I did not read many books while growing up. I read some of the children’s classics as an adult. I know I missed out on the fun of reading as a child, but I am glad I did not stay away from it forever.

Some of my friends who were avid readers in childhood do not read books anymore. They say they find it as difficult to read a book now as someone who has never read one.

Now, I am never without a book and I couldn’t be happier about it.

My ever increasing “Books To Read Before I Die” list keeps me excited each time I visit the library.

Developing a habit of reading is crucial and the good news is that it can be done at any stage in life. (Provided one really wants to do it)

Reading more ( Or start reading) tops in the list of new year resolutions set by people every year. Hence it is clearly one of the top priorities for most of us.

Though reading is still associated with having a book in your hand and a lot of us still prefer that, Kindle and Audible ( Audible Membership) have revolutionized the process of reading in many ways.
Lot of people prefer having an digital library on Kindle and many prefer listening to the books using Audible. Each one to his own. The magic of words can touch everyone irrespective of the medium used.

 

I am listing down some of the techniques that I followed while developing the habit as an adult.

1 Start With A Familiar Name:

Even if you have not been reading, you have definitely heard about some of the good books that your friends or colleagues have read and spoken about. Make a list of those books and start with one of them. Having heard about a book, you are more likely to read it till the end.
If you are someone who used to read, starting with a book that you loved reading as a child, is recommended.
Starting with a classic is not a good idea according to some writers.

“Never put off till tomorrow the book you can read today.” – Holbrook Jackson

2 Surround yourself with books:

You could borrow books from the library or visit a nearby used books store.
It is important to have access to more than one genre of books. Young adult fiction, Motivation (Biographies), Short Stories etc are good genres to start with.I prefer borrowing books from the library because the deadlines to return motivate me to finish the book.

“Fill your house with stacks of books, in all the crannies and all the nooks.” – Dr. Seuss

3 Set a specific reading time:

15-30 minutes daily is a good time to start with. You may have to “time” it initially till you become comfortable reading continuously. It is okay if you fall asleep. Don’t stop reading.

“Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.” – Mortimer J. Adler

4 Talk about the book you read:

Once you read a book, share your thoughts about the book with people around. This helps in keeping yourself motivated to read more.
You may even come across a different perspective about the same book.
I have made some very good friends over discussions about the books I read.

“You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.” – Paul Sweeney

5 Always carry a book in your bag:

Instead of reaching for your mobile, reach for your book while in a waiting lounge. While trying to create a reading habit, availability of a book at all times is very important.

“Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.” – Lemony Snicket

6 Progress at your own pace:

Don’t get disheartened if you are not able to read as much as you thought you could. Something is better than nothing. So be patient and keep trying. You Can Do It. Provided You Want To.

“To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life.” – W. Somerset Maugham

7 Reading should give joy:

Always remember that not all books can be read by everyone. Reading should give you joy. If you are not making any progress with a particular book, keep it aside and start a new one.
Don’t force yourself to read something just because you started it or someone recommended it to you.
However, some books get interesting after a couple of chapters. So keep that in mind and hang on if you completely trust the person who recommended it to you.

“If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.” – J.K. Rowling

Reading gives me so much joy. It brightens my day and broadens my mind.

Do you wish you read more? Or are you happy with how much you read?  What advice would you give someone who wants to know how to develop a reading habit? Share your tip in a comment below!

“With a book, you’re never alone” – Bisila Bokoko

I am linking a couple of my favorite books here. Happy Reading…

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