If you were an avid reader in the past but are no longer reading as many books as you once did, you’ve come to the right place. I used to stay up until 1 or 2 a.m. in the morning during my teen years and early twenties. But life happened, and I became so occupied with my professional life that I lost this wonderful habit. I used to feel bad for not reading more books. But I’m glad I’m slowly regaining this habit. However, it was not easy. For the last two years, I have experimented with many methods and techniques to rekindle my love of books.
I will share the practical tips that worked for me in this article.
Get the Kindle app for your phone.
It will be convenient to read whenever you are bored. Instead of scrolling around social media, simply read a few paragraphs.📲 When I’m on the bus, I use the Kindle app. If you have an Amazon Kindle device, that is great. However, taking an extra gadget with me does not always work, so I usually leave my Kindle at home. Bottom line, it’s time to use your Kindle device or the Kindle app on your smartphone.
Physical books over digital books
I’ve tried reading digital books, such as PDFs and EPUBs. But last year, I resumed buying hardcover books. Do not get me wrong. Sustainability is very important to me. That is why I exclusively purchase books from online thrift stores or secondhand books on Amazon. Ordering from thrift stores requires patience because some books may be out of stock, and you may need to place an order for a particular number to receive free shipping. But I absolutely love purchasing hardcopy books. I can annotate them and carry them, and the experience of reading physical books is different from reading digitally. Amazon used books are also excellent, and if you have a Prime subscription, you will not have to worry about shipping fees. This year, I’m investing heavily in hardcover books. I believe that your investment in books will never fail you.
3 books on board
As someone who is easily bored, I choose three novels to read at any given moment. So I can always start reading another book instead of stopping due to boredom. These books should come from many genres. I usually read personal development books, historical fiction, and other nonfiction genres. Currently, I’m reading Dandapani’s “The Power of Unwavering Focus”, Haruki Murakami’s “Norwegian Woods”, and Eric Reis’s “The Lean Startup.”
First, choose your category, and then select three books that you wish to read right now. When I was younger, I believed that I needed to complete one book at a time. However, when I became bored, I would not return to reading until the next time I felt like it. Having additional options is entertaining and helps to develop a consistent habit. In addition, you are studying three separate worlds of information and knowledge.
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Don’t forget about setting a target
This one is crucial. How many books do you want to read in a year? You should set this target before the start. Instead of aimlessly searching for books, I made a list at the start of 2024. This list lists how many books I intend to read this year. This also helps me determine how much progress I’ve made. This is working wonderfully for me. I plan to read 12 books this year. You might wish to start with 3. Do not push yourself. Simply let the habit sink in initially, and after the momentum is established, finishing 50 books each year will be easy. 50 books per year is my long-term reading goal.
Night + Kindle = Mood
At night, I try to make the best use of my Kindle. Keep your Kindle on your bedside table. Don’t move it. So, when you go to bed, your Kindle will remind you to read a few pages. Just read a few pages before you get too drowsy. Sleeping in bed with a warm blanket and a Kindle or any other book is one of life’s greatest privileges, in my opinion. If you don’t have a Kindle, try bedroom lighting or a cheap clip-on reading light from Amazon instead of keeping lights on. Heavy lights before bedtime will disrupt your sleeping schedule.
Morning coffee & Books
Morning coffee is also an ideal time for self-love, and I enjoy reading a few pages. I sit by the windows and start my day with a few pages of wisdom. However, mornings can be rushed. So skip the weekday mornings. But Saturday mornings and reading settle me down, and I can fully enjoy the weekend without having to rush to catch the bus or go anywhere.
Repeat books
Books continue to be the most condensed source of knowledge. Writing an excellent, in-depth book takes years. Today, there are many kinds of contents. However, in my opinion, nothing compares to books in terms of information, knowledge, and wisdom. Thus, repeat it if you end up falling in love with any books along the way. Read it again and again. Like Bob Proctor, who studied Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” for decades, if you come across a wealth of knowledge like that, make sure to read it several times over so you can apply all of the knowledge in your life.
Again, building habits takes time. Be patient. The rewards of this amazing habit are enormous.