Though I have been reading regularly since class 5, recently I was facing a reading slump. I am sure all of us do at some point. I came across Mark Manson’s video on reading, and reflected upon my own reading behaviours.
Turns out, I had been making some reading mistakes because of which I was not really enjoying what I read. It became more about finishing a book, than about learning. What I call reading mistakes here could also be considered reading barriers, for those who want to build the habit of reading, because it is all about starting afresh.
The 5 reading mistakes
- Reading a book because everyone else is reading it: If you do not like the book, it is going to be tough reading it. What others may enjoy reading, you might not. And that is totally okay.
- Trying to finish a book when you don’t like it: If you do not like a book, don’t push yourself to finish it. Move on to another book. It is okay to come back to the older book at some other time. I remember being unable to get through God of Small Things when I was in class 9, and that worked out just fine.
- Reading as an obligation than for fun: Reading is one of the most joyful parts of my day. If you are feeling burdened doing it, might as well spend your time doing something you enjoy. Maybe you can listen to an audiobook, or read a book summary, or watch a book review video, instead of going through the whole thing yourself.
- Reading a book cover to cover: This can be difficult especially when it comes to self-help books. My problem is that they start to get repetitive after a point. While I really enjoy the theory and logic part of it, once that’s done, it’s mostly filled with examples of how that approach or way of being can be used. I generally go through a few examples and once I feel I have got the hang of the concept, I consider the book done. I finished Deep Work this way, I love Cal Newport, and his work. But, I got the hang of what he was saying in 60% of reading it.
- Reading on a tired brain: Most of my reading was happening after finishing my office work, on an exhausted head. That just wasn’t working. Though I love reading, I couldn’t bring myself to enjoy it. So, I tweaked the time. I now read way before my work begins, early morning! I cannot express how amazing it is, I am enjoying my reading again now!
Getting back in rhythm
Another surprising thing that happened was that the joy I derived by reading also pushed me to write. Some things are just interconnected that way. The more I read, the more I am inspired to write.
So let’s hope I keep reading!
Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash
