We’ve all heard the statement, “leaders are readers.” But, it is so hard for many, who want to develop their leadership, to create a habit of reading. I get it! For many years, I tried to unlock the door that held me back from experiencing success in a consistent and enjoyable reading discipline. There were a lot of locks on the door that held me back. Sadly, most of the locks were restraints of inhibition. They were
I read this quote that changed my perspective on reading Charlie “Tremendous” Jones said, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” I made the decision, I didn’t want to be the same five years later. That one decision has led me on a continual journey of unlocking the treasure that is waiting in every book I get to read. I simply had to find the right keys to open the door.
I found them! And, the treasure of reading has changed me. A piece of my identity has transformed from being a person who reads books to being a reader (and I personally like the adjective, avid). Here are four keys that you can use to unlock the door that is keeping you from being a reader.
KEY #1: FIND A REASON THAT MOTIVATES YOU
I had to have a reason to continue pursuing a daily reading habit. I realized if I didn’t have a WHY for developing a reading habit, I couldn’t figure out the HOW of doing it. When I got the why then the how’s fell into place.
There are incredible benefits that I enjoy as a reader. My communication skills have improved. My intelligence has increased (some people may challenge that). I know that reading has enhanced my critical thinking skills, and it’s given me stronger
But, even considering all the fantastic benefits reading continues to add to me, my why is directly tied to my passion for continually learning and growing. To not settle for the status quo. Finding a reason that motivated you will be a powerful key to develop your reading habit.
FOR MORE BENEFITS OF CREATING A READING HABIT, CHECK OUT THIS FROM MY PROVERTIVITY SERIES.
Seven Benefits and Four Ways to Create a Habit of Reading
Key #2: READ ENJOYABLE MATERIAL THAT ENGAGES YOUR INTERESTS
I find that when I stay in specific genres and themes of books, my reading habit is continually energized. Before I became a reader, I would read only out of duty, drudging through books full of information and text that bored me. Over the last several years of being a reader, I found authors who I connect with and content that I enjoy. The vast majority of the books I read are driven by my personal interests and areas I want to grow. (http://thejamesduvall.com/2019-
Finding enjoyable material that engages your interest will motivate you to remain interested, avoid boredom, maintain your regular reading habit.
Key # 3: KEEP AVAILABLE RESOURCES READILY ON HAND
Many times I found that I had the time or the desire to read, but I couldn’t because I didn’t have a book handy. Or, I had my book, but I didn’t have my reading glasses. (Did I tell you about my progressively degenerative condition called aging?) I learned the idea of keeping books ready at all times from Jeff Olsen’s book, The Slight Edge. I started putting books, reading glasses, and highlighters in strategic places like beside my bed, at my office, in my backpack, on my phone, and yes, in the restroom. When I had the opportunity, I was always able to read. Very few times was I without a book and reading supplies available. I would encourage you to do the same.
You are probably asking, “You were reading multiple books at the same time?” The answer is yes, and it leads us to the fourth key.
KEY #4: READ PAGES NOT BOOKS
When I stopped focusing on reading books and started focusing on reading pages, my reading quantity skyrocketed. I set a goal to read 10 pages every day. Each day that I read my quota, I succeed and keep my momentum going. Those daily wins added up, and the total was quite impressive. I calculated that If I could read 10 pages every day over 365 days, I would read 3650 pages or almost 15 books. I started with such a small quota that was so easy to accomplish. As my reading habit has grown, my daily quota has grown. Determining a daily quota for the number of pages I read a day guaranteed my success, and it will secure yours as well.
Starting a discipline of reading can be challenging. However, success will be yours when pick up and use the keys, making them your own. Then your identity will be changed, like mine, from a person who reads to a reader.