In my time as a graduate student of international relations, a law student, and now an attorney, I have read and continue to read a fair share of heavy textbooks, legislative law, treatises, public policy papers, and books. Over the years, I have also been an avid reader of fiction (classic literature) and nonfiction.
Reading despite having a busy personal and/or professional life is doable. It is also manageable and can even be pleasurable.
Recently, a friend of mine on Instagram asked me for recommendations on how to “get back into reading books as a regimen.” They expressed that since having children, they have had difficulty making time for books. Acknowledging they are better served by reading rather than being on social media or watching Netflix, and despite feeling that books were daunting, they were nonetheless looking to realistically hold themselves accountable.
Here are five pointers that have helped me become a consistent reader, something that is doable for anyone out there willing to do so as well.
1.) Do not be burdened by bad books.
The strategy here should be to start as many books as you can with the intention of finishing only some of them. That means dropping books you don’t enjoy.
For many of us, reading ties back to our school days when we were assigned books to read. Under this lens, it’s easy to see reading as a chore, much like homework once was.
Don’t make reading a begrudging chore. It is okay not to finish a book, and there is no need to grind yourself down to get to the last sentence of a book that is not for you (some are even not for anyone ;))
Pause for a moment to ask yourself why you read. For example, I read (a) for enjoyment and (b) to add value to my life. I think reading makes us better observers, clearer thinkers, and stronger writers.
If you read books you enjoy, you will be quicker to build reading into a habit you find enjoyable. Having built reading into an enjoyable habit, you will be quicker to find and absorb books that add value to your life.
Being exposed to more books this way, you’ll have a better barometer on whether a particular book is worth your time.
Remember, books don’t have feelings; and even so, you wouldn’t commit to a second date with someone you find ‘meh,’ would you?
2.) Invest in a Kindle/Audible Subscription.
I used to be incredibly snobbish about Kindle until I gave in and tested one out. I realized my irrational fear of getting detached from my beloved fiction paperbacks was unfounded. I still love paperbacks. I also realized every excuse I had for not reading during a given pocket of free time was easily addressed and solved thanks to digital technology.
— Traveling and don’t have room for a book in your carry-on? Kindle is lightweight and fits into a jacket’s inner pocket.
— Middle of the night and don’t want to turn the lights on? Kindle can be read in the dark thanks to its backlight.
— Don’t want to trek to a library or wait for your order to arrive in the mail? Kindle gives you instantaneous access and can receive your free library e-copies via apps like Libby.
Same concept applies with audiobooks. I have found Audible to be an incredible treat while I run errands or spend time commuting. It has a wonderful collection of books, especially those centered around plays and short stories curated by some fascinating, captivating voices.
Note, this post is not sponsored by these companies. Just my two cents on what I consider tools that have upped my reading and productivity.
3.) Build a daily reading routine.
Reading is a skill. This is a reassuring reminder because it means becoming a reader is attainable for just about anyone. Becoming a consistent, good reader starts with building a solid reading routine.
I have found that the easiest way to build on a reading routine is to incorporate reading right before bedtime. If that means putting your phone in another room and getting an alarm clock that’s detached from your smartphone (remember, no excuses), then so be it.
4.) Make the book your own, inside and outside.
Your books are not museum artifacts. They are meant to be used, annotated, highlighted, underlined, well-loved. By doing these things, you also strengthen your ability to remember lessons learned from the books and to build on your knowledge base.
Having a visual record of the books you have read or the passages you have annotated is also helpful.
I personally use a journal to keep track of my past, current, and desired reads. Avid reader friends have also suggested Goodreads.
Additionally, I use Readwise, which collects all my annotated Kindle highlights and syncs them into one convenient log (in your notes app; I use Notion) that then resurfaces and reminds you of important lessons. This help you build a ‘second brain‘ outside yourself.
5.) Cultivate accountability buddies.
Instagram / Bookstagram connects you with a supportive community of readers from whom I can learn and with whom I can share my reading progress. It also makes accountability easier, which in turn helps me attain my reading goals.
Seeing others discuss books is also an uplifting way to feel inspired. If you are in need of an accountability buddy, my ears are open and attentive, so please be sure to say hello on Instagram.
