How I did it: I have a large collection of books.  Many of them I have never read past the dust cover or back cover.  They sounded great when I bought them, but not so much afterwards. 

This year, I decide it was time to read a book, then read another, then another, and just keep going til I hit 12.  I didn't really think much about what books I picked; I just grabbed one.  Some books were short and easy.  Some books were long and boring.  Some are sitting on my bookshelves again because they were not something I could get into at this time.  zzzzz....

I kept a book by the bed and another in my bag for work.  At work, I would try to read 5-10 minutes at lunch.  Sometimes I would get in early, so I'd read for a few minutes.  At home I would set a goal before bed to finish one chapter.  If a started another, I would finish that chapter too.  I'll admit, there were times I didn't feel like reading, so I didn't.  No point in forcing myself.

Somedays I had to remind myself I was reading for a number of reasons:
1. If I get rid of a book, I've got space for more!
2. Some books will educate me.  It never hurts to learn something new.
3. The book I'm reading is probably better than whatever is on TV at the

moment.  (This I often found to be true at times I had low will to

read...TV has more pictures though).
4. It fills the time with something more productive than sitting around watching a show or movie I've already seen.
5. The books I'm done with can be traded in for money or more books for my science teacher sister whose low income school can't afford some supplies.

Lessons & tips: Figure out why you're reading and if things slow down, remind yourself of your reasons.  Think of how reading makes you feel.  If you like doing something, you'll find the time for it.

Don't be embarrassed if you need a dictionary sometimes.  Not too many people know every word.  You might learn something new too.

Resources: Websters Dictionary

---

Jun 18, 2011, 09:00PM PDT | 4 comments | 4 cheers