World Book Lover’s Day Special: How to develop the habit of reading
If you look at the lifestyle of most great achievers you will find one thing in common – the habit of reading. Ancient scholars have emphasized the importance of reading in many of their works. Today's heroes like Bill Gates and Barack Obama are often seen to go public about their reading habits. This makes a lot of us interested in pursuing reading as a hobby.
However, with so many alternative means of entertainment available these days, most people feel that they lack the patience to take up reading. This is compounded by the myth that reading is a habit that has to be cultivated in one’s younger days. The fact is that one can take up reading at any age or time and access to Netflix or Spotify cannot stop you from it.
Today, as the whole world celebrates, World Book Lover’s Day, here’s a list of things you can do to take up reading as a passion.
Make a reading list
Most people who want to get to the habit of reading have a set of books in mind that they would want to read. Documenting the same in a physical form will help you take it seriously. The list need not be in the order of priority. Have two columns to specify the name of the author and the title. You may even specify the month you want to read a particular book on the list.
Maintain a log
Once you have a to-read list ready, the next step is to prepare a log of the books that you have read. Try to have columns for the days you started reading the book and when you completed it. Seeing the log fill up will let you realize how much you have progressed and will motivate you to do even better.
Choose your books well
When you start reading, you do not have to take literary masterpieces right away. Try to find books that grip you as those are the ones that will keep you going. Thrillers and romcoms are the most suitable read at this stage. It is only after you cultivate this habit of reading, should you progress to more difficult reads.
Maintain variety in your reading choices
If you read similar books one after the other, it is natural that you will get bored after a point. That is why you need to pick up different kinds of books. If you are unsure about whether a particular book is suitable for you, try to seek recommendations from people who have read the book. While making recommendations, remember that the better a person knows you, the more appropriate the recommendations will be. Hence, you should look for someone who is a bibliophile and is familiar with your likes and dislikes to give you worthy recommendations.
Set stipulated reading time
If you are finding it difficult to make time for reading, then start by setting aside a stipulated time. The duration of each reading session may be as little as 10 minutes. That makes it easier for you to fit it in your schedule. For example, you can make it a habit to read for 10 minutes before breakfast or during your lunch break. Once you get hooked to the idea of reading, this stipulated time will no longer be necessary.
Also, it will be a good idea to make a pact with yourself that you will read at least 20 pages every day.
Always carry a book or Kindle
In bigger towns and cities, one spends a considerable amount of their waking hours waiting in traffic. Moreover, the work-life of many people involves a lot of waiting. Having a book with you at such times will be the biggest encouragement for you to read. If your schedule involves a good amount of traveling at night, investing in a Kindle that has backlight will pay off.
Get a reading nook
When you start reading, any form of distraction may drive you to give up on it. That is why you must find a place where you will be comfortable reading. The place should be well ventilated, have good lightings and must be free from noise. Once you get to the habit of reading, none of this will matter to you and you will be able to read just about anywhere.
Cheaper alternatives
Another common myth surrounding reading is that it is an expensive hobby. However, the fact is that you do not have to buy first-hand books all the time. Most cities have good second-hand book stores where you can purchase books at a fraction of their original cost. If you are investing in a Kindle, you will be able to buy soft copies of books at much lower prices.
Do not treat it like a goal
While we understand that you want to cultivate this habit as soon as possible, you must enjoy your journey of becoming a reader. Do not compare your journey (or your reading speed for that matter) with that of anyone else. Enjoy the time you spend reading. Try to get to a cosy position while reading. Having some tea, coffee, chocolates or other munchies while reading will play a major role in making reading time the best time of the day.
Join a book club
Like every other hobby that you would like to cultivate, reading becomes a lot easier if you have a partner. Find out details of the nearest book club and see if you can join it. This will help you get out of your comfort zone and explore more books. Consequently, you will grow as a reader. The company will also make you accountable and help you to come up with a concrete strategy for taking up reading by providing book discussion sessions.
Now, we understand that it may be challenging to get to the habit of reading when there are faster modes of entertainment available. However, this is a habit that will go a long way in character building and help you become a more knowledgeable version of yourself.
This Book Lover’s Day, let us promise ourselves that we will try to inculcate this habit of reading in our lives.
