Chapter 1: Embracing a Consistent Reading Habit

Reading regularly can be challenging, yet it is entirely achievable!

A photo by Lilly Rum on Unsplash

Reopening that book you left off can feel daunting. Establishing a regular reading routine is not always straightforward. Recently, I have rekindled my passion for reading (you can find my reflections on that journey here). I transitioned from occasionally picking up a book to maintaining a reading count of 25 to 30 books each year. Nowadays, I seldom leave home without a book in hand. I want to share the methods I've utilized to cultivate positive reading habits.

My Book Count (StoryGraph)

A quick note: 30 books isn’t a universal benchmark; it’s simply a personal target I set. The emphasis is not solely on quantity. You might also explore various forms of media—like digital journals, podcasts, articles, and online news. However, let’s focus on books.

My Strategies for Consistent Reading

#### Find Your Motivation

One of the greatest benefits of reading regularly is the enhancement of my communication skills. My vocabulary, knowledge base, and ability to articulate opinions have significantly improved. This personal growth has allowed me to participate in a variety of discussions, which feels incredibly fulfilling. The profound impact of reading serves as a strong incentive to continue.

#### Choose the Right Format

With the accessibility of audiobooks, summaries (like those on Blinkist), and e-readers, the options are plentiful. Initially, I cherished the tactile experience of flipping through pages, jotting down notes, and using bookmarks. However, frequent travels led me to adopt a Kindle, enabling me to read without the added weight.

Reading in Osaka (Author)

Creating a comfortable reading environment is key to establishing a habit. It’s crucial to integrate reading into your life seamlessly.

#### Create an Ideal Reading Environment

The environment where you read is just as important. I often enjoy reading on my balcony overlooking a peaceful canal, or in a cozy café filled with ambient noise. Find a setting that allows you to immerse yourself fully in the book.

#### Read Multiple Books Simultaneously

As I honed my reading skills, I discovered I could manage multiple books at once. This approach enables me to shift based on my mood and explore a wider range of topics. Mixing genres and authors can keep your reading experience fresh and exciting.

#### Don't Hesitate to Quit

If a book doesn’t capture your interest, it’s perfectly okay to set it aside. While there may be a tendency to cling to a book simply because you purchased it, consider the value of your time. You might find yourself inspired to revisit it later.

#### Follow Your Interests

I focus solely on reading what I enjoy. For me, reading is an escape into a personal sanctuary rather than a chore. Ultimately, you are the only one who can appreciate the emotions and insights that come from your reading experience, so choose books that resonate with you.

#### Read Wherever You Can

I take advantage of every opportunity to read—be it on my commute, while waiting for a friend, or during a peaceful moment in the park. Treat reading as a flexible activity that can fit into your daily life.

#### Establish a Reading Routine

I started by carving out time in my morning for reading. The pace or quantity didn’t matter; the goal was to be consistent and take action daily. This habit evolved into reading 30 to 40 pages each day, leading to finishing two to three books a month. It’s really that straightforward! As you develop this habit, any additional reading time will feel like a bonus.

#### Set Goals and Stick to Them

Participating in annual reading challenges, like those on Goodreads, can be motivating. I enjoy connecting with friends who share this passion and drawing inspiration from their reading experiences. Ultimately, the number of books is a personal choice. Set realistic goals for yourself and work towards them.

Final Thoughts

To summarize, building a robust reading habit involves:

• Discovering what inspires you to read
• Choosing the right format for your preferences
• Creating a comfortable reading environment
• Maintaining a rotation of books
• Not hesitating to abandon books that don’t engage you
• Reading what truly interests you
• Incorporating reading into various settings
• Establishing a dedicated reading schedule
• Setting and pursuing your personal reading goals

Reading should never feel like a competition—whether with others or yourself. It should be an enjoyable endeavor. There may be times when you feel fatigued from reading; remember that you have the freedom to pause in favor of other pursuits. Read to grow, learn, and most importantly, have fun. Reading has become an integral part of my life, and I hope it can be for you as well.

Feel free to share your reading journey or tips in the comments below!

Hi, I’m Lionel! Thanks for joining me. To learn more about me, visit my profile, and consider following me for more updates. If you enjoyed this piece, please subscribe to The Pivoted Pen for bi-weekly reflections, short stories, and insights into my writing journey.

The first video titled "How I Read 100 Books a Year - My Secret To Reading More Books" provides valuable insights into effective reading strategies.

The second video, "How I Read 30 Books in 30 Days," shares practical tips for maximizing your reading potential.