This post includes some great tips to help you figure out how you can make sure that you read more. It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and some suggested reading if you want even more information.
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Top Tips
Reading is not only a wonderful way to relax, it is a great way to learn. In fact, one of the best steps you can take for self-improvement is to read more.
Reading opens you up to a whole world of different skills, viewpoints and ideas that challenge you. Becoming an avid reader isn’t necessarily going to be easy, but it will definitely be worth it once you get started.
If you want to read more but have been struggling to make it happen, then try out some to these tips:
Start with a topic you love
If you’re trying to build a reading habit, then starting with something you love is a great choice. Starting a new habit is hard enough, why also battle against your personal preference? Choose a topic you’re really interested in and enjoy starting to read!
Set goals to challenge yourself
Are you the type of person that rises to a challenge? If so, then consider setting up your own reading challenges. You can focus on short-term goals such as trying to hit a certain number of pages each day. You can also look at the long term by challenging yourself to read X number of books in a year.
Schedule reading time
A lot of people claim that “lack of time” is their biggest hurdle when it comes to reading. You know how to fix that? Make time. Look at your schedule and figure out when you can pencil some reading time in. You will be surprised how easy it is to find some reading time each day.
Try an audio book
This might be a controversial suggestion in some circles, but don’t rule out audio books. Yes, it might not technically be “reading” but it is still a positive way to ingest exactly the same information. You can listen to an audio book while you’re driving or walking. It makes great use of this time and can open you up to new insights that you can actually read about later.
Consider an eBook subscription
Don’t worry, you don’t have to give up your physical books! But an eBook subscription is another way to find interesting things to read. A massive benefit is the wide libraries you can get access to for a small subscription fee. Many libraries also lend eBooks for free. eBooks ensure you’ll always have something on hand to read when you find yourself with time to kill.
Keep a reading log
Tracking the books you read is a great way to stay motivated to keep reading. As your list builds, your confidence will build too. You’ll want to keep adding to your list. This reading log is also useful to help you keep track of what you have read, or what you want to read in the future.
Are you sitting comfortably?
When you’re ready to get in some serious reading time, make sure that you can get comfortable. Find a comfy position on a comfy seat and settle in. Make sure you have good lighting for reading, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a snack or drink within reach too.
You don’t have to finish it!
A lot of people have an overwhelming urge to finish anything they start. While this is an admirable trait, it isn’t always conducive to building a reading habit. If you are bored out of your mind, or simply disinterested by the time you get through 50 pages or more, consider starting something new. Otherwise you’ll just put off picking up that book again rather than eagerly reaching for something you can’t wait to pick up again.
Join a Book Club
Joining a book club is a great idea for people wanting to read more. There is added accountability knowing you have to discuss the book with others on a regular basis. Plus, you might enjoy the social aspect of it as well.
Actionable steps
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| What book topics or genres excite you the most? Brainstorm a list of topics you’d like to read more about. | Choose a single topic or genre from the list you just created. Google search for books about that topic. You can also search for “best of” lists or the Amazon best sellers’ lists. Make a list of the books that interest you. | Choose one book that interests you and read the first 50 pages. If you like the book, continue. If it hasn’t caught your attention by then, stop reading and choose another book. |