6 Ways To Develop A Reading Habit

What do I do? 

Hi friends, today I will be talking to you about how to develop a reading habit. This is one habit that few people have, even though I think everyone should have it. No worries though, if you don’t. Just read on, and by the end of the post you will be on your way to developing this new habit.

So generally, out of all my friends I am the only person who reads. By this I mean, reading anything that is not related to school or a newspaper. This is like a ratio of 1:20, and I haven’t even added my family here. Whenever I have asked why they don’t read anything else, I have gotten the following excuses, which may be familiar because you may be using them too.

  • I am too busy. I have no time to read.
  • It is so boring! I fall asleep every time I start a book.
  • I can’t remember the stuff I read. What was the main character’s name again?
  • I feel intimidated. Look at all those pages-> They usually say this while pointing at one of my books.
  • I can’t sit still for all those hours.
  • All those pages with no pictures? No thanks.
  • My vocabulary is limited. I don’t understand half of the words in those books!
  • What is the point if am not getting a test at the end?

Okay, so you get the picture. There are a lot of excuses, and reasons that people come up with to explain why they don’t read. This group of people is however divided into two. Those who are just not interested in reading, and those who are, but don’t know how to go about it. This post is for the latter, so read on and let me know what you think. 

Note: By the way, reading is very important so if you are in the first group please move to the second one, then read this post.

1. Read on what you are passionate about.

This sounds obvious, but it really isn’t. I know so many people who think that the only categories of books that exist are romance. You know the kind with a half naked couple on the cover, but I am here to tell you that that isn’t true. There are so many categories of books that I can’t even get into here, but I can always make a post for if you want. There are books on every topic you can think of. 

No matter what it is, there is a book for/about it. So just search for books on topics you are interested in. I assure you that it will be easier to read about something you love.

2. Read something short.

This is solves a lot of problems. In fact, it solves the first five problems I have stated above. There is something called a short story. Just find a book with a collection of stories, and read one every day. Within a short time you’ll find yourself completing a whole book. If you don’t want that, you can read comics, or any other book related to point one. There are books that are about fifty pages or less, get some of those on Amazon. No one will think less off you.

 3. Read a little at a time.

No pressure. Take your time when reading, and be patient with yourself. It is the only way this will work. This means going back to read that whole page you didn’t understand or re-reading that sentence again.

4. Allocate time and space for reading.
If you want to do something then you’ll find time for it. If you don’t want to… 
So find the time, and place to read every day. You can decide to read at night in bed or during your commute, and even when waiting on a long queue. This is by the way the secret to reading a lot of books, so try it.
5.Buddy read
It is up to you to decide what kind of buddy you want. Some would prefer a bookaholic one, while others would prefer one who is just starting out on reading like them. It is your choice so choose wisely. The buddy read thing works in two ways.

  • It helps to keep you excited about the book you are reading. This also works when they cheer you on when the reading gets hard.
  • It keeps up your competitive spirit. You wouldn’t want to lag behind when your friend is halfway through the book, and you’ve barely started on it would you?

6. Get excited about reading.
You can do this by joining the following:

  • A book club- This can be an online one or the one at home or school.
  • Goodreads, or any other online platform.
Trust me there is nothing that will get you excited about reading like joining a group of bookaholics. The excitement is more contagious than the common cold. You will get so excited over books you’ve never heard of. Just make sure you have enough money, because you will have a very long tbr list to deal with. 

For those with problem number 8 then this will work for you. Join a serious book club in which you’ll be required to give an analysis of the book you are reading, and it will feel like a test of some kind for you. You will have to read the book if you have a bunch of people staring at you hanging on your every word.

No pressure.


You'll be slaying this reading thing in no time.

*I hope this helps you. Let me know what you think on the comments section, because I’d love to hear from you. Don’t be shy. 

*Follow me on my Social Media accounts because am trying to build a network of fellow bookaholics. Follow me and I’ll follow back.
Finally if you loved this post, please share it! 




Comments

  1. This post is so interesting! Also, I tagged you in the Fall Time, Cosy Time Book Tag!
    The questions are on my blog:
    http://whatmakesagoodbook.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Abigail, I'm glad you liked it. I am so excited! I have never done a book tag before.

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