How to Read more: A Guide for Book Lovers

Recently I stated for myself a very sad fact — I don't have time to read. That is, of course, I read a lot during the day, but mostly these are articles that relate to work and practically nothing for the soul. I've even been reading books lately only those that somehow relate to work. And before that, I swallowed literature on very different topics (ranging from fantasy to classics) in quite large quantities. And it was not a cursory reading, but a full and thoughtful one. Now, in order to read books that I just like, I need to learn how to stretch the day for another couple of hours and the only reading for pleasure is reading stories about Paddington Bear with his son at night. I will say right away that this is not an article with exercises for speed reading, but rather an article on how to properly treat this process and not spoil all the magic. Leo Babauta, as always, sees to the root :)

1. Don't read books because you have to, read for your own pleasure.
Sometimes you have to read books because it is necessary for work — such reading does not count. Unless you find this book very fascinating. But this, unfortunately, is rare. The same goes for fashion books (whether it's work or entertainment — it doesn't matter). That is, all your friends have read and speak only positively about the book. And you read because it's fashionable, the book doesn't go, you keep choking and reading. And this is fraught with indigestion!

I'm lucky — I read Haruki Murakami «What I say when I talk about running ». I need this book for work, and at the same time I really like it (yes, I like Murakami's syllable and his confusing philosophical books).

2. Make time for reading. Now few people can find enough time to read books. That is, we read a huge amount of articles and literature that concerns our activities, but due to work overload, constant multitasking, hanging on the Internet and watching TV shows, we do not have free time for personal reading. Give up one episode of the next series, which has no end in sight. Now there are a lot of electronic readers and you can read in transport (if you managed to sit down during rush hour). In the end, no one canceled reading in the toilet and it's better to take a book than to hang out on Twitter or social networks on a smartphone.

3. If you're reading, don't get distracted by other activities. That's what electronic readers (the same Kindle) are good at, unlike tablets, is the absence of distractions! I can say from my own experience that reading a book from a tablet, my hands are constantly reaching out to check my mail, Twitter and messages in FB*. And the electronic reader completely frees you from such temptations, not to mention the good old paper book. It remains only to find a quiet cozy place and read, read, read...

4. Love reading for real. Reading is magic. Reading books with a real passion, you discover a lot of new things. Sometimes even in a book that you reread every few years and have worn it to holes, you still discover something new every time! Reading changes you, inspires you to do unexpected things and opens up opportunities for new interesting ideas.

5. Make reading social. Find friends who enjoy reading books as much as you do. Open your book club, even if it is not real, but virtual — there are many social networks of reading lovers. Reading — is not only a single sport, it may well be a team sport.

6. Make reading your good habit. More than one article has been written about instilling positive habits (I'd rather keep silent about books). Reading is a very good habit, and it can be instilled starting from at least 10 minutes a day. Find something that inspires and motivates you, and stick to the main line. Where there are 10 minutes, there will be 20, and possibly more.

7. Don't read as if reading is your homework. Reading shouldn't be another item on your To-Do List. You don't read for show (that's how well-read I am), you read in order to make your life more intense and interesting!

8. Give up the book if it's boring. You should read not because it is good and useful, but because you enjoy the process. Reading — is not taking vitamins: sour, but healthy! Reading is fun and entertainment. If you don't feel either one or the other while reading a book, put it aside and start reading something more interesting. Perhaps it's not time for this book yet, and it's worth trying to read it later.

9. Discover amazing books. Exchange impressions and books with friends who also like to read, read reviews and reviews, visit offline bookstores, second-hand bookstores and libraries at least occasionally. Sometimes in such places you can find a lot of interesting books that you will not see in the electronic version. Maybe it's old-fashioned, but I really love paper books! The smell of new paper, the smell of old books, the sound of turning pages — this has its own magic. And I am very glad that I have a small child with whom we read real paper books with beautiful pictures and from which there is still a smell of magic, not electronics.

10. Don't worry about reading speed. As strange as it may be to read this advice in a blog that specializes in optimizing all processes, but reading — is not a competition. The most important thing that you get is pleasure, don't forget about it! You don't squander your favorite melody from the middle in order to have time to listen to more songs, or don't eat your favorite dish in a couple of sittings? You enjoy both. The same goes for reading: read slowly, with taste, savoring each paragraph.

And how do you read? Do you have any favorite books that are re-read over and over again?

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