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If we spent as much time reading as we did on social media, we could read 200 books a year. While 200 books may not be your goal, we should all strive to read more. Shoot for 1 book a month at the very least. Here’s 10 ways to read more books this year.
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Carry a book with you everywhere
How often do you mindlessly scroll on your phone while standing in line, or sitting waiting for an appointment. Bring a book with you and read instead. Maybe even easier-read a book on your kindle or iBooks app on your device instead of scrolling endlessly.
Batch Read
Batch reading is a bit like doing research for a paper in school. Okay-terrible example, but the same heart. Find a subject you like, something you want to learn, and find as many books as you can on the subject, and go deep. Even if it’s two books back to back, you’ll read more if you’re interested in the subject and will quickly continue into the next few books.
Read the book, watch the movie
Find movies that are based on books. Read the book and reward yourself once complete by watching the movie. You’ll often find the book is way better than the movie but it’s always fun to see if the movie recreates the scenes the way you envisioned them.
Binge Read a series
Find a fiction series you like and binge watch it. A lot like binge watching a Netflix show, but your brain doesn’t rot instead. One of my goals this year is to finish the Scot Harvath series. It’s like watching a Spy Thriller movie.
Turn off your phone
This one is huge. Turn off your phone. If you don’t want to turn off your phone, leave it in the other room. Buy a nice iPhone dock (thisis my favorite) and leave it charging in the other room. If you’re reading books on your device, disable every notification you can.
Wake up early, Read before bed
One of my goals this year is to wake up earlier. I read book after book that mentions the merits of rising early. I honestly don’t know if I can do it, but I’m going to try. Wake up before everyone else and spend sometime reading. Before bed spend 30 minutes to an hour reading. It will help you unwind and fall asleep faster. With waking up earlier and/or reading before bed everyday you’ll instantly have around 5 extra hours to read a week.
Have 3-4 Books “on deck” at all times
Create a “reading list” and keep it updated as you find books you want to read. Keep 3 or 4 books on deck, ready to read at any point. Having those other books ready to go allows you to quickly move on to the next book. If for some reason you change your mind you have 2 others to choose from.
Point/Counter Point
Choose two contradictory books. Start with the first book that represents one side of the argument. Once done, read the other book that presents the other side of the story. This is one of the “smartest” ways to read as it exposes you to viewpoints and perspectives that aren’t your own. It also challenges your perspectives and helps you understand other peoples view points easier. Bonus: Checkout How to Think
Read where your heart desires
It isn’t like you’re in school and have to read what was assigned to you. Even if you’re in school reading what’s assigned to you, take time out of school and read what you want. If it’s Sci-Fi novels, so be it. If it’s classic literature, so be it. Read what you want.
Start reading
Sounds obvious but the best way to read more, is to start. Once you start you’ll likely keep going. The best time to start is now, so go start reading!
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Photo Credit: Mahendra Kumar
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