One of my goals each year is to read more books and strengthen my reading habits. I make lists of books to read every year and I’m sure you’ve done the same. However, when you are already halfway through the year and you review that list, you realize that you have not read even half of what you had planned, and you feel a little frustrated and disappointed by this small failure. The good news is that you still have time. This used to happen to me a lot, but in the last two years, I have been able to achieve my goal and, better yet, overcome it. I want to share with you my secret, a compilation of what I have applied and what has worked for me to create the habit of reading, strengthen, it, and improve it every day.
Start with a book you like
Mili, why would I read a book I don’t like Many times we want to start reading classics (because everyone has read them) or books that are very popular (for the same reason) and we make a big mistake, because they are very heavy readings or they don’t hook us, we end up abandoning the book, the habit and feeling frustrated. So take the time to carefully choose a book that you like. I am a staunch defender of physical books, but I cannot ignore the benefits of technology, so you can find many options in digital. You can also explore your home library and dust off one that catches your attention with its description.
Choose a space that you like
Find a place with good lighting, a comfortable space that is pleasant for you, and, if possible, with as few distractions as possible. In this way, you will connect the moment of reading with something pleasant and this is essential to start forming the habit. Little by little, you will discover which is the place that you connect with reading and it will become your favorite corner.
Set aside some time every day for reading
Start by dedicating at least 15 minutes each day to reading, little by little you will increase this time without realizing it. The issue of time is important. We often say that we don’t read because we don’t have time for it, we are too busy with too many activities and tasks to complete. But the truth is that if you analyze what you are spending every minute of your day on, you will surely find about 15 minutes that you are wasting on social media, for example, and that you can replace with this new habit that will leave you with greater benefits.
Finish the book you started
That’s why it’s important to follow the first recommendation on this list. If you like a book, you’ll want to finish it. And again, if you abandon the book without finishing it, it’ll be very easy to abandon the habit you’re starting to cultivaCommitt to yourself to finish the book you’ve already started and I guarantee you’ll feel great satisfaction when you see that you’ve accomplished it. You’ll be able to cross something off your to-read list and that act is rewarding.
Underline the parts that interest you or phrases that you want to remember
When I was in school I was taught not to scratch books, but at home, I saw my mother doing it, so I preferred to imitate my mother, and today I am grateful for that decision. I understand that this practice has many detractors because of the care of books that is instilled in us from childhood; however, from my experience,e I guarantee that with this underlining technique, you can retain much more of what you have read and in this was,y you will not accumulate readings for the sake of accumulating, but you will also be able to apply what you have read and share it with others.
Participate in reading clubs
Sharing what you are reading with others will allow you to expand your knowledge, you will have greater retention of what you have read and you will be able to enjoy the interpretation that other people have of the same reading, which is enriching. On the other hand, participating in these types of communities helps you maintain the habit you are creating. When you are about to give up on reading or abandon it, you can rely on your reading community and get the encouragement you need.
Do it for 90 consecutive days
There are many formulas and posts that guarantee that in 21 days you can acquire a new habit. I’m sorry to be the one to tell you that this formula is false, I have tried it with different habits and what does work for me is doing it for 90 consecutive days.