Reading is not only a wonderful way to relax, it is an excellent tool for personal growth and development. 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, an enhanced vocabulary, viewpoints and ideas that challenge you. Becoming an avid reader isn't going to be easy, but it will be worth it. If you want to read more, but have been struggling, then try these easy tips.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
Start with a Topic You Love
If you are trying to build a reading habit, then starting with something you love is a great choice. Beginning any new habit is hard enough, why also battle against your personal preference? Choose a topic you are really interested in and get to reading!
Set Goals to Challenge Yourself
Are you the type of person that rises to a challenge? If so, then consider setting up your own challenges. You can focus on short-term trying to hit a certain number of pages each day. You can also look at the long term by challenging yourself to go through X number of books in a year.
"Reading and writing have always pulled me out of the darkest experiences in my life. Stories have given me a place in which to lose myself." – Roxane Gay Click To TweetAudio-books are Excellent Anytime
This might be a controversial suggestion in some circles, but don't dismiss audio-books. Yes, it might not technically be considered a physical book but it is still a positive way to ingest information. You can listen to an audio-book at anytime (i.e. driving or walking), plus it can open you up to new insights that you can actually study about later.
Consider an eBook Subscription
Another controversial step? Maybe, but I am not saying you have to give up your physical books. An eBook subscription is just another way to find interesting topics to learn about. A massive benefit is the wide libraries you can get access to for a small subscription fee. eBooks also ensure you always have something on hand to thumb through.
"When I think about how I understand my role as citizen, setting aside being president…the most important stuff I’ve learned I think I’ve learned from novels." – President Barack Obama Click To TweetMaintain a Book Tracking Log
Tracking the books you pore over is a great way to stay motivated in your quest toward personal growth and development. As your book list builds, your confidence will as well. You will want to keep adding to your list. Your log is also useful to help you keep track of what you have read, or what you want to read in the future.
Schedule your 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.
Get Comfortable
When you are ready to get in some serious reading time, make sure you are comfortable. Find a comfy position on a comfy seat and settle in. You should also have adequate lighting, and it wouldn't hurt to have a snack or drink within reach.
"Books are a form of political action. Books are knowledge. Books are reflection. Books change your mind." – Toni Morrison Click To TweetDon't Get Caught up in Finishing
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.
Become a Book Club Member
Joining a book club is a great idea for people who love books. 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.
3 Actionable Steps
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| What book topics or genres excite you the most? Brainstorm a list of topics you'd like to learn 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. | Select 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. |
Call to Action – let me know in the comments below, what types of books do you enjoy reading?
Victoria Parham (VP) is a woman of compassion, vision, faith, and purpose, she believes in meeting people where they are in their lives and offers a no-nonsense approach in her message, training, and coaching style.
Outspoken, wise, direct, thoughtful, and sometimes provocative, her message is always with love and respect. Victoria knows from her own experiences that we all have the power within us to make decisions and choices that can lead to living an authentic life that is enriching, filled with purpose, personal satisfaction, on-going growth, joy, and gratitude.Victoria believes that when we discover who we truly are, only then can we become our most authentic selves.
Outspoken, wise, direct, thoughtful, and sometimes provocative, her message is always with love and respect. Victoria knows from her own experiences that we all have the power within us to make decisions and choices that can lead to living an authentic life that is enriching, filled with purpose, personal satisfaction, on-going growth, joy, and gratitude.Victoria believes that when we discover who we truly are, only then can we become our most authentic selves.
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