Cultivating a lasting reading habit requires a multi-faceted approach, from creating a positive environment, fostering interest, to implementing methods and practices. Reading is a good habit that enriches us.
- Schedule
Set aside at least 30 minutes or an hour daily for reading, a time that won't be interrupted by anything else.
For example, you could wake up early and read for an hour, or read before bed. With consistent practice, this will become a circadian rhythm, and you'll naturally find time for reading. This is a good start and will help you develop a positive daily reading habit.
- Carry a book with you
Take a book with you wherever you go, so you can always pick it up and read.
For example, on your commute or during your lunch break, pick up a book and read a few pages. This will both relieve boredom and allow you to unintentionally utilize your spare time—a, a truly win-win approach to reading.
- Find a quiet place
Find a quiet place in your home for reading. Ideally, this place should be fixed so you can read without interruptions each day. To avoid distractions when reading, avoid television, music, computers, noisy family members, and roommates. It's recommended to set your phone to silent mode or use a "Pomodoro" alarm to stay focused and minimize distractions while reading.
- Reduce Time Watching TV and Internet Access
Our time is limited. If you truly want to read more, you need to reduce the time you spend watching TV and surfing the internet, which can be difficult for many people.
However, every minute you save on TV and the internet increases the time you can spend reading, helping you grow and improve.
- Keep a Reading Journal
Record the titles, authors, and start and end dates of the books you read. This will help you review your reading progress and adjust your structure and pace.
Even better, write down your thoughts in the books afterward. Reviewing your journal a few months later and reflecting on your reading experience is truly a wonderful experience.
- Visit Bookstores
Visit bookstores regularly, whether in-person or online, to explore different titles and read reviews. This will help you find more "good books." You can often visit discount bookstores to sell your old books, where you can find many used books at deep discounts. You can often buy more books at very low prices, allowing you to read more without breaking the bank.
- Create a Reading Plan
Creating a reading plan can help you keep reading.
You can break it down into specific topics, like what books to read each week, how long to spend on each book, how many books to read each month, and how many books to read each year. You should also plan your reading categories, prioritizing specialized reading while also considering other areas to ensure a wide range of reading.
- Read More Classics
Classics are time-tested "good books." Reading more classics can deepen your reading.
You can refer to reading lists published by authoritative organizations or departments, select your favorite books from past Nobel Prize or Mao Dun Literature winners, or choose books based on recommendations from fellow readers. Don't just read bestsellers or indulge in a quickie. The more challenging a book is, the more it can hone your reading skills.
- Integrate reading and writing.
Intellectual reading encourages reflection while reading, and writing is the truest form of reflection. Therefore, writing is the foundation of better reading.
You can excerpt key passages and annotate your reflections while reading, or write a thoughtful review after finishing a book. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the content and enrich your reading experience. Furthermore, you should be willing to share your reading experiences with others through the media. This will boost your confidence and motivate you to read more.
