Guide to become a Reader.

3 habits that will stick!

I can only say so much about the benefits of being a reader.

No true reader is ever only a specialist. All voracious readers you know are usually generalists, jack of all trades and know a little to lot about pretty much everything.

At parties or conversations people cannot point out just HOW they seem to have so much knowledge, so much to say and so many ways of saying it.

But its ironical because to a true reader the benefits of reading are probably at the bottom of the list of the value hierarchy.

To a reader, the act of reading, the process is where the joy belongs.

There is a true, silent comfort in climbing into bed at night with your ongoing book under a yellow lamp. Similar to getting back to a safe, warm friend at the end of your day.

Your book is a friend, an anchor despite all the anxieties of your daytime life.

To give non-readers (yet) context,

It is akin to a tv series you have been watching every day at breakfast or dinner, where you start feeling familiar, at home with the characters. Where you get through the complexities of the day with the silent knowing that in a few hours you get to go back to your ‘friends’ however virtual.

And then after weeks or months when you are through with the tv show, you see the last credits roll, you do not quite know what to do with yourself now. There is a sinking feeling of being, well, alone…

Non-readers (yet) is that enough context for you? Have I convinced you of the pull of being a reader? Are you ready to convert yourself?

If you answered yes, here are a few quick steps to come to the other side: -

1. Pick a pain balm - What bothers you? Is there a problem that is bothering you as I speak you? As you try to sleep each night, What is your pain point?

   Pick a book that solves that. A habit is sticky if it eases your pain. If it brings you relief.

   Tell me in the comments and I will give you some books recommendations.

   

2. Push past the friction - No. Most reading is not going to start smooth unless it’s really slippery fiction.

   The reality of any book is that there will be resistance in the beginning. Especially if your attention span is splattered across anything and everything.

   

   You HAVE to push past it. Retrain your brain to focus on more than 2 sentences at once. You will get there.

   I promise, your reading speed and ease both COMPOUND.

   If you think this book has promise to solve your problem, keep reading the same book until it gets easier.

3. Multiple books at once? Yes - Pick a day book and Pick a night book.

   Day book fills you with momentum and energy and the night book eases you into sleep like a lullaby. The day book can be stimulating, heavy with information.

   Your night book must feel like a whisper, for the lack of a better analogy.

   The day book can be non-fiction, demanding your focus and concentration; the night book can be fiction not demanding much brain power and preferably aiding rich, vivid dreams.

   

   Why? Well if you are someone who scores high on the openness trait (from the big 5 personality model) you would be interested in a lot of ideas, knowledge and beauty.

   As a result you will constantly feel pulled to consume as much knowledge as you can. This tip is for you and has been extremely enjoyable for me.

My Current Reads: Day book + Night book.

Toodles,

Ipsita