Congratulations! You’re already one step closer just by reading this post. The main requirement for doing something is simply having the desire to do it. This desire will motivate you to work towards it and figure out ways to make it happen. When it comes to developing a reading habit, the first step is wanting to create one.
Developing a reading habit, like any other habit, takes time and effort. It doesn’t happen overnight or within a week. How long does it take to develop a reading habit? Everything is individual for everyone and depends on the books chosen, but the standard rule of 66 days applies here. Time and this post are all you need to start building your reading habits. Whether you’re a new reader or someone returning to reading, this post will definitely be of assistance to you.
How do you develop a good reading habit?
#1 Surround yourself with reading enthusiasts
If you have friends who enjoy reading, try engaging in more frequent conversations with them, especially regarding the books they read. If you don’t have such friends, consider making new acquaintances who share a love for reading. You can also follow fellow book enthusiasts on platforms like Instagram or Twitter, and explore book blogs, including mine!
Observing others immersed in their reading can ignite your own desire to dive into books. We are often influenced by the people who surround us, so one effective way to shape your own habits is by surrounding yourself with individuals you aspire to be like. To cultivate a reading habit, aim to interact frequently with fellow book lovers.
#2 Find good books
Discovering great books can be quite a challenge. At first, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the multitude of options, which can lead to decision fatigue and drain your energy before you even begin reading. To make the book selection process easier, you can explore curated lists compiled by leaders you admire, search for the favorite books of successful individuals you follow, ask for recommendations from people you look up to, or simply follow your own interests.
A convenient way to find good books is the novel app with recommendations and filters. Many people use FictionMe, which has a large selection of books and can even be played in audio mode. Also, Fiction Live also comes to the rescue, where you can find something interesting. If you have a story-reading app and a good selection of books at your fingertips, you are more likely to become a reading fan.
#3 Read every day
Creating a plan is a powerful tool. When you jot down or share your commitment to doing something at a specific time every day, you feel compelled to stick to it. It may not always happen, but it stays on your mind when the time comes around.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19138285/AI_fiction_writing_GettyImages_1124658526.jpg)
To establish a habit at a particular time, I set recurring reminders on my phone to prompt me daily. This strategy proves helpful, especially in the beginning, as it serves as a reminder of the action I need to take.
The optimal times for reading are typically right after waking up or just before going to bed since you are not occupied with other tasks. You can also choose to read during tea breaks or after returning home from school or work. Find a little downtime in your day, dedicate it to reading, and enjoy the benefits it offers.
#4 Make your reading space comfortable
Your reading space should be comfortable enough to allow for focused concentration, free from distractions such as pets or television sets. Wherever you choose it to be, as long as you find enjoyment in that space, it will suffice. Additionally, utilizing tools such as e-readers can be beneficial, particularly when you are on the go or find yourself in dimly lit environments.
#5 Track your progress
Tracking your reading habits can greatly assist in forming a consistent habit. This way, you can keep tabs on your progress and be reminded of books that piqued your interest but were left unfinished. It’s remarkable how he transformed himself into an erudite individual by immersing himself in law and gaining expertise in multiple disciplines. Remember, a few pages a day can do wonders in maintaining your sanity and escaping reality.
#6 Find a book similar to the one you liked
When you finish a book that you enjoyed, take some time to search for similar ones. You can search using the title and author, or consider other factors that appeal to you. For instance, if you liked that the main character was a lost royal, there are several books with that theme. If you enjoyed the queer romance, here’s a list of queer books you might enjoy. If the epistolary format captured your interest, there are more books available in that style. Are you a fan of romance? Give more books from that genre a try. You can even take up AI novel writing on a topic that interests you. The AI does most of the work, but you still have to supervise it.
#7 Read early in the morning
One way to kick-start your day is by dedicating just a few minutes to reading in the morning. You could aim to read at least 20 pages, even if it means waking up an hour earlier. You’ll find that your mind is clear and your body is relaxed after a good night’s sleep, making it the perfect time to invest in yourself. It’s important to remember that some habits have a significant impact on your life, even if they don’t feel urgent. So, take small steps towards making positive changes.
Conclusion
Forming a habit takes time, more than just a few days and one thing alone. To embed a reading routine, you must diversify your approach. That’s something often overlooked in other articles on reading. Remember, there’s no rush to tackle everything at once. Start by picking one element and incorporating it into your routine. Once you’ve accomplished that, move on to the next, and so forth.
Also, Read The Following: Instant Cash Advances for Gig Workers.
