10 Tips to Read More Books
Arts & Entertainment → Books & Music
- Author Emily Luna
- Published August 28, 2016
- Word count 735
A survey carried out 15 years ago showed that almost half of Americans didn’t read a single book in 12 months. Since then, reading rates have been falling. Sometimes this happens just because we don’t have enough time, but more often it’s just lack of motivation. So, before you turn to our foolproof tips for developing a reading habit, ask yourself a simple question.
Do you really want to read more?
Most of us know we SHOULD read more. Yet, we don’t really WANT to – we don’t truly understand all the benefits. That’s why so many attempts to read more fail. So, what are the benefits of "consuming" more texts?
Keeping your mind sharp. Reading involves mental effort, it forces you to think – this is what television, for instance, can’t do.
Becoming an expert. Having read around 15 books on a subject, you build a better understanding of it than most people. Having read 200-300 books on a topic, you reach the level of an expert.
Changing your life. Self-help genre is the best in this respect, yet even fiction often gives ideas for self-improvement and making your life better. Reading a lot often gives you a chance to think in ways you hadn’t considered earlier.
Being aware of what’s going on in the world. Books may give an insight about trends that will affect our future.
Think of other, more personal reasons. If you are still sure you really want to develop a reading habit, try the following strategies.
Start your morning with reading
Why not start your day with investing in yourself? If reading is the first or one of the first things you do when you wake up, you will be less likely to skip it or just "forget" about it. This routine will help you make reading an automatic activity. You will also read later in the day, when you have time.
However, if you know your mind tends to be slower in the first half of the day, then you might consider reading in the evening, when your concentration is better.
Set a daily goal
For instance, 30 pages or 10% of a book daily. In this way you will be able to read about 3 books a month, or 36 books a year.
For bigger books, 10% is a lot, so you may want to read 5% in the morning and 5% later in the day.
Drop a book you don’t love
Having read 20% of a book you discovered it’s just a waste of time? Don’t be afraid to quit. Otherwise, reading will become a chore rather than a passion.
Keep a list of books you’d like to read
Amazon Wish List can be rather convenient for building such a list. Avoid multiple lists, as you will very likely lose track.
Keep track of the books you’ve read
If you are able to see your achievements, it will help you build up motivation.
Make notes
Use note taking software that gives you a chance to synchronize information on several devices. If you prefer paper books, you may consider making notes on a piece of paper and keeping this piece inside the book.
Try speed reading
This technique is great for many types of books, including self-help books and books connected with one’s job. You will easily find books and software to help you increase your reading speed. But just to begin with, try the following simple steps:
-
run a card, a pointer or your index finger beneath the text – in this way you force your eyes and brain to keep pace
-
stop "pronouncing" words you read in your head
-
read in sprints: set a timer (10 minutes, for instance) and read faster than you actually comprehend.
Have a book with you everywhere
If you find paper books too heavy, opt for an ebook. You may be surprised by how much you are able read during the time in lines etc.
Listen to audio books
It takes more time to listen through a book than to read it, yet audiobooks are great when you can’t actually read (doing chores, walking around).
Make reading more of a social activity
Join a book club. There are a lot of online groups, but you may also find in-person clubs in many towns. Get a library card or find friends who share your interest in reading.
Emily Ardagh is a life-long literature fan. She likes to analyze poems and shares her findings in her blog: http://emilyspoetryblog.com/
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
Related articles
- Emotional Resonance: How Music Evokes Feelings And Memories
- Bangla Song Lyrics: A Deep Dive into the Soul of Bengali Music
- Semih Alar: The Sonic Architect's Creative Universe
- An Exclusive Interview with Semih Alar: Delving into the Musical Universe of Diaspora
- The Silent Symphony of Diaspora: Semih Alar’s Journey Through Silence and Music
- Ralph Macchio: Actor or Guitarist? Discover the Truth!
- Key Differences Between 6 String And 12 String Guitars
- Choosing Your First Bass Guitar: Why a Squier Precision Bass is a Solid Choice
- A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start and Launch a Band
- From Zero to Hero - Learn Guitar Solos Quickly & Easily
- A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Online Guitar Lessons
- 4 Best Tips on How to Pack and Ship a Guitar
- Top 10 Best Selling Guitars of Recent Era
- How much does an electric guitar cost?
- Become a Blues Maestro: 26 Blues Guitar Songs for Beginners
- A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start and Launch a Band
- Rock Legends: The Top 10 Classic Rock Guitarists
- Top 5 Most Difficult Guitar Riffs in Metal Every Guitarist Should Learn
- Top 21 Easy Capo Songs to Learn and Play on Guitar (2024)
- Guitar Maintenance: How to Fix a Bowed Guitar Neck
- 19 Best Guitar Effect Pedals That Shaped Music History
- Best Guitar lesson online: Guitartricks
- Mastering Guitar Notes for Beginners
- Unleash Guitar Mastery: Secrets from the Practice Routines of 6 Legendary Guitarists
- Bows Meet Strings: 7 Types of Stringed Instruments, Players and more
- Ranked: The 10 Most Influential Greatest Metal Guitarists (2024)
- An Introduction to 7 Guitar Virtuosos Across the Globe (2024)
- 25 Best Guitar solos of all time (2024)
- Top 15 Best Guitars for Beginners in 2024
- Top 12 Best Acoustic Guitar Songs That Will Blow Your Mind (2024)