How to Get Yourself (and Stick To) Reading Every Day |
Posted: January 8, 2018 |
Sometimes actually following through with set goals is easier said than done. We all know that reading more has benefits, such as memory improvement and stress reduction, but for many, getting into the routine is challenging with trouble starting or keeping up with it. Often, reading becomes so daunting that it's shelved. But there is hope! See below: 1.Quitters Sometimes Prosper If you find it hard to get into a book, consider that it might not be you, it might be the book. If you feel forced and are not enjoying yourself, put that book down. Just because your friend likes the newest Jodi Picoult book doesn't mean it's also right for you. Give something else a try. And if that doesn't work, another one. Find the right book to get you started on your reading adventure. 2. Share It One way to keep goals on target is by sharing. You've probably heard of "workout buddies", friends who motivate each other to work out by doing it together. Get yourself a "reading buddy." If you have a child, you have a built-in buddy. Put aside a block of time each night to read aloud. You'll both look forward to the experience and time spent. You can also join a book club. Meeting and talking with people reading the same book will help you maintain your goals, and also get you engaged in the reading. 3. Make a Schedule Make a schedule of your days and where you can fit reading time in. If you have meetings every Monday morning, arrive early and sit and read. If you commute by train into work, read then. If you have a lunch break, read. Even if it's only for a few moments and even if it's only once a day, pencil reading into your daily routine. Better yet, permanent marker it in. That you can't erase. 4. Give Up Something Else Examine what you spend a majority of your free time doing. You probably spend a good amount watching television or on the Internet. While those things are of course fun ways to waste time, you could also not waste your time reading. Especially at night. Reading for a half hour before bed instead of looking at a bright screen will drastically help you sleep. 5. Stay Focused Today, it is easy to get distracted. And sometimes you don't realize that it's happening. How many times have you Googled something specific, like how to convert ounces into cups, and then suddenly it's twenty minutes later and you are knee-deep in articles on famous Internet cats. Try to limit these distractions. Leave your laptop and cell phone in another room with the sounds off. Don't read in a room that has a TV. Let those around you know not to disturb you. The more time you spend immersed in reading, the more you will enjoy it and keep enjoying it. 6. Keep It on Hand Always keep a book with you. Just in case. You might get stuck in traffic on the way to work. Your lunch date might be running late. You might find yourself all caught up on your work at your job. Literally, anything can happen and suddenly a bit of time will open up. Always be prepared. 7. Write About It If you are someone who has trouble keeping everything straight while reading, take notes. For instance, keep a log of Orwell's Animal Farm chapter summaries. If you find yourself confused or lost, you can refer back to your notes. Don't stop reading just because you suddenly feel lost. Backtrack. Reading should never be a chore or assignment. It should (and will) be a pleasure that you'll come back to again and again. As soon as you get yourself into it!
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