6 legit tips to develop reading habit

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

Every year, most people set goals for themselves to read a certain number of books. But, just like most New Year resolutions, they become like every other unaccomplished word.

There are numerous benefits of reading good books. They can make your mind think deeper, teach you more about your field, sharpen your skills, curb your anxieties and generally just help you grow to the next level. Whatever your field or interests might be, it’s very important to create a consistent pattern and habit to read beyond your horizons.

If reading is a habit you’ll like to cultivate, there are some practical ways to approach it, especially if you always find yourself drifting from your reading goals.

However, it’s important to first have a deep willingness to read and grow in the process. Approach reading as a fun, enjoyable and transformational activity that ultimately impacts your life. With this kind of mindset, you’ll become intentional about the books you read by picking out those areas in your life that need improvement and plan towards growing to the next level by reading the right books that targets those problem areas.

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

Here are tips to help you cultivate a better and consistent reading habit:

1. Set Your Goals for Reading

One of the first thing you have to do in order to develop a reading habit is to set goals. Goals which are practical and have a purpose.

Without purpose, Goals are left behind in midway. So start off by brainstorming how books can help you in different aspects of life - academics, career, relationships, business, spiritual and more. Once the purpose is clear and you have concrete reasons for your goals. You will be able to move forward and stay motivated.

Now you have a purpose, you can define goals. And your goal is to start reading and catch a habit of reading. So start off by targeting some numbers, may it be 10 or 12 or 24 books in a year. And these numbers will differ from person to person depending on various factors. So let's assume you start with 12 books a year. Divide them into smaller targets, 1 book a month.

And I think 1 book in a month is practical and almost anyone can achieve this goal. So be on it and start with books that are enjoyable and not so boring for you to read.

2. A Book's list for each month

Once reading goals are set for a year, you will need a books' list now to follow up. Write down all the names of the books that are not so boring, you will enjoy reading and that you want to read. You can get help from friends and colleagues for recommendations.

It is good to have all the books that you want to read or that you have read, written down in a notepad, or dairy or maybe you can create a spreadsheet for them to be saved. So that you know which books are you going to read next and which books you have already read.

This reading list will help you stayed organised and focused on your goals. You can keep things a little more enhanced if you also include start and finish dates, lessons and important key notes.

to help you easily tick off once you’re done with each book. Note that, reading these books doesn’t mean discarding them afterwards. A list and log with notes about your thoughts will encourage you to look through them months later, just in case you need some inspiration at some point.

3. Read at Least 10-20 Pages a Day

If you’re looking to create a consistent reading pattern, then setting out a particular number of pages per day would work perfectly. Consider setting aside at least 10-20 pages per day to read, especially if you have a busy schedule. This process will help you stay focused as you look forward to accomplishing your daily goal of a specific number of pages. Focus leads to efficiency and soon enough, reading will become a lifestyle for you.

Be very proactive when you read. Don’t rush through, but instead take out time to understand and engage in the reading process. This way, you’ll be open to learn and be able to transfer that knowledge to others when opportunity comes.

4. Invest in Tools that Encourage Reading

When it comes to efficiency, it’s important to invest in the right tools that will set the pace for a better reading pattern. For those that love hard copy books, consider setting aside a good reading environment with appropriate table and chairs to help you stay focused. That way, you will gradually get accustomed to that space and look forward to your reading time.

For most people today, mobile apps, tablets, news aggregators, ebook readers, and other online tools actually work wonders. Because the world is digital, most people prefer having their handy mobile appliances that would help them stay on top of their goals. Figure out what tools work best for you and invest in them.

5. Set Reading Times and Days

Set aside specific times everyday to read your assigned book for the week/month and any other articles you may have bookmarked. Put away distractions such as turning off the TV and other things that may hinder your reading time. Ready 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 reading day to help you stay dedicated or catch up on other days you might have fallen back on your goals.

6. Get a Reading Partner or Book Club

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.

To develop a reading culture, you must first analyze your current reading habits. Do you read at all? Do you start off and stop at some point? Do you plan your reading or just read randomly? In order to truly achieve your reading goals and build a consistent reading habit, you’ll need to set up simple systems, use the right reading tools, find accountability partners, and generally be hungry to grow beyond your comfort zone.