Strategies for Cultivating a Reading Habit When You Struggle with It
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Chapter 1: The Journey to Embrace Reading
Reading is often a way to connect with others' thoughts and experiences. As William Nicholson aptly puts it, "We read to know we're not alone."
When it comes to my own reading journey, I commit to finishing one book a week, predominantly focusing on non-fiction. These books can be quite a challenge, requiring pauses to digest the material or even research concepts online.
On average, non-fiction works contain between 50,000 to 75,000 words. Given that a standard page has about 231 words and the typical reading speed is around 250 words per minute, let’s break down the numbers:
- An hour of reading yields approximately 14,280 words.
- For a 75,000-word book, that translates to roughly 322 pages.
- Consequently, you would cover about 61 pages in one hour.
This means it would take approximately six days to finish an average-sized book.
I didn’t cultivate this reading habit overnight; it has been a gradual process. Initially, I started with just one page a day. I was fortunate to grow up in an environment enriched by literature—my father was a dedicated reader, often found with a book or newspaper in hand, which inspired my own passion for reading.
A Simple Commitment to Start
I encourage you to set aside just 15 minutes daily for reading. This small commitment can lead to completing a 75,000-word book in three weeks, resulting in more than 17 books a year—a remarkable achievement!
Note: It's essential to take actionable insights from what you read. If a book doesn’t resonate with you, feel free to set it aside and move on to the next.
In my quest to understand how others successfully cultivate a reading habit, I turned to insights from Reddit. Here are several practical tips:
- Choose books from 2-3 genres that genuinely interest you.
- Reflect on the ideas or images that linger with you after reading.
- Establish a consistent reading time each day to create a routine.
- Revisit impactful books rather than always seeking new ones.
- Engage with the material by jotting down thoughts as you read.
- Ensure you're in a positive mindset when you sit down with a book.
- Limit distractions by putting your phone away while reading.
- Challenge yourself to explore at least one book outside your preferred genres.
- Don’t feel obligated to finish every book you start.
Section 1.1: Overcoming Initial Hurdles
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of reading more, you're not alone. I once struggled with this too. My aspiration is to read for 80% of my waking hours, balancing this with writing, exercising, and travel.
It’s crucial to avoid setting unrealistic reading goals. Instead of aiming to read a book each week right off the bat, start small. James Clear, author of "Atomic Habits," suggests beginning with just 1 to 5 pages a day. Gradually increase your reading time by a minute each day until you reach 15 minutes daily for 21 days. Maintain this for 66 days to help solidify the habit.
This timeframe is supported by research indicating that it takes about 66 days for most individuals to establish a new habit. Remember, reading is an active endeavor—it's not as passive as watching television. Reading a single page typically takes around a minute.
Section 1.2: Optimize Your Reading Time
Consider reading before diving into your smartphone. The internet can be a source of endless distraction, so make reading your priority.
One effective strategy is habit stacking: pair your reading time with an existing routine. For instance, if you enjoy morning coffee, place a book next to your coffee maker. This way, you’ll be reminded to read while preparing your morning brew.
Subsection 1.2.1: Engage with Audiobooks
Audiobooks can be a helpful alternative for those looking to absorb information while multitasking. While I prefer focused reading, trying audiobooks might be beneficial during the exploration phase.
Section 1.3: Shift Your Mindset
Start each day by affirming your love for reading. This practice can help change your subconscious attitude toward reading, alleviating any mental resistance.
I encourage you to vocalize positive affirmations about reading in front of a mirror. Over time, this simple act can reshape your self-identity as a reader.
Chapter 2: The Reading Environment
My reading journey has evolved significantly. I now find joy in acquiring books, with my monthly budget sometimes exceeding $1,000. The act of purchasing books is a humbling experience, reminding me of the vast knowledge I have yet to explore.
Note: Don’t worry about whether to read digitally or through physical books; both mediums have their merits. Personally, I cherish the tactile experience of a physical book, but digital devices like Kindle can be convenient too.
Ultimately, the key to developing a sustainable reading habit lies in setting manageable goals, prioritizing reading over mindless scrolling, and embracing the joy of learning.
Recommended Book:
"Deep Work" by Cal Newport
As a budding reader, I invite you to explore my insights on holistic health, productivity, and well-being. Join our community of like-minded individuals—sign up below, it's free!
The first video, "How to Read When You Hate Reading - 5 Tips and Tricks," shares practical strategies to foster your reading habit, even if you find it challenging.
The second video, "What to Do If You Hate Reading," offers additional insights on overcoming obstacles to reading, making it more enjoyable and accessible.