As I've mentioned before, I haven't been the best reader over the past few years. I go through my ups and downs of reading mainly because I feel like I don't have the time or I am not motivated to do so. At the beginning of 2020 I made a goal to read at least one book per month. I told myself that one book is nothing over a one month period and I could do this, I'd just have to push myself. Fast forward to today, and I am now reading two books a month!
Here are the 5 easy tricks I've taken to create my new reading habit:
Trick #1: Join Book of the Month Club.
The first tool that I thought of for this new venture was to rejoin Book of the Month Club. By joining this online monthly subscription I knew it would keep me accountable because of the ongoing cycle of choosing a new book at the beginning of each month. I have enjoyed using it as a back bone to keep me on schedule and to always have the choice of some awesome books that are introduced monthly. Plus, this has been the perfect way to get mailed new books during the pandemic for only $10 a month!
Trick 2: Set a daily reading time for yourself.
This was super important for me. During quarantine I have set a daily schedule so that I fill my days with activities rather than just watching tv all day. My designated reading time is in the morning when I wake up and when my house is at it's quietest. I grab my cup of coffee, sit out on the couch and dive into my book for at least one hour. It's been a great way to start my day! (Fun fact: I set my tv to a YouTube channel that shows views of beaches with the sound of waves...it makes me feel like I'm on the beach with my book somewhere.)
Trick 3: Mix up your genres!
If I had to stick to one genre at all times, it would historical fiction. Something about a creative story set during a specific time in history with all of the real-life facts makes me melt (in a good way). However, as I have been reading a lot more than I used to, I've learned that it's best to switch it up! I make sure to read one historical fiction book a month and then my second book I will try something new like a mystery or easy beach read. It's gotten me to broaden my horizons and it keeps me interested at all times!
Trick 4: Set an "end date" for your books.
Setting "end dates" for each of my books has been a game changer for me! For example: I will read my first book of the month from May 1st-15th, and then read my second book from May 16th-31st. In addition to the Book of the Month club keeping me on schedule, this has helped tremendously too. I'm someone who always likes a plan, so to have a timeline for each book as been a nifty tool for me.
Trick 5: Swap books with your friends and family.
I have some avid readers in my fam and friend group. All of us are constantly discussing our current reads and why we love or don't love them. I am pretty fortunate to be living at my dad and step-mom's house at the moment where my step-mom has been working hard to create a library of sorts around the house. What I have been doing is reading my Book of the Month Club pick and then switching off to a hand-me-down for my second book of the month. This has gotten me to have a mix of new books and some others ones that have been suggested.
Of course, this quarantine situation as made reading a bit easier since we are home all day with limited activities. However, it's a habit that I hope continues once I am back to my normal crazy life in the city. Reading has been a great way to relax me and take some time for myself. The next goal is to figure out how to stay up reading at night without falling asleep after 5 pages! Any tips?
What I want to know: Do you guys have any handy tips to being a successful book worm?
Comments