“Develop a habit of reading” is the most common advice we get since our lifetime from our mentors and well-wishers. The problem comes because we get overwhelmed by seeing tones of books on every topic, which leads to the most common question like “where to start from”, is there any right age to start reading books, and the most popular one “What are the best books to read for beginners”?
Wanting to read more, but not knowing where to start, is such a common conundrum. If you want to learn how to start reading more, but have been too intimidated to try, consider trying these tips.
Start by setting an easily attainable reading goal - such as reading just one book per month or 20 pages a day. If you're already breezing through a book a month then jump up to two. When you're not over-committing, you'll find that the reading experience is less stressful and more enjoyable. If your reading is not stressful, you will be able to concentrate and read fast.
How to set an achievable reading goal?
When you read books that you want to read, you'll find it more difficult to put them down.
This is an excellent way to encourage you to read more books because it's fun and interactive. For example, Goodreads has an annual challenge reading that enhances your reading goal. You can also discover new books to read by seeing what your friends have read.
Start by reading in a room that is quiet and doesn't have temptations like a TV.
I love physical books. Nothing beats the smell and texture of an actual book in your hands. And studies have found that reading print leads to better comprehension and retention compared to computer screens. But, sometimes carrying a book around isn't easy or convenient. Today you can read a book on your iPad or Kindle while traveling.
You should have a few set times during every day when you’ll read for at least 5-10 minutes. These are times that you will read no matter what — triggers that happen each day. For example, make it a habit to read during breakfast and during your tea time. And you can read in the car while going to your workplace and when you go to bed, you now have four times a day when you read for 10 minutes each — or 40 minutes a day. That’s a great start and gradually you can increase your reading time week by week.
Wherever you go carry your book with you. When I leave the house I always make sure to have my book with me. If there is a time when you have to wait (like at a clinic, bus stop, etc.), whip out your book and read. Great way to pass the time.
Keep a list of all the great books you want to read. You can keep this in your journal. Keep a running list, and cross out the ones you read.
Find a used book shop where you can get a discount on pre-owned books. A book store where you can exchange your old books for new ones or you can get a big discount on your new books.
You can get more old and new books in the library. Make a weekly trip to a library.
"The key to reading lots of books begins with stop thinking of it as some activity that you do." "Reading must become as natural as eating and breathing to you. It's not something you do because you feel like it, but because it's a reflex, a default."