How to Read 10 Pages Every Day: 75 Soft Guide

Reading 10 pages of a non-fiction book daily is one of the four 75 Soft Challenge tasks. It's the easiest task to skip—and often the most transformative when you don't. Here's how to build a reading habit that lasts.

Why 10 Pages?

The number is intentional:

• Achievable: Takes only 15-20 minutes for most readers
• Cumulative: ~5-6 books over 75 days (~750+ pages)
• Habit-forming: Small enough to do daily, big enough to matter
• Mindset shift: Proves you're "someone who reads"

The Math of 10 Pages Daily

This puts you ahead of 80% of adults who read less than 5 books yearly.

When to Read

Morning Reading

Best for: Early risers, those who like starting the day intentionally

• Read with morning coffee
• Before checking phone/email
• While eating breakfast
• Sets positive tone for the day

Lunch Break Reading

Best for: Office workers, those with structured schedules

• Take 20 minutes during lunch
• Find a quiet spot
• Mental break from work
• Recharge for afternoon

Evening Reading

Best for: Night owls, those who like winding down

• Replace screen time before bed
• Helps signal sleep time to brain
• Quiet reflection time
• Ritual to end the day

Commute Reading

Best for: Those with transit commutes

• Physical book or e-reader
• Productive use of downtime
• Audiobooks if driving (see below)

Where to Read

Create a dedicated reading spot:

• Comfortable chair with good lighting
• Minimal distractions
• Associated only with reading
• Everything you need within reach

Or read opportunistically:

• Waiting rooms
• Coffee shops
• Parks and outdoors
• Anywhere you have 15 minutes

What to Read

The 75 Soft Rule

Traditionally: non-fiction, self-improvement, or educational books

Categories That Count

• Personal development
• Business and entrepreneurship
• Psychology and behavior
• Health and fitness
• Biography and memoir
• Science and technology
• Philosophy
• Skills development

Book Recommendations

Personal Development:

• "Atomic Habits" by James Clear
• "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey
• "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins
• "Mindset" by Carol Dweck

Psychology & Behavior:

• "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman
• "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg
• "Influence" by Robert Cialdini
• "Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman

Health & Wellness:

• "Why We Sleep" by Matthew Walker
• "The Body" by Bill Bryson
• "Spark" by John Ratey
• "How Not to Die" by Michael Greger

Business & Career:

• "Deep Work" by Cal Newport
• "So Good They Can't Ignore You" by Cal Newport
• "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries
• "Good to Great" by Jim Collins

Building the Habit

Habit Stacking

Attach reading to an existing habit:

• "After I make my morning coffee, I read 10 pages"
• "After I eat dinner, I read 10 pages"
• "After I get into bed, I read 10 pages before sleep"

Remove Friction

• Keep your current book visible
• Have your next book ready before finishing
• Use a bookmark so you never lose your place
• Keep books in multiple locations (home, office, bag)

Create Accountability

• Share what you're reading with a friend
• Post updates on social media
• Join a book club or reading community
• Track in the 75 Soft app

Tips for Consistent Reading

Start Even When You Don't Feel Like It

• Commit to just 5 pages when unmotivated
• Often you'll keep going once started
• "Just start" is half the battle

Don't Force Books That Aren't Working

• If a book loses you after 50 pages, it's okay to switch
• Life's too short for books you hate
• This isn't school—you choose your curriculum

Take Brief Notes

• Highlight passages that resonate
• Write one-sentence takeaways
• Review highlights later
• Apply insights to your life

Mix It Up

• Alternate heavy and light reads
• Switch between topics
• Try different formats (physical, digital, audio)

The Audiobook Question

Do audiobooks count for 75 Soft?

This is debated:

• Purists say: No—reading is reading, listening is different
• Pragmatists say: Yes—the point is learning and growth

Our take: If audiobooks are the only way you'll consistently learn, they're better than nothing. But try physical/digital reading too—the focus it requires is part of the benefit.

If you use audiobooks:

• 10 pages ≈ 20-30 minutes of listening
• Listen actively, not as background noise
• Pair with a physical book you read at home

Overcoming Common Obstacles

"I don't have time"

• 10 pages takes 15-20 minutes
• You likely scroll social media longer than that
• Reading can replace screen time
• Early morning or right before bed always works

"I can't focus"

• Start with shorter sessions (5 pages, then 10)
• Remove phone from the room
• Use a physical book to avoid digital distractions
• Focus improves with practice

"I fall asleep when reading"

• Read earlier in the evening
• Try a different reading position
• Choose more engaging books
• Read in better lighting

"I read slowly"

• Speed isn't the goal—understanding is
• 10 pages might take 30 minutes, and that's fine
• Your speed will naturally improve with practice
• Quality over quantity

Beyond 75 Days

The reading habit is often the most lasting gift of the 75 Soft Challenge. Many participants:

• Continue reading daily after the challenge
• Increase to 20+ pages per day
• Join book clubs
• Build personal libraries
• Report this as the most transformative habit

Track Your Reading

Use the 75 Soft app to:

• Check off daily reading completion
• Build your reading streak
• Unlock milestones
• See your 75-day journey

Remember: the goal isn't just to read 750 pages. It's to become someone who reads—someone who invests in their own growth every single day.