How do you manage to read all these books?” I get asked this question a lot, whether it’s in my circle of friends or on social media. Reading nearly a hundred books a year may seem daunting to many, but it has become an integral part of my daily life. In this article, I share with you my tips and methods for integrating reading into your life, no matter your schedule.
First of all, it is crucial to understand why you want to read more. For me, reading is not a race. It is a quest for knowledge, entertainment, and escape. If your goal is simply to "shine in society", you risk quickly losing motivation. Identify what you are truly passionate about and let this desire guide your reading choices. For example, you might want to read with the ambition of learning more about a subject or a period of history, to inspire yourself to write a novel, to improve your vocabulary, or simply to entertain yourself. These are different approaches that will give different angles to your readings and the way you conduct them.
Diversifying your reading is the key to never getting bored. I like to alternate between classics, new releases, poetry, and even audiobooks during my running sessions. This variety allows you to adapt to different states of mind and never feel stuck in a boring reading. If your philosophy book is too heavy for evening reading, you can switch to a simpler novel. If you are short of time, you can simply read a short story or a few poems. By reading several things, we read more, because we transform the choice to read or not to read, into reading this or that text.
Taking notes can radically transform your reading experience. It helps you better assimilate concepts, retain important passages, and actively engage with the material. Whether in the margins of a book or a separate notebook, finding your method can enrich your understanding and appreciation of texts. Please note that it is not mandatory to take notes. They can be useful but it is perfectly fine to simply read for the pleasure of the journey. There is no single way to do it, only the one that suits you and your reading.
Finding time to read seems to be the biggest challenge for many. However, by scheduling reading time as you would any other important appointment, you can find that it is possible to carve out time even in the busiest of schedules. Whether it’s early in the morning, during the commute, or before bed, every moment can become an opportunity to read. If needed, feel free to block out time in your calendar for reading, just as you would with any appointment. For example, I start every day with an hour of reading, no matter what, because I know that I can often get caught up in my obligations during the day, neglecting one of the most important parts of my daily life.
The important thing is not to read a lot of books, but to read regularly. Even 15 minutes a day can add up to a significant amount of reading over the course of a year. It is by establishing this habit that reading becomes a natural and enriching part of life. So there is no point in trying to read for three hours in one go if you are going to get discouraged quickly afterward. Start small, establish the habit, and become more ambitious over time.
Like any new habit, reading more can be challenging at first. The important thing is to start small and gradually increase the length and complexity of your readings. Adapting and finding pleasure in the process is essential to maintaining a sustainable reading routine. You don't start running with a marathon. You start running short distances before gradually increasing. In the same logic, you will first have trouble staying focused on your book for an hour, especially if its content is complicated. Start with small chunks of reading, with light books like novels. Trying to read two hours of Kant will be the best way to disgust yourself.
Reading is a never-ending adventure, an inexhaustible source of knowledge, inspiration, and pleasure. By adapting your habits and finding what motivates you, you will discover that reading more is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. I hope these tips will help you in your literary journey. Feel free to share your experiences and tips in the comments. Happy reading to all!