Source: www.timeshighereducation.com
I believe it is definitely cliché to say that reading is good. Everyone knows and awares of it. Let alone abundant researches, theorist, and experiences from successful figures have been disseminated denoting the importance of reading ranging from giving pleasure to advancing brain’s level activity (https://selfhelpfix.com/benefits-of-reading.php).
Thus, talking about it feels like adding a cup of salt into an ocean. Nevertheless, mentioning some enormous facts of readings habit conducted by high achiever person might worthwhile in addition to motivating. The current successful young technological entrepreneur, Mark Zuckerberg, just two years ago, committed that he would finish one book every two weeks. This achievement, when compared to his earlier champion such as Warren Buffett and Elon Musk is nothing . Warren Buffett reads 500 pages every day, while a young Elon Musk read for 10 hours each day before growing up to become Tesla CEO.
source: https://libwww.freelibrary.org
So, how then to build such important habits? Here, I gather tips from many experts mixed with my own experiences to start reading habits. I sum it up in 8 steps to build reading habits:
What it your purpose for reading?
This question is the first important step to start your journey for it will determine what kind of books are worth reading and the strategy you can apply to tackle the books. If your reason is for pleasure rather than academics than probably you will read more fictions rather than non-fiction and vice versa. Also, you don't necessarily need any tactical steps to read the book.Start with a book that you enjoy or need depending on your purpose of reading.
Bill Gates, in one of his interview, said that he will not read something that the won’t finish. So it is always wise not to start the reading habit with a heavy stuff-book. Try a simple and enjoyable book, then build up from that.Find your convenient form of reading material: Traditional books or digital.
This might not seem that important. However, to some people, it is a matter of convenience and to make yourself comfortable and enjoyable is important!Schedule a time
If you are just saying that I will just read whenever I am available or feeling good, then you will never start building a habit, because there is always a reason to say “the best time to read is tomorrow!” (if you know what I mean :D). So, block a time in a day for yourself to practice you habits. For instance, the best to do reading for me is from 6 am o’clock to 7 am or I will spend about 45 minutes from 6 am - 7 am for reading.Eliminate Any Distractions
This might mean you have to activate the "airplane mode" on your phone for an hour, lock yourself in a room or if it means to buy a noise cancellation tool then go buy it!Set a Goal for Your Daily Reading
It is very helpful if we set a daily goal such as finishing 15-20 pages a day or 5-10 pages a day.Talk about your reading of your friends
Have you ever feel that after reading that you got nothing at all? Yeah, congratulation! you are not alone. It is always a good idea to share what you have read with your friends or anyone you feel comfortable to share.
source: https://i.ytimg.comTrack your habit using apps
Keeping track of your new habit is the best way to keep motivated and to check and balances yourself hence you can see your own progress. One way to do this by downloading apps. The app that I have used called "COACH.ME". This is a free app available both for IOS and Android.
So this is all the tips. I would love to hear if any of you have any questions, comments, and recommendation to build the reading habits more effective.
great tips! its truly important to build reading habits,especially teachers and parents who are the primary role models of children. if we dont have the habit and enthusiasm for reading,it will be difficult to pass on the passion to the children. will wait for your next post on how to help children appreciate (especially in the gadget driven world of theirs) and build their own habit of reading.
Thank you for the positive comment! @teacheryuyu. I agree with you!. This is a very challenging yet at the same time most rewarding age for everyone! I will share more once I finish the writing.