How to Improve Your Reading Habits: Turning Books into Daily Companion
To develop the habit of reading and analyzing things, let me take you through a story that reflects the challenges and triumphs of building a reading routine. Reading isn't just about absorbing facts, it's about opening your mind to different perspectives, sharpening your focus, and developing curiosity.
The Motivation to Read
When I first started reading it felt like a chore. I had always heard that reading would expand my mind, make me more knowledgeable, and help me see the world in new ways. But I didn’t truly understand why I needed to make it a habit. That’s when I stumbled upon a piece of advice that changed everything: Reading isn’t just about absorbing facts; it’s about opening your mind to different perspectives, sharpening your focus, and developing curiosity.
Once I understood that reading could reshape the way I thought and help me in real life, I felt a new sense of excitement. The motivation was no longer about forcing myself to read because I 'had to' but because I genuinely wanted to grow. And that’s where everything started to change.
So before you start think about why reading is important to you. Is it to learn something new, to grow mentally, or to explore stories that resonate with your life? Once you figure that out, the curiosity to read will come naturally.
Getting Started
Now that I had the motivation, the next hurdle was actually building the habit. Like many people, I found it hard to stay focused on books. Every time I’d try to read I’d get distracted or lose interest after a few pages. But here’s what I learned: The trick is to make the experience enjoyable from the start.
Start with books that genuinely interest you. It doesn’t matter if it’s a light novel, a biography, or even a book about sports or gaming. You’re not trying to read the best books right away—you’re just trying to fall in love with reading itself. I started with books that I loved, even though they weren't “serious” topics. But that’s exactly what hooked me. Once I realized that reading didn’t have to be boring or feel like work, I kept coming back for more.
The Struggle of Staying Consistent
One of the toughest parts of developing any habit is consistency. There were days when I would tell myself 'I’ll read tomorrow' and tomorrow never came. The key is to make reading a non-negotiable part of your day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Set a small goal and stick to it. Gradually that 15 minutes will become 30, then an hour. The more you immerse yourself, the easier it becomes.
Another thing I realized is that reading with full focus makes a world of difference. Initially, I was reading at a slow pace often getting distracted. So I set a personal challenge to read faster without losing focus. It forced me to pay more attention and absorb what I was reading more effectively.
Building Speed and Comprehension
When you get into the habit of reading, speed comes naturally with time. Earlier I would take more than two months to finish a book but now I can complete one in just a few days. Practice made me a faster, more engaged reader.
Here’s a little technique that helped me improve: Instead of reading individual words, I started reading whole phrases or sentences as single units. For example, instead of reading
word by word
I would read
phrases or sentences as single units
This made each reading session more efficient and enjoyable. As a result, you can maintain a steady pace without losing comprehension.
Turning Reading into a Lifelong Habit
The most exciting part of this journey was realizing that reading wasn’t just a hobby anymore—it became an essential part of my life. I started applying what I learned from books to my day-to-day life. Whether it was learning a new skill, thinking critically, or simply enjoying a well-written story, reading started enriching me in ways I hadn’t expected.
After a few months, reading felt like something I had always done. It became natural and I found myself craving the knowledge and new experiences that books offered. It’s important to remember that building the habit will take time, but once it clicks, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Bonus Tips
Read what you love: Choose books on topics that excite you. It doesn’t matter what genre it is as long as it keeps you coming back.
Build your vocabulary: This naturally happens over time but you can also enhance your skills with books like Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis.
Don’t read aloud: Silent reading helps you process information faster. Reading aloud can slow you down and limit your speed to how quickly you can speak.
Learn in chunks: Read phrases or sentences as whole ideas. It keeps the flow going and helps your brain process information more effectively.
Finally remember this: at the beginning, you may feel like you’re not a “natural reader.” But after a few months of consistency, you’ll feel like reading has always been part of your life. The habit will become second nature, and with it, you’ll not only enjoy the journey but also start seeing the world through a sharper lens.
Happy reading!
Regards,
Nishant Jindal