Well, clicking on this article was a great start! And you got to the second sentence too, that's a step in the right direction. So, why do you want to read more? Maybe you already know the benefits; it increases your vocabulary, stimulates your brain, reduces stress, improves memory, and enhances your focus. Maybe your parents are constantly nagging you to read more. Regardless of your intentions, the simple fact that you want to read more is a good thing and this article with help you with that.
1. Figure out what it is you like reading
It could be that you’ve got the books that you want to read in mind already, but it’s probably more likely that you would just generally like to read more. In that case, it’s especially important to understand what it is you like reading, otherwise you’re going to fall right off the wagon again. The reality is, you’re not going to pick up the first book you see and decide that you will read it and also enjoy it, because you cannot guarantee whether or not you will like it or if it’s right for you. In order to narrow down your options, you need to know what kind of books or literature you actually enjoy and what genres you find interesting. This could be anything from mysteries, to biographies, to heavy philosophical tomes. You do you.
2. Find out where to get books
Where do you usually acquire books? Is it from the school library? Your local library? A bookstore? The Internet? Nevertheless, all of these are sufficient places to obtain reading material. Now, how do you read? Is it with a hardcopy? Or perhaps holding a physical book in your hands doesn’t really make you want to read more? If that is the case, do not be afraid to use digital copies or audio recordings of books if it’s what you prefer! In case someone told you otherwise, it is still a valid form of reading and if it works for you, then that’s great.
3. Find the time to read
As a student, finding the time to read may be the most difficult part. It’s understandable with all your assessments, homework, and after-school activities. You do not, however, need to read for hours on end. It is up to you decide how much you’ll read, but just 20 minutes a day is already very beneficial. Even if you’ve got a busy schedule, squeezing in 20 minutes of daily reading time isn’t all that difficult, and definitely not impossible. If you really feel like you have no time to read (which, like...stop lying to yourself), then consider what you already do in a day, and think about what you can afford to give up to make time for those 20 minutes.
4. Find the motivation
So what if you already know what you want to read, and you’ve made the time to read it, but you just can’t seem to get started? The problem here is likely is that it’s difficult to dredge up the motivation to begin. Some people can be motivated to read simply by being aware of the benefits, but for others, it’s not that easy. If you’re a time-based and regimented person, making a checklist or to-do list will help you get the reading done. If you’re more of a goal-oriented person, setting up challenges or goals for yourself can really motivate you to read more. It’s all about finding the right method for you. Soon, it’ll develop into a habit and then reading will become no problem for you.
5. Find friends to read with
As a general rule, everything is more fun when you’re doing it with other people, so look for people who like to read the same books that you do. Whether it’s with your parents or your friends, talking about what you’ve read not only gives you the opportunity to show off about actually reading, but it also helps to keep you engaged in the text--it makes you really think about what’s on the page. Look to the Internet if you can’t find anybody in-person, where there are huge communities of people who love reading. It’ll make your language teachers so happy, too.
If you want to read more, then make sure that it’s something that you know you will love doing. That starts with finding a book that you love and it ends with finding a community of people to support you. In the end, what matters is that you enjoy it—that’s the best way to make sure that you continue to read, and that’s what this article is trying to help you with.
Now go forth! Start reading!
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