TIPS ON HOW TO START YOUR READING JOURNEY.

TIPS ON HOW TO START OR RESTART YOUR READING JOURNEY.

I have been a reader from ever since I could read. Growing up in a small island nation with limited resources and finance meant money was spent on items that were necessary for survival and unfortunately books were not on the menu. We owned a small number of books which we read and re-read and that was the start of my reading journey. I feel so privileged now there is abundance of resources available, books are reasonably priced and local libraries are one of the best human ideologies ever that has materialised. You can borrow up to twenty books at one time on a 28 day loan. If you are unable to read those books within the time frame there is an option to extend the loan time( only if no one else has requested those books). There is no limit to how many times you can borrow book, there aren’t many conditions and the only time you will get charged a small fee is if you return the books late. Of course should you loose the book you will have to pay for the current purchase price. Let’s be honest how many times are you likely to loose something. With so much opportunities there really is no excuse to not read. Reading is one of the main means by which you can improve your knowledge, comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, communication skills and writing skills.

Starting reading like anything else that you are trying for the first time can be daunting, overwhelming and frustrating. The question of where to start, when, how, what to read, how often to read, will I remember what I read and so on might cloud up your brain. I read for years and took a break. Just over five years ago I restarted my reading journey. Now I read a book a week. I’ll share all the tools and tricks that I used when to re-start.

Start Reading

Remember high school physics? Remember Newton’s first law of motion also referred to as the law of inertia? “Newton’s first law of motion is often stated as. An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force”, physicsclassroom.com

So start the motion. Just pick up a book and start reading. Before you know it you would have finished a page, a chapter and the entire book. You’ll feel proud of your accomplishment which will drive you to pick up another book. Continuing to read book after book will soon turn reading a habit.

I use this law not just for reading but for other activities as well e.g chores that I dislike. I remind myself, just get started and before I know it is all done.

Try it!

Choose something that is of interest to you

If there is a particular subject that interests you and you are passionate about learning more on that subject then that is the best place to start. There is a high chance you will read something that you are interested in.

Go for an easy read

Some books are slightly difficult to read and understand and will require more time, patience and experience. When you are just starting your reading journey it is best to look for books that are easy to read and understand. This will ensure that you won’t get frustrated and give up on reading.

Small step at a time

Aim to just finish one book. Don’t worry about setting a goal for 52 books a year. Be patient and be very kind to yourself. Starting to read is an accomplishment in itself. Take your time reading and enjoy the process. Goal is to fall in love with reading not how many books we can read or how fast we can read.

Look for inspiration

Listening to others who are passionate about reading definitely inspires me. Be selective of who you choose as your mentor. Ideally someone who is reading for the love of reading, who enjoys the process, who is willing to share all their tips without trying to sell you products and someone you connect with. I love listening to Tim Ferris and Bill Gates. I don’t tend to follow just one person religiously. There are many you tubers, Instagrammers, podcasters and blogger that you can choose from. You looking for inspiration, find someone who serves that purpose.

Be Persistent

Keep reading. Don’t give up after one page or one chapter or one book and decide it is not for you. Persist for a year at least before you give up. Every good thing takes time.

Don’t make it into a chore

Read when you have time. Please try and find a few minutes everyday for reading. Commuting in a bus or train? That is the ideal place to read. Feeling lonely, bored and not sure what to do? Why not pick up a book and read? After all “Outside of a dog a book is man’s best friend”, Groucho Marx.

If you commuting for an hour to and from work, that is five hours a week. Last book I read took me 2 hours 50 minutes.

Don’t compare yourself

Comparing oneself to others has become part of human nature. Please remember it doesn’t matter if someone else is reading twice as many books as you do. Reading is not a race. What is your purpose for starting your reading journey? What subjects interests you? What genre is of interest to you? What is your reading goal? Focus completely on your purpose, your journey and goal. Reading journey is your own magical path. Enjoy each minute walking on this beautiful magnificent learning path.

COMPARISON SERVES NO PURPOSE AT ALL.

This is just the beginning of your lifelong reading journey. Find what interests you, something that is easy to read and start reading. Be patient and very kind to yourself. There is no right or wrong. A page, a chapter or what ever reading you can accomplish each day is enough. There are many helpful people you can reach out to for all the tips and advise you need. Most importantly don’t focus on just finishing a book, focus on the process. Enjoy reading. Enjoy what you read. Read when you can and don’t beat yourself up when you can’t.

Once you form a habit of reading, you can set goals, “to be read” lists and start looking into reading faster, reading more books and reading books that challenge your reading and understanding ability. Excited?

“So please, oh please, we beg, we pray, go throw your TV set away, and in its place you can install a lovely bookshelf on the wall.” — Roald Dahl

Try this tips and start your reading journey. Everyone is different and what worked for me might not work for you so be adventurous. Try and find what works for you. Make it fun. Make it enjoyable.

Let’s read.