Most people wish they read more. It is an activity that is both fun and enlightening. It can help us be more knowledgeable and successful. However, it is an activity that many people don't engage in very much. According to the 1999 National Household Education Survey, 50% of the U.S. population aged 25 and over read a newspaper at least once a week, read one or more magazines regularly, and had read a book in the past 6 months. What does this mean? It means that 50% of the population hasn't read a book in the last six months!
Looking at the other end of the spectrum, research shows that if you read ten books a year, you are in the top few percent of all people as readers. Simply stated, it doesn't take much to be well read, but we do need to know how to get started. The following are ten suggestions to help you strengthen your reading habit ? ways to find and make more time for reading.
1. Always have a book around. Don't go anywhere without reading material. Keep magazines or short stories in your bathroom. Always have something in your briefcase to read. Keep a book(s) by your bed. Having things available makes it easier for you to steal otherwise lost moments.
2. Set a reading goal. Determine how much time you want to spend reading, or how many books you want to read over time. Your goal might be a book a month, one per week, or it might be to read 30 minutes a day. Start out with something attainable but still a stretch. As your habit builds, you might set higher goals. Setting a goal is the first step towards reading more.
3. Keep a log. Keep a list of the books you have read, or keep track of how much time you read each day. You might keep these lists in your journal or your day planner. My son's log is on our refrigerator. My list and log are kept on my computer. It doesn't matter where you keep it, just do it.
4. Keep a list. Make a list of things you want to read in the future. Ask your friends and colleagues what they are reading. Watch for recommendations in the newspaper and magazines. Once you start looking for good books, you'll find them everywhere. This is a great way to keep your enthusiasm up. By knowing what great stuff you want to read, you will reinforce your reading habit.
5. Turn off the television. Many people say they just don't have enough time. Television is one of our major time consumers. Make your television watching more conscious and less habitual. There is nothing wrong with watching television shows you really enjoy. Where the time gets lost is turning it on, and scanning to find "something to watch." Those are the times to turn it off and pick up your book!
6. Listen when you can't read. Use your commute and other time spent in the car to listen! There are great audio versions of all sorts of books. Whether you want to "read" fiction, the latest self-help or diet book, it is probably available on tape. Don't get locked into the idea that you have to read it ? listening to the book still gives you the experience, ideas, and imagination that reading a book can.
7. Join a reading group or book club. Reading groups typically meet once a month to discuss a book they have all decided to read. Committing to the group provides a bit more impetus to finish the book, and gives you a great forum for discussion and socialization around the book's themes.
8. Visit the library or bookstore often. You have your list, right? So you'll have some ideas of what you are looking for when you walk in. But there is more to be gained by walking through places where books reside than just to make a transaction. Take time to browse! Let your eyes find things of interest. Let serendipity happen. Browsing will feed your mental need to read, and give you plenty of new things to read.
9. Build your own strategy. Decide when reading fits your schedule. Some people read first thing in the morning, some before bed. Some decide to read as they eat their lunch. And there is more to your strategy than just timing. Make your own decisions about reading. It is ok to be reading more than one book at once. It is ok to stop reading something before you finish if it isn't holding your interest. It is ok to skim the book, getting what you want or need, without reading every page. Determine what works best for you, develop your own beliefs and ideas-then make them work for you.
10. Drop Everything and Read. My son's fourth grade class has DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) time. When the teacher calls for it, that's just what they do. They read now. That is my last piece of advice for you. Do it. Just get started. Make it DEAR time. Now.
?2002, All Rights Reserved, Kevin Eikenberry. Kevin publishes Unleash Your Potential, a free weekly ezine designed to provide ideas, tools, techniques and
inspiration to enhance your professional skills. Go to http://www.kevineikenberry.com/uypw/current.asp to read the current issue and subscribe. Kevin is also President of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, a learning consulting company that helps Clients reach their potential through a variety of training, consulting and speaking services. You may contact Kevin at toll free 888.LEARNER.
personalized cleaning services Des Plaines ..Do you plan events for the corporate world like product... Read More
Always include a powerful signature on every email you send... Read More
Only one of every 5 businesses makes it to its... Read More
There are so many simple, yet really sure-fire ways of... Read More
Most people have at least one favorite quotation from a... Read More
Gas prices continue to go through the roof and increased... Read More
What is Choice Theory (CT)? CT is a theory of... Read More
Attraction marketing is about making a customer for life not... Read More
Many people find it really hard to write for business... Read More
Having business partner or planning to start a business with... Read More
Viral Marketing is allowing people to giveaway and use your... Read More
Part Two of Cash to Cash Cycle SeriesNext: SalesWe've already... Read More
Getting focused on what you want to achieve and creating... Read More
Who doesn't have issues with organizing their inbox!? I receive... Read More
1) Prepare a realistic business plan.Think of this as your... Read More
The lack of strong boundaries is one of the chief... Read More
The term "junk mail" is a well-known term. To... Read More
Please don't think I am calling you a "moron" to... Read More
From an employee's perspective, management often conducts itself in ways... Read More
Here are seven excellent ways to earn income from international... Read More
Cash is king-so they say. If you work for yourself... Read More
What follows is a bold statement, but sometimes it takes... Read More
Sometime soon you will be attending some training. It may... Read More
Many mistakes can be made in business and if you... Read More
mistake #1: rely just on financial statementsProfit and loss, revenue... Read More
family-safe home cleaners Arlington Heights ..Creating a website is one thing, making it better is... Read More
We've heard numerous success stories of Internet entrepreneurs like Jeff... Read More
Do you know exactly what actions you need to do... Read More
The following tips are from an article we contributed to... Read More
Sometime soon you will be attending some training. It may... Read More
Please don't think I am calling you a "moron" to... Read More
While some new business owners face the issue of not... Read More
10 Ways to Boost your ProfitabilitySo many business owners work... Read More
Your business card is a valuable piece of real estate... Read More
'Tis the season to give. And finding the right gift... Read More
If you are thinking of starting a new business, or... Read More
Being appropriately dressed is essential in making good impressions in... Read More
Networking is probably the best way to build a profitable... Read More
Here are a few ideas to get you started, all... Read More
Skilled workers of every age have prized their tools. I... Read More
A lot of people are insecure about buying something or... Read More
Here are some simple tips to help you improve your... Read More
Are you scratching your head after business events wondering why... Read More
Ever lost a sale you thought was in the bag?... Read More
There are so many simple, yet really sure-fire ways of... Read More
How do you focus on your urgent e-mail and organize... Read More
The Ten Commandments of Goal Setting While it's good to... Read More
Let's put to rest the fallacy that success, in sales... Read More
From an employee's perspective, management often conducts itself in ways... Read More
My husband and I were enjoying our dinner meal one... Read More
Top Quick Tips |