How to build a reading habit? (in 6 steps)

New Year Resolution - "Start reading books" "Read more". A few weeks later, an unfinished book is abandoned in a corner. Relatable much?

Reading is a habit that many wish they have. Some have tried and failed, while others wonder why people even read!

If you are someone who wishes to develop a reading habit this year, it can be achieved by following these 6 simple, actionable steps. You are one earnest attempt away from kickstarting a remarkable journey.

Step 1: Pick the right book

Yes, you have heard it several times before because this is the most crucial step.  Investing time in picking a good book is key to the complete reading experience. A book might be a bestseller, a must-read, but if it does not interest you, then it is not for you. The following pointers should help you make this decision easily.

• Decide fiction vs non-fiction: While this is a personal choice, most beginners find fiction very engrossing and easier to read. Everyone loves a good story.
• Find books based on your interests: For example, if science interests you, pick a fun science fiction, to begin with. Or, if you are a sports enthusiast, start with an autobiography of a famous sports star.
• Read the blurb: This is the easiest way to get a pulse of the book. Not all blurbs do complete justice to a book, but they give a good insight on if you may or may not like it. 
• Check reviews: This is not to say that you cannot begin with a book that is not highly rated. If a book has been liked by many readers in the past, it has a higher probability of being a good one. One of my all-time favorites for book reviews is Goodreads.

Step 2: Set up a reading time 

Now that we have chosen what to read, the next step is to set up a time to read. With so many TV series to binge and movies to watch, how does one even get the motivation to sit down with a book, right? 

To begin with, identify the time of the day that you otherwise spend on social media or watching TV. Start by allotting just 30 minutes of this time to your new habit. As there is no one size that fits all,  if you are the binge person, you may want to experiment with spending a few hours over the weekend instead of a 30-min daily routine.

Step 3: Set up a reading nook

Find a calm and comfortable spot devoid of any distractions. Make this your reading nook. Always choose either a hard copy or a reading device such as a Kindle.
Word of caution:  Reading on your mobile phone might seem convenient. But, one notification from Instagram could send your efforts spiraling downwards!

Step 4: Let your imagination run wild

"Fiction has enabled us not merely to imagine things, but to do so collectively." - Yuval Noah Harari

An avid reader enjoys reading because books let you imagine and give life to the characters. When you begin reading, delve into the book's world and start creating the characters in your mind. It makes you stay connected to the book and the characters. Sometimes, it could leave you with a hangover that could last for days!

Step 5: Track progress

There are two parts to tracking progress. Firstly, keep an account of how many days you have managed to read. If you get through the first few chapters of an engrossing book, you are highly unlikely to abandon the story without completion. So keep up the motivation.

Secondly, keep track of the percentage of a book that you have completed. Most reading devices should be displaying this information for you. If it is a hard copy, make it a practice to update on sites such as Goodreads after each reading session. Putting out this information publicly is a form of commitment to your habit. No one is here to judge and it is never too late to start.

Step 6: Find your book buddies

Find friends who have been reading a lot. Share your book reviews with them. Discuss why they like a particular book or character. Get suggestions to pick the right book for you. Book buddies are the best form of motivation and finding good ones can help you make this a lifetime habit.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” - George R.R. Martin

Reading is an adventure. Only, it never ends. Start today on this fascinating journey to discover the unseen worlds.

Happy Reading!😁