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5 Reading Motivation Tips in Action
A few weeks ago, we shared a blog post called “How to Get More Motivated to Read.” In that post, we listed tips that would help you start reading and get more motivated to continue reading. You might be thinking those tips are boring and they’ll never work, but I’m here to tell you, they do. Today, I’ll show how well they work by sharing my experience using these reading motivation tips.
Reading Motivation Tip #1: Stop reading a book you’re not enjoying (but don’t be afraid to pick it up again)
I’m currently reading a book I purchased years ago. I set it down several times over the years because I just could get into it. This time, I decided to give it more of a chance. I got to page 30 or so and there was a huge revelation and now I’m invested! I needed to know what would happen next.
It was important for me to have set the book down in the past because like we said in the post, if I hadn’t given up on the book, I might’ve stopped reading entirely. That doesn’t mean that I can’t pick up the book down the line and realize it might be a book I’d enjoy. Yes, stop reading a book you’re not enjoying, but don’t completely write it off. You might be in a better mood to enjoy it later.
Reading Motivation Tip #2: Take your book everywhere
Honestly, I can’t say that I take my book everywhere I go or that I read all the time, but I try to at least take my book with me when I’m walking around the house. I’ll take it with me when I go downstairs for breakfast, so I can read while I eat. I also grab it so I can read outside. I might even be able to read a few pages while a pot boils. The idea is to have your book with you as much as you can. That way when you have a few minutes to read, it’s already right there and you don’t have to go searching for it.
Reading Motivation Tip #3: Set easily attainable goals
And when I say “easily attainable,” I mean, minuscule. I mean, setting a goal of reading a page. Then, if you’re like me, you’ll finish the page and then think, I’m already here, might as well keep reading. By setting such an easy goal, it takes away a lot of pressure of reading and it no longer feels like a difficult task. You also almost trick yourself into reading because your brain thinks you’ll only read a page, but by the time you’re done, you’ll end up having read so much more.
Reading Motivation Tip #4: Any reading counts
And I can’t stress that enough. Any time you read, it counts towards whatever goals you might have. In addition to the novel I’m reading, I also read A LOT of webcomics. Does it count? Of course, it does. That random article I saw on Facebook? It counts, too! This blog post you’re reading right now. Actually no, it doesn’t count. Just kidding! Of course, it does. Oftentimes, we place unnecessary boundaries on reading and make it this chore we have to do. As long as you’re engaging with words on the page, it counts. It doesn’t only have to be a 300+ page novel for you to consider it reading. Read what you enjoy.
Reading Motivation Tip #5: Read with someone else
My mother had also started re-reading a book that she had started years ago. I saw her reading in her room and it got me thinking, “Why not read, too?” I went back to get my book and ended up reading with her for almost an hour. Seeing someone else reading inspired me to start reading as well. It was a nice moment of being in each other’s company.
It gave me time to focus on reading and I didn’t have to think too hard about it. It wasn’t a drawn-out plan that at 3:15 I had to read with my mom for an hour. You don’t have to rigidly schedule your reading time if that’s not helpful. You and your friends or family can decide you want to read for a little bit and then just do it.
Which tip in action did you find most interesting or helpful? Did you have any tips you’d like to add? Let us know in the comment section below.