3 Things I’m Doing Differently to Have Read More Books This Year
Let me set some context before we proceed.
We’re all on a different journey, with different lifestyles, so you know your limit on how many books you would like to read that is achievable, while ensuring that you enjoy the books rather than rushing through them.
I left my job in December last year to pursue a personal goal, and found myself with more leisure time. No more meetings, no more responding to emails outside work hours and no more work events to attend to.
In addition, I also live alone overseas away from my family. I stay away from drama and toxic people. I have close friendships and relationships that I can reach out to whenever I need to, without the commitment of having to hang out regularly for the sake of it.
Instead of binging on TV shows frequently like I used to in the past, I now find my time better spent on reading.
When you’re not working, you also have less social interaction. I now see books as my peers because, although I’m currently on a remote island in Tasmania with fewer networking opportunities, I’m still able to access knowledge from other people around the world, and throughout time.
The Stoics believe that’s how you communicate with the dead, especially the geniuses. You may not be physically with the writer but when you’re reading, it’s as if you’re listening to their perspectives that are well thought out, and sometimes backed up by research. You’re essentially listening to a friend reflecting on their long journey.
Personally, I now find more joy in getting lost in the book than mindlessly binging hours of TV shows or scrolling on social media. It’s much more stimulating and peaceful.
For the past four years, I’ve read 40, 54, 55 and 61 books. I’ve now read 56 books this year, and it’s only April. Honestly, I told myself to slow down and enjoy the books, but when you enjoy what you read, on a topic that you’re curious about, there’s no stopping.
So with the new lifestyle of unemployment, I happened to adopt three new habits that accelerated my reading even more. Here they are.
1. Go to the library
I used to order books on Amazon and get excited when they turn up. Oh what a feeling.
Now with no income, I have to follow my budget strictly.
I was going away with a couple of mates on a detox no-technology weekend and badly needed more books to take with me. That’s when the library came to mind.
You’ll be surprised by what you can find at your local library. I had forgotten how big it was. It also now stocks new releases every now and then.
You can go to the section you like and select what you want. It’s like shopping but it doesn’t cost any more. How good!
With the time limit for how long I could borrow or hold the book, that also forces me to stay on track in reading and finishing the books on time.
At first, I used to borrow five books at a time, which I have now cut down to three to ensure that I take my time to enjoy, learn and reflect from the books.
2. Try eBook
There will also be times when the book that I badly want to read isn’t available at the library.
That’s where eBook comes in.
Usually half the price of the physical book, you also get instant access. I could also take notes, highlight and scribble on my iPad (I would’t do that on the physical book) which allows me to revise it easier.
Thankfully, the app also has dark mode to keep our circadian clock in check by reducing blue light exposure.
You could also search the words and highlights in the book. And no need for packing if you’re moving house.
It’s also much more eco-friendly.
3. Read uninterruptedly for at least an hour
As mentioned earlier, I was going on a trip with a couple of my mates to detox. That pretty much involves putting our phones and technologies away, reading, cooking, eating, napping — and repeat.
We do it almost quarterly and we try to pick a place that’s far away from the civilisation.
That’s when I, or we (as I would assume), have found our flow. The feeling when you read something for a long period interruptedly. You become fully engaged with the book, and the next thing you know, you’re halfway through!
Coming back from our trip, it’s not easy to maintain the same vibe. I live in the city, which makes it much harder, but I’m sure we all have potential distractions in our homes.
So, after scheduling reading time on my calendar, I set up a reading space that consists of a couch, a pillow, a blanket (in case it gets cold), a lamp (in case it gets dark) and a bottle of water. I’m gonna be there for a while, so it’s crucial that I’m comfy (comfortable) and can sit there for a long period.
Did I mention a mobile phone? Pop that away and put on the Do Not Disturb mode, or even better, Airplane mode with sound off. You know what, just turn it off if you can.
Lastly and most importantly, I put on my AirPods and activate noise cancellation. We’re sorted. It’s just me and the book.
It may sound daunting, or boring, to read uninterruptedly for a long period, but I don’t see how that’s different from binging TV shows or sitting still in the cinema for hours. Reading is also a form of fantasy getaway.
Especially when you’re reading books from master thinkers who have made histories, you’re essentially spending time with them. And remember, you’re who you surround yourself with.
On a final note
I think the one thing to figure out first is if reading is for you. Don’t do it because you feel like you have to.
You can also try Audiobook. I’m not a fan of it because you’re less likely to sit still and listen to fully engage with the book.
The more books you read, the less likely you’re able to remember their ideas so be sure to take notes if required. I just use the Apple’s Notes app.
Lastly, read what sparks your curiosity. Read the books from the authors that you resonate with and enjoy. Don’t follow the crowd.
No need to finish the books that you have started but don’t enjoy, that will only kill your willpower and reduce your reading time.
There’s so much to learn in this world. You can’t learn it all, but it’s the spark you get when you experience something new that gets me excited to pick up the next book.
