Few years back, I would say the usual line that’s often said by a lot of people who don’t read: “I’m not the reading type”. And contrary to some critical opinions, people that say that oftentimes are not lazy people. They’re folks who are really busy with a thing or two in their lives. They like being busy. At least, for me, I could say that of myself and of the few persons I’ve met. They’re people who really wish to become better at what they do. You are not lazy.
More so, chances are that you’re reading this right now because you wish to making reading a part of your life because of the great personal improvement testimonies you’ve heard from people who read. Well, the testimonies are not made up because I’m a living witness.
However, I’m writing today to help you become a voracious reader for all the benefits that’s attached to reading. And to achieve this, I’ll be taking you through step by step. All you have to do is to keep an open mind as I will be sharing how I transcended from “I’m not the type that reads books” to “reading is my hobby”.
Why You Don’t Read Books
These are few things I could reason off the bat. However, your case might be different, but I’d love to hear why you don’t. Share your thoughts with me in the comments. Thanks.
So let’s begin.
- You Heard Too Many Tales About Reading and Are Paralyzed by Them
You probably don’t read because you feel, “oh what’s the fuss about reading?”, “Why is everybody telling me to read when I can just learn from movies?” Hence, you developed an apathy for reading. The idea just disgusts you. Or let me say, intimidates you.
Well, to improve on your quality of life, you’ll have to let go of that mindset.
- Reading, to You, Is Too Much A Job—The Pages Scare You
You see friend, I once had the same issue prior to inculcating the reading habit. I just couldn’t wrap my head around people picking up a 500-page book; and worst they say they finished it in less than one week! Like, what the heck? You don’t do other things in life?
Well, I’m not asking you to finish a 500-page book in 7 days. I’m not that fast a reader myself. But what I’m saying in essence is that reading is good and you should try some books out. Even if it’s a 200-page book in 3 months, that’s not bad for a start.
- Books Are Expensive
“Why are printed books so expensive?” “Books are expensive, how do I read?” These are the questions you see on google, excuses that people give that prevents them from reading. Books are expensive.
Well, these days, you have your smart phone you can download almost any books for free online. There are online libraries that give this access. For me, I get my electronic copies at www.b-ok.com, all for free. I recommend the website.
Majority of the books I’ve read are free and electronic. You should check that link out.
- You Don’t Have the Time
Well, this is a nice excuse that I gave myself until I realized it was all BS. You will have the time if you make out time for it. See reading instead as a means of improving on yourself and not as some special trophy you don’t really care about—like the Grammy’s because you’re not a musician.
Reading for 30 to 45 minutes per day isn’t much of a time to spare for growth, really. It’s a discipline worth taking on. The way you make out time to eat same way you can make out time to read.
Next.
- You Probably Didn’t Know You’ve Been Missing A Lot
You’ve come this far and well let me burst it open to you. You’ve been missing a lot. Hear this: “Libraries (books) store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspires us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life,” Sidney Sheldon.
I don’t know how to express how much I’ve improved since I started reading. But I would say that this copy you’re reading right now and the website you’re reading from are a product of much reading—things I’ve learnt and happy to share.
And that brings me to the next part.
However, don’t forget to share why you don’t read. Also, take a survey at the end of the article.
Why You Should Read Books
Or in other words, Benefits of reading books. Below are the things I figured that reading does to you. These are not some online copies. No, they are things I experienced myself.
- You Acquire More Knowledge
Reading enables you to see life differently. It helps you see that people can actually live outside of your own perspective of life and still lead a meaningful and productive life.
In fact, there are things you hold in high esteem (value) that are really affecting you. Stumbling on books may help you see it differently and help you through.
Reading strengthens your worldview and beliefs.
- You Improve on Vocabulary and Communication/Conversational Skills
“Here I come … I must confess, I admire your choice of vocabularies in all your articles. Your write ups are really motivational and corrective.” Those were the words of a sister and fan to me having read tons of my articles. Even in live speech, my use of vocabularies has greatly improved since I started reading, hereby helping me better communicate my intention—what’s on my mind.
An additional value, after your knowledge base has been expanded by reading, is that you tend to have more to discuss with a stranger. Because via reading, you can travel the world and learn different culture. You see with an eagle eye—though at one place (having never traveled), you can say a lot about a lot of things.
If you care about improving your communication and conversational skills; trust me, reading is an important weapon you should add to your arsenal.
- You Improve on Your Concentration
Concentration is your ability to focus on the job at hand. Reading helps you to get better at that. Because when you have an interesting read, you tend to shut the noise around. You focus.
Reading is good for your brain.
This art, when done repeatedly, extends to other aspects of your life. It affects you positively. You realise that you now begin to improve your focus—you concentrate more.
- You Relieve Stress
I decided to make this the last point, not because it is the least—no: but because, for me, it is the most important.
I would call myself a professional worrier if there was anything like that. I became a “book junkie” because I saw that I needed help in this area before I injure myself.
In the process of reading, I noticed that I became calmer—I worried less. My mind is occupied with more beneficial stuff than things that take away by sleep. Reading helped me reduce stress and anxiety and also improved my writing skills in the process.
Trust me, that cozy feeling that takes away worries and depression, you’ll get it when you relax under a temperature-controlled environment with a book in your hand. You’ll learn till your worries disappear into the thin air.
I will be stopping here for now.
However, you most know that the benefits of reading are not limited to the things I mentioned here. You can only find out more when you try for yourself.
In subsequent posts, I will be talking about the following:
- Things to know before you start reading.
- Why reading seems difficult.
- Are there specific books to start with?
- Books or movie adaptation?
- How to start reading.
- Jotting and journaling.
- How does reading help you become better? —the psychology
Till we see in the next post, stay readfully engaged.
Your friend,
Hagios Akins
Kindly take this survey. Thanks!