.
The key is consistency. When reading becomes part of your daily routine, it shifts from being an optional pastime to a non-negotiable habit. Over time, this steady accumulation of knowledge can lead to remarkable personal and professional growth.
Step 3: Eliminate External Triggers
Even with the best intentions, external triggers can easily sabotage a reading session. The familiar ding of a text message or email notification can quickly pull you into a vortex of distraction. Before you know it, what was meant to be a focused hour of reading has been devoured by social media scrolling.
To guard against this, you need to hack back external triggers. Start by turning off non-essential notifications on your devices. Create a designated reading space that signals to both your brain and those around you that this is your uninterrupted time.
If you share your space with others, simple visual cues can be remarkably effective. Wearing noise-canceling headphones, using a “Do Not Disturb” sign, or simply informing those around you of your reading schedule can significantly reduce interruptions.
One tool I’ve found especially helpful is a timed lock box. When I know I need to focus, I place my phone inside the box, set the timer, and let it work its magic. Without easy access to my phone, I’m free to immerse myself in the pages before me.
Step 4: Build Accountability Through Pacts
Accountability can be a powerful motivator when trying to establish any new habit, including reading. One simple method is to make pacts—commitments you create to hold yourself accountable. For example, promise yourself that you’ll read one chapter before you allow yourself to check social media or watch TV.
Better yet, involve others in your reading journey. Tell friends or family members about your reading goals so they can support and encourage you. Forming or joining a book club can elevate this sense of accountability even further.
Personally, I’ve found great value in meeting regularly with a group of friends who share my passion for reading. Every Friday, we gather to discuss the key takeaways from the books we’ve read and brainstorm ways to apply what we’ve learned. This not only deepens our understanding but also strengthens our friendships.
For those who prefer a quieter approach, silent book clubs are another excellent option. These gatherings allow participants to read together in a shared space without discussion, offering community without added pressure. A quick online search can help you find one nearby.
The Road to Becoming an Indistractable Reader
At its core, the journey to becoming a better reader is about more than just consuming more pages—it’s about creating the conditions that allow you to fully engage with what you’re reading. By addressing both internal and external distractions, scheduling consistent reading time, and building accountability, you can transform reading from a sporadic activity into a deeply rewarding daily practice.
Books contain the accumulated wisdom of those who’ve walked paths before us. With focused attention and disciplined habits, you can unlock that wisdom and apply it to your own life, setting yourself on a course for continuous growth and personal transformation.
So pick up that book, turn the page, and stay Indistractable.
