How to Develop Reading Habit in Just 5 Minutes A Day
Most successful people read books. And when I say books, it is not 2 books, 5 books or 10 books but 52 books a year. That’s one book per week.
Wooah! That ‘s a lot! At least for a non-reader like me who rather spends most of the time watching TV, Netflix or YouTube videos.
But how could they do that? Can it actually be done?
Well, the answer is yes.
Like any kind of skill, creating a reading habit can be learned.
There are four things to consider:
- Why people read books
- How to find the right book
- How to create the habit of reading
- How many times should I read a book
Let’s tackle them one by one
There are many reasons why people read books.
Some people read books for pleasure. That’s why we have novels and short stories.
Some read books of personalities they admire. That’s why we have Biographies and Memoirs.
Some read books to gain knowledge and to improve their lives. That’s why there are self-help and inspirational books.
It depends on your interests. It depends on your personality.
If you really think reading is not for you, consider what J.K. Rowling said,
If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.
How to find the right book for you
Let’s say, you have a topic in your mind that you want to read.
So you go Google and type in “books about [Your Topic]”. Of course, you will be bombarded with a lot of recommendations. Choose one blogpost. List down the title of the books and the author.
The next thing you do is to go to Amazon. Now, go to search bar and type in any title of the book on your list.
If it is available, the price and short description of the book will appear. You can read it but let’s focus on the customer reviews.
Customers rank the books from 1 star to 5 stars based on how they are satisfied with the product.
Read the 4 to 5-star reviews to answer “Why should I buy the book?”
Then read 2–3 stars reviews to answer “Why should I NOT buy the books”
By doing this, you will have a better overview of what the book is all about and if it is worth your money.
How to create a habit of reading
Ok, you already have the book that you want. What’s the next thing to do?
Of course, start reading!
First, find a good and quiet place to read, away from distractions. Turn off your phone. Be in a comfortable position to help you relax and focus.
Second, take time reading the book. Use the Pomodoro Technique. It is a productivity hack where you allot time intervals to read and to rest. For now, start with a 5-minute Reading-5 minute Rest. You can increase your intervals as you go along.
Here’s the key. Do this 5-minute reading daily for 30 days.
Now, you may be wondering? Why 5 minutes? I recommend 5 minutes reading a day because the secret in creating a new habit is to make it so small that made it simple and easy to follow. Why 30 days? According to studies, a habit can be developed in 21 days. But some say in 66 days. In my personal experience, I practice 5-minute reading in 30 days. It works well for me.
Another point. You don’t have to finish the book in one sitting. The goal is to create a reading habit, not to finish the book all at once. Remember, consistency not intensity.
How many times should I read a book
The answer to this question:
It’s up to you.
Read as many books as you want.
Read the same book as many times as you want.
But here’s my advice.
Don’t feel guilty setting aside a book that doesn’t feel like finishing.
For whatever valid reason you have, your time is more precious than any kind of book.
Make sure the book is worthy of your time and money. So put it down and grab another book.
Final Thoughts
Creating a reading habit is achievable depending on your willingness to learn the golden habit.
By knowing why you want to read a book, choosing the right book for you, trying a productivity hack like the Pomodoro Technique, in a few week's time, reading will be a part of your system.
It can be hard at first but once you get the hang of it, you’ll get addicted to it.
Of course, you may tend to slack from time to time, it’s okay. We all do. All you have to do is go back and start all over again.
Consistency is the key.
So keep on reading, it’s just the beginning. Hold yourself from binge-watching and start binge-reading!
