How I got myself into reading more

One of the things I wanted to change for so long is to start reading more, and this is how I did it.

I’ve never been an avid reader. To be honest, I’ve never really liked reading. Even in school, I did everything I could to pass the tests without actually reading the book. I would dare to say that I haven’t read 65% of the books I should have, or I was expected to.

Yes, I know, it’s shocking 🤯.

I was never too fond of the idea and the concept of reading a book and then interpreting it in the way the professor expects you to. At least that’s how classes in my school/country looked like.

When I started college, I went to law school, I was so fed up with reading and studying that I couldn’t even look at the book, not to mention reading it.

What has changed in the meantime? ⏳

As I was growing older, 32 now, I decided that it is time to change that habit. That’s on my “to do/goals/resolution” list for several years now, and I didn’t have much luck moving forward.

What I’ve tried so far?

Reading tracker

Ok, so the first thing I’ve tried is of course habit i.e reading tracker. I use an undated Moleskin weekly planner to have some kind of organized life, and I’ve started putting little squares every week with the name of the book I planned on reading and then color it if I did (see in the picture below).

As you may notice, it didn’t go well. Out of 7 days in the week, I would spend some time reading during 2 or 3 days tops. So I moved on to the next method.

Dedicated reading time

I’ve read somewhere that you should dedicate reading time every day, let’s say 30 minutes a day you would spend reading.

That was a disaster. Why? Because I’ve spent more time checking how much time I have left than doing the actual reading.

Moving on to the next one.

Reading challenges

One year I’ve stumbled upon a reading challenge, 52 books in 52 weeks. Ambitious I know. And guess what, it was an epic failure. I’ve spent more time trying to find a book to fit in each category than to read it.

These things are meant for real bookworms, not someone who is trying to introduce a habit.

One thing I’ve learned in that challenge was to stop reading a book if you are not feeling it. You are not in school, it is not mandatory. If you don’t feel/like it, drop it. Not every book is meant for you.

What actually worked for me?

A simple thing that I didn’t think of earlier, but so effective. When I grab my phone to endlessly scroll on social media, I grab a book/Kindle (I bought Kindle, it is easier and more economical — I’m not addicted to smell of books).

Or, I grab my phone to play some ridiculous game, I grab my Kindle.

If there is nothing on TV I would enjoy watching, instead of watching anything else, I grab my Kindle.

It’s been 18 days of 2021, and I already read one book and started another one. I’m so proud of myself! 🤗