As the new year approaches, many people find themselves making resolutions. One common resolution is to read more books, and for a good reason. Reading encourages learning, and it opens your mind to new possibilities, cultures and perspectives. It is also proven to be to be a great way to relax and unwind.
However, as with any resolution, sticking to it can be challenging. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to let things like work, family, and social obligations precede our personal goals. But fear not! With some planning, determination, and support, you can make your resolution to read more books a reality.
Here are six tips to help you keep your resolution to read more books:
- Establish and track a specific goal. How many books do you want to read? When is a good time for you to immerse yourself in your reading? Rather than just saying you want to read more, set a concrete target. This can encourage you to work towards that goal and keep track of your progress, and seeing your progress can be a huge inspiration.
- Be reasonable. If you don’t read regularly, don’t suddenly force or expect yourself to read a book a day. Set yourself up for success, and maintaining motivation will be far easier.
- Choose books that you are genuinely interested in. One of the main reasons people don’t stick to their reading resolution is they select books they do not enjoy. Take some time to do your research and pursue books that excite you.
- Make a plan. Think specifically about how you’re going to fit reading into your schedule. Maybe you want to carve out a specific time each day to read, or perhaps you want to listen to audiobooks during your daily commute. Whatever your plan is, make sure it’s realistic with your schedule. Decide how much time you want to dedicate to reading each day or week, and plan when and where you will enjoy your read. For example, you might decide to read for 30 minutes before bed each night, or set aside an hour on the weekends to dive into a book.
- Create a reading nook. Having a comfortable and inviting space to read can help you relax and focus, allowing you to immerse yourself fully. It can also provide a sense of separation from your other activities, making reading a welcome refuge. Rearrange or select a new pillow, plant, or chair to mark your reading spot. This is a fun step that can both get you excited and provide a concrete reminder of your goal.
- Set up a support network. Talking to your friends about your reading goals, or joining a book club can be a great way to stay accountable and excited about your resolution. Book clubs are valuable because you’ll have access to like-minded individuals eager to discuss and share thoughts, and you’ll have a set schedule of meetings to help keep you on track. You are working as a team, instead of alone.
With dedication, enthusiasm, and planning, you can make reading a regular habit and reap the rewards all year long. Whether you join a book club, set aside dedicated reading time, give yourself particular targets, or all of the above, there are many ways to make your resolution a success. So grab a book, and start turning those pages!
Comments: