Have you ever wanted to become an avid reader, tried your hand at it, and failed miserably? Been there, done that! I'm an introvert and I've always loved reading. And I know that not all can relate to this because many don't have the patience to sit down with a book and just read.
Well, if you ask me, it isn't that big of a deal to find some time in your day to read a chapter or two. It all comes down to personal choices. If you've always wanted to fit in reading into your routine, you're already one step ahead of others. The next step is to make it a habit and find a way to make it stick.
I've listed down some of the tricks that have worked for me during the past few years where I've managed to read at least 24 books every year. Just 2 books a month. Alright, you don't even have to read 2 books every month! Reading just one good book a month sets you way ahead of those who don't read at all.
Curate a Reading List
Having a list of the books you'd like to read is a great way to kickstart your reading journey. Not sure what you want to read? Go online and search for books that have good ratings. Explore different genres and choose one that appeals to you.
Good Reads is an amazing place to curate a list of the books you want to read. It also provides good insights into the books you're interested in because there are people who are rating them from all around the world.
Start with a genre that excites you. Fiction or Non-fiction? Romance or crime thrillers? Memoir or personal development? There are so many options to choose from. Still not sure what you might like? Just start with books that are easy to read. Something short and simple.
I keep a reading list for the year on Good Reads. I read through reviews for the books that I'm interested in and add them to my list. Also, I get inspiration from book-recommendation articles and videos. Most of my list is filled with personal development and non-fiction books, with some psychological thrillers here and there.
Couple it with an existing habit
Decide when and where you want to read. Try and couple it with an existing habit. Maybe read a chapter or two with your morning coffee or any warm beverage. If you don't find time in the morning, squeeze some reading in right before going to bed, instead of scrolling through social media.
A good rule of thumb is to find a quiet and peaceful environment to read. It makes the whole experience a lot better.
I read right before I go to bed. This keeps me away from my phone for a good 30 minutes.
Join a Book Club
This is a great option if you want to stay accountable for your reading habit. There are so many online and offline book clubs you can join. Essentially, they choose one book that members read each month. By the end of the month, everyone regroups to discuss their insights on the book.
Becoming a part of such book clubs keeps you on top of your reading game. Also, you need to keep up with the deadline for a book.
Set a Target
In order to give yourself more direction, set a target of how many books you want to read in a month or a year. Decide how long are you gonna read each day or how many chapters you want to finish in a week.
Setting such goals is just to push you forward and keep you motivated. Remember to not get too caught up in such numbers. Our goal is not to focus blindly on such vanity metrics but to build a habit that genuinely benefits you.
My goal is to read 24 books by the end of the year. Anything more is a bonus! I read for at least 30 minutes and try to finish one chapter a day. The goal is achievable and keeps me on track.
Medium of Reading
There are three ways to choose how you want to read a book. We have the physical copies, e-books, and audiobooks. As far as I've noticed, people love the feeling they get by holding a physical copy of a book. Well, I won't disagree.
Investing in a Kindle is the best option if you'd ask me. It's much more sustainable and easy to carry around. Audiobooks are a good alternative if you don't have the patience to read a book line after line. They're quite convenient compared to the rest too.
Personally, I switch between the above three. Mostly, I read on my kindle. I listen to an audiobook whenever I'm doing house chores or traveling somewhere.
Reading has become a non-negotiable in my daily routine. If not books, I make sure to browse through a few articles and blog posts. From time to time, indulging in some poetry relaxes me. Knowledge is a lifelong art and you're really missing out by not starting today.
Happy Reading!