How do you improve your reading habits?
This is a post by Ankita Verma, content designer at CTQ.
Wanting to improve one’s reading habits implies that one has already taken the first step on the way to becoming a better reader. I used to read a lot when I was younger, but I got back to reading regularly only a few years ago.
Below, I’ve jotted down a few things that have helped me. If you’re looking to jumpstart your reading habit or cultivate one to provide you more value, you might find them useful -
Understand your ‘why’:
What is your motivation behind trying to build the reading habit? Is it to learn new things, have smarter conversations, be future-relevant, or something else? Once you’ve figured out your purpose for embarking on this journey, hold on to it whenever you feel like giving up.
Start small:
Understand that reading doesn’t always mean reading a book. In fact, you already read every day – be it social media posts, the News, or Quora answers. You just need to do it more deliberately to get more value out of what you read.
One can build a good reading habit just as well with something less intimidating than a book – you can go for articles, book summaries, or short stories. Starting (and finishing) small can make the habit easier to take root and give you a sustainable sense of accomplishment. This will keep you motivated to read regularly.
Choose the medium:
Physical books and magazines have their own charm but reading on a Kindle or your phone is often more convenient (also much easier to highlight interesting paras or look up words you don't understand). Pick whatever medium you're comfortable with but first explore all.
Have mini-goals:
What does reading regularly mean to you? Weekly, daily? How much reading do you want to get done in a year? Set a number and try to stick to it. For example, if you’re reading a book, plan to read at least 5 pages every day or 35 pages a week. Once you’re comfortable doing this, you can increase the number. Alternatively, you can decide to read a medium-length article or book summary each day or just binge read over the weekend.
Show up:
To make reading a deliberate habit, make sure to read regularly.
+ Set aside some time in your day/week just for reading and make sure to get it done.
+ Try habit stacking. Let your reading habit piggyback on an already set habit. For example, sit down to read straight after you’ve brushed your teeth in the morning.
+ Set reminders for when you plan to read.
+ Keep a track of the days on which you read and the days you don't. What interrupted your streak? Could it have been avoided? What can you do to not let it interfere with your reading habit in future?
Make it fun:
+ Celebrate small wins like meeting your mini-goals.
+ If you feel what you’ve selected is not adding any value to you, don’t be afraid to quit and find something else to read.
+ Reading a book? Leave it at a place where it is hard to put down so that you look forward to picking it up again.
Visualize:
It's harder to read than it is to watch something because it needs a lot more imagination. When reading fiction, read the descriptions carefully and try to see them in your mind's eye to understand the context and follow the story better. Reading exercises the visualization muscles, so over time, it becomes easier to do.
Derive more value:
+ People often forget what they read. One way to improve learning and retention is by making notes or writing down key takeaways.
+ Connect ideas from various sources. This will boost your own creativity and make you a smarter reader (and a better writer) in the process.
+ ‘Listen’ to the writer. Remember you're not entirely alone when you’re reading someone else’s writing. Even though it might be one-sided, it is still a conversation. Try to understand what the writer is trying to say. Be willing to go on that journey with them.
Read with others:
If it still feels like a solitary activity, you can join a group of friends or strangers who are also looking to cultivate a more regular reading habit. I joined my colleagues in the CTQ Reading Compound a year before the same platform was opened for those outside the organization. We still have that internal Reading Compound going strong on 900+ days now. The social pressure does help to keep us committed to the reading habit - As do a bunch of other things we've learnt on the way about behavioural science and habit building.
Read widely:
+ Introduce novelty and find your interests by exploring different genres and subjects. Or let someone else do the picking for you - Most of what we read in the CTQ Reading Compound is something I might not have knowingly picked myself. There's ample diversity. Plus, it's well-curated so I know every day going in that reading the recommended piece won't be a waste of my time.
+ Read different takes on the same topic. Expose yourself to different perspectives. (Else, you’ll be only borrowing an opinion and not forming one of your own.)
+ Highlight what you would like to know more about and go down that rabbit hole.
Which books to read?
I’d suggest starting with something easy, in a subject/genre that you’re interested in or want to learn more about. (And as I mentioned earlier, it doesn’t have to be a book.)
In case you don’t know what it is that you like, just experiment. Pick anything at random from the lists below, read the reviews and excerpts online, and if it looks appealing, start reading.
· 100+ books that will help you uplevel
· 100 good books to read (by category)
Want to regularly read wisely and widely? Check out our Daily Reader and Weekend Reader compounds.