It is important to develop a consistent reading habit. Spend your money to buy books instead of clothes because the book you buy will later clothe you. Of course, you can buy a book here and now.
The knowledge you get from books will later be your source of income, which can help you afford anything you want, even if it is the Christian t-shirts or the Jesus t-shirts for women or men. Beyond a hobby, reading should become a lifestyle. Of course, you know that readers are leaders and great leaders are addicted readers. As a Christian, it is not just enough to wear a Jesus Christ t-shirt. Do you also have his reading habit?
According to the Meriam Webster dictionary, a habit is “a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance.” A habit is a specific character that has been practiced consecutively for and has become a routine. Just like any other habit, developing a consistent reading habit comes with some struggles at the beginning. But consistent practice will make it more fun to do.
The major reason you need to develop reading habits is that people pay for what you know. Knowledge opens doors and creates opportunities that are only available to intellectuals. The reason why you see some people who could afford to buy a Fendi Straps, Gucci gloves, branded leather keyrings and other fashion accessories is simply that they have the money to afford these luxuries. However, knowledge is what brings money. So, you need to learn and earn before you can boldly afford any Fashion accessories of your choice.
“To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life.”
W. Somerset Maugham
Consequently, reading creates a unique world for you where you have the possibility of your dreams. Truthfully, dreams come true. The luxury you desire can be a reality. The luxe style of clothes and accessories can all be yours. In fact, who says Christian t-shirt for men or Christian t-shirts for women can’t be customized to suit your taste. Of course, it can, only if you can use the power of knowledge through reading. What you read is what makes you. So, you know what happens if you don’t read at all. right?
The need to develop a consistent reading habit cannot be overemphasized. Perhaps, you have stacked up a lot of books but you don’t have time to read them or you read a little and every book seems boring, there’s a strategy to help you.
Do you wish you could read more often than you do? These seven (7) ways to develop a consistent reading habit will help you to maximize your potential and also enhance your success in life.
1. MAKE A LIST OF THE BOOKS THAT INTEREST YOU
You really cannot read every book that comes your way. Choose books that catch your fancy and enjoy reading them. I know a lady who buys books to keep on her shelf so that anyone who comes to visit can praise her reading habit. Yet, she never read those books. While this sounds hilarious, many people do it.
It is important to know what kind of books interest you and what genre of book you enjoy reading. Make a list of books that are relevant to you. It could be books relevant to your career, spiritual growth, relationship and so on. Write in your journal or diary the list of books you will like to read in a week, month or year. Then as you read, you tick them done. This will help you to develop a reading habit.
2. SET A SMART READING GOAL FOR YOURSELF
Do not be hard on yourself. Set a SMART goal for yourself. The acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Be specific about what book you want to read. Make sure your goal is measurable with time. You do not need to impress anyone by how many books you read, the knowledge you get from the book is yours and will build you not those you try to impress. Perhaps a friend had told you how he reads 10 books in a month; you do not have to be like your friend. That is why your reading goal should be something achievable within a time frame.
Look at this, if getting branded leather keyrings is a choice for you, another person could prefer a Prada keyring, both of which are accessories but the desire for specificity is different. Find out what works for you or suit you most rather than trying to copy others. Make sure your goal is realistic; get books that you know you will read. Set a timely reading goal for yourself. Be diligent to complete a book within a specific time.
3. RECOGNIZE YOUR BEST READING ENVIRONMENT
You see, you cannot read everywhere. While some people prefer reading in a coffee store, others prefer to read in a quiet and serene environment. You need to identify what works best for you and stay with it. Reading can be a necessary luxury and sometimes you will have to create a luxurious environment for it. Sometimes, you do not have to necessarily read in a fashion accessories store but you can make your environment exquisite just to enjoy your ready. There is always a direct positive relationship between reading and your environment.
4. WRITE AS YOU READ, IT HELPS TO RETAIN YOUR KNOWLEDGE
When you write out points that you have learnt from the book you are reading, you retain that knowledge longer than mere reading without writing. This is a secret tip to develop a consistent reading habit.
5. OPT FOR A READING PARTNER
Habit can be influenced. Oftentimes, the best way to develop a habit is to opt for a partner that already has that habit. It is the same for reading; join yourself with someone who has already developed a reading habit.
6. MAKE FUN OUT OF READING
Reading is an exercise for your mental health and helps to train your brain. It does not have to be stressful or bore you. You can make fun out of your reading moment. For instance, enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack as you read. Find a conducive atmosphere like in a breezy place on a rocky chair. You see, you can finish a book on the go.
7. HAVE A BOOK WITH YOU EVERYWHERE YOU GO
Nowadays, books are portable and can be with you just anywhere. The advent of electronic books makes it easier to have stacks of books at your fingertip. The sight of a book with you can stir up your reading habit. Just as you will not forget to carry your files to the office everyday or to drive in your car without your driver’s license, reading can become a major part of you if you take a book with you everywhere.
Check here for interesting books that can help improve your life. Please share in the comment section some of your challenges to develop a reading habit. I also hope you will make use of these tips to develop a reading habit.
