INCULCATING THE HABIT OF READING.

Reading is not just an important professional skill. It is also a way to enjoy informative, creative, and inspiring works of literature that enrich our life experiences.

You know reading is good for you, but you can’t seem to concentrate on reading the book you’ve picked up from the library or even the book you have to read for your course.

You read a few pages and then you get distracted, bored or tired and then you turn to your phone, laptop or the television.

You end up dragging the book around for months, moving it from the lecture hall to your hostel and to the study room, but you never seem to get around to actually reading it.

If you’re tired of this routine, there’s hope: reading is a habit you can develop and there are many ways you can turn into a bibliophile, an avid reader or whatever you want to call it.

All you have to do is consider the following tips:

PREPARE YOURSELF MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY.

Provide the best conditions for reading. Choose a place where you’ll have few interruptions, have good lighting, can sit in a good chair, and won’t be distracted by radio, TV or other noises.

Hold the book about fifteen inches away (about the distance from your elbow to your wrist).

Find a quiet place. Find a place in your home or campus where you can sit in a comfortable chair (don’t lay down or else you’re going to sleep) and curl up with a good book without interruptions.

There should be no television or computer near the chair to minimize distractions, and no music or noisy family members/roommates.

If you don’t have a place like this, create one.

Read as much as you are able. When you start getting bored or need a break, take one. No need to stress yourself. You might have a deadline or set goals to complete a certain number of pages per day but hey you don’t have to stress yourself over it.

when you start reading and you feel bored take a break but however you don’t have to make it a habit.

in as much as I will say it’s bad to take a break whiles reading, I’d say it’s the best practice to get you started.

DETERMINE YOUR READING GOAL.

In order to inculcate the habit of reading, it’s important to start off by setting a goal. This goal should be articulate and backed up with a purpose.

Start by thinking about how a consistent reading pattern can help you grow in different areas of your life- spiritual, academics, career, relationships and more.

When you find concrete reasons and a purpose attached to your goal, you’ll be more motivated to keep pushing and achieve it.

For some, it could be a goal of reading 24 books in a year. Another person might have a goal of 12, depending on various factors. Once you’re done placing a target figure to your reading goal, then divide them into smaller goals. An example could be, reading at least one book per month in order to achieve a bigger goal of 12 books in a year. Be determined to make it an enjoyable process; don’t see it as a tasking chore

SET DAYS AND TIMES FOR READING.

Set aside specific times everyday to read your assigned novel or course book and any other articles you may have bookmarked.

Reading for at least 30-40 minutes a day is a great start and would help you develop a concrete reading habit as you’ll always look forward to having your ‘me time’ that supports your reading goals.

You could also have a time table to help you stay dedicated or catch up on other days you might have fallen back on your goals.

ALWAYS CARRY SOME BOOK WITH YOU.

When you prepare for lectures, work, a visit to a friend’s house put a book in your bag. Also, you can have an online reading app download if you think that will be convenient (id advise against that though).

so you could read at any moment, for example at a bus stop waiting for a bus.

GET A READING PARTNER OR STUDY GROUP OR BOOK CLUB.

Your reading goals need to be backed up by accountability in order to help put a check and encourage you during times you don’t feel motivated.

Get a reading partner who has a heart and willingness to read, and create a plan to help you achieve your reading goals. With a book club, you’ll create a concrete strategy that constantly keeps you motivated and inspired to grow beyond your comfort zone. Such gatherings give you an opportunity to discuss lessons you learnt and other thoughts.

Don’t be a solo ranger and think you can achieve all your goals alone, no matter how small they are. You’ll need the right people to help you stay focused and encouraged towards not just your reading goals, but general life goals.

DON’T RUSH.

Reading for learning and enjoyment is never a sprint. Instead, take your time, nurture your skills and their development at your own pace.

Do not get discouraged if you are a slow reader, especially at first. Each day, as you read, your mind will take the reading tactics it learned before and apply them again, often with greater efficiency.

so you thought inculcating the habit of reading wasn’t easy? I know after reading the above tips your mindset has changed.

Next part: “HOW TO NOT FALL ASLEEP WHEN READING” (anticipate)

By Boakye Dacosta Alpha

#read #books #tips