How to get caught up when you fall behind in your reading

Shelves of books

I started my review of what I read in June and realized something: I hadn’t read very much at all in comparison to normal months. June was a pretty travel heavy month, and something I’m realizing more and more is that I don’t have a ton of time to read when I’m on the road (despite my best efforts). At least nothing super-long.[1. I did get to read a comic book that was completely bonkers (and amazing) though, so that’s something.]

I’ve got a growing pile of books that are sitting… waiting. They want me to read them. Some of them have deadlines attached, so I have to get them done (and will). Some of them I just want to read. So, if you’re a bit OCD about your reading (like me), how do you get caught up?

Focus on the ones that are most important. For me, that means the ones with deadlines have to be prioritized. Fortunately, those ones all look pretty great, especially a new one from B&H by Jackie Hill Perry. It also means not losing sight of the most important book of all, that being the Bible. If that one’s not being read, then who cares?

Finish books that have been in some state of reading for a long while. There are a few books that I’ve been reading on-and-off forever now. And for some reason, I just can’t get the things finished. Really good books, like Struck by Russ Ramsey, which I’ve started and stopped three times now.

Find the resolve to admit defeat. If all else fails, there’s this reality: if you fall behind, you’re probably not going to get caught up if you’re an aggressive reader. If you’re a one-book a month person, and you’re behind by one, you might be able to make it up. But when you’re six or seven behind, it’s okay to say, “I can’t do it.” Then go back to reading what you can.

Posted by Aaron Armstrong

Aaron is the author of several books for adults and children, as well as multiple documentaries and Bible studies. His latest book, I'm a Christian—Now What?: A Guide to Your New Life with Christ is available now.