Trying to make small talk as we waited for dinner at a friend’s party, I asked the girl beside me if she’d read any good books lately. Seeing the glossed-over look in her eyes, I transitioned the conversation to ask if she had any movie suggestions.
“I want to read more; I just don’t like to read,” the young girl shared. She continued, “I struggle to read for more than 5 minutes and find my attention span for anything other than memes, quick captions, and video captions is almost non-existent.” She was in her early twenties; her generation grew up with everything at their fingertips, and everyone had access to a cell phone. While most Gen Zers share the common sentiment that “reading just isn’t for them,” they aren’t the only generation who has abandoned the love of the written word.
Yet, lately, I’ve heard from more people that they desire to read more; they just don't know how to start. If you are in this situation, fear not; cultivating a reading habit is never too late.
Here Are 5 Tips to Cultivate a Reading Habit:
1. Start Small
The biggest reason people don’t stick to a new goal is because they have set unrealistic expectations. If you’ve never been a reader, don’t say you will read for an hour daily. Start with small, obtainable goals; you can quickly see your progress. If one of your goals is to read a 200-page book, start by setting a timer for ten minutes a day. Once you feel comfortable with ten minutes, bump it up to 15 minutes, 20 minutes, etc. Be careful not to increase your reading time too quickly or make too big of a jump that you know you won’t be able to maintain.
Pro tip: If you are just getting back into reading novels or are a first-timer reading chapter books, choose a book with shorter chapters. Think 3-5 pages per chapter. Yes, they exist, and they are excellent at helping you meet your reading goals and get consistent reading reps each day. The shorter chapters are a gift to a reader who finds they need to start and start, think a mom of small children. Tackleing a few pages doesn’t seem as daunting, and doable to kick start a love of reading.
2. Join a Book Club
Like most things in life, reading is more fun with friends. Book lovers are all over the place, and the good news is they want to make readers of everyone! Book clubs are some of the most welcoming groups I know, the members always making room for more bookworms. It is more encouragement to stick to reading a book if I have to look at my fellow members' eyes at the month's end. While most book clubs won’t kick you out (at least not for the first offense ) for not reading the book, they provide built-in accountability to finish what you start.
Have you ever started a book, needed help following the plot, or felt the characters were too out there? Too often, instead of powering through, I’ve placed the book in the giveaway pile. But, if I know that other people are reading with me, it gives me the enthusiasm to keep going so that, at the very least, I can feel vindicated if others share my exact sentiments.
3. Choose Books from a List
One quick search for “books to read” in your internet bar, and one will be bombarded with book lists of celebrities, the newspaper’s top ten, and book enthusiast’s personal bests. Sometimes, choosing a book is half the battle. So, take out the guessing work and choose a book or two from a curated list. Note, take a few minutes to read the “about section” of the book, and don’t just depend on the reviewer’s seal of approval. You can also look through Amazon or Goodreads and find books with high reader ratings.
4. Make a Reading Space
I am one of those people who doesn’t leave the house without a book. I have such a book problem that I read multiple books at a time, keeping one by my bedside, one in my purse, and one in the car; I don’t ever want to miss the opportunity to get some reading in. However, building out a designated reading spot is helpful for my friends who are learning to fall in love with reading.
Maybe it’s your favorite rocker that you place by a sunny window where you cozy up with a blanket cup of hot tea and dive into a chapter of your latest book find. Perhaps it’s the hammock in the backyard, where you sip on sweet tea, munch on cookies, and cuddle up to knock out a few chapters. Wherever you choose to read, make that place comfortable and inviting. You are more likely to read for an extended period if it’s a place you genuinely want to be.
5. Read with Your Ears
This might be controversial for my friends who cherish pros, delight in turning the page, and relish the smell of a musty novel. But hear me out ( see what I did there.) Sometimes, we just don’t have the time to sit down and read a book, so why not enjoy the next best thing? An audiobook. I still struggle not to say “book on tape,” but whoever recorded the first book so we can enjoy our cherished characters is the go; I will be forever grateful. While a few avenues require readers to purchase the books, there are also free applications ( many do need a local library card) that you can download textbooks and listen to them instantly!
I am often asked how I read so much, and well, it’s because half of my books I listen to. Keep these books for print if they require deep thought ( think non-fiction, how-to, or complex spiritual subjects). I typically reserve fiction, “fun- -reads,” for listens as if I accidentally tune out because, well, life, I can easily pick it back up.
I hope you read more in 2024, as books are many blessings. Starting can be challenging, but give yourself grace and pick it back up. Books are like old friends; you can easily catch up no matter how long you are apart!
Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com