Let's talk about reading, shall we?
You're either thinking one of two things: "I'd love to read more, but who's got the time?" Or you had to do one too many book reports in school, and you vowed never to pick up a book again. Trust me, I get it. I've been there, grappling with a packed schedule and suspecting I might have an undiagnosed reading issue like dyslexia (I'm such a SLOW reader!). But guess what? I found some pretty nifty ways to squeeze reading into my jam-packed life, and I'm here to spill the beans.
But first...
Why Bother with Books?
Reading isn't just about piling up knowledge; it's like having a conversation with the world. Nonfiction books are like treasure chests of wisdom - think self-help guides that offer life hacks or historical texts that take you back in time. They sharpen your mind and keep you on your toes in your professional life.
And fiction? Oh, it's like a vacation for your brain. It's where empathy, creativity, and emotional intelligence come to play. Diving into a good story is the perfect escape from the daily grind. And sometimes you just want to read about someone else's drama.
Making Reading Work for You
- Baby Steps with Books: Setting mammoth reading goals? Nah, start small. Maybe a chapter a week? Baby steps, my friends. Or instead of a chapter, set a timer. A micro goal of 5 or 10 minutes a day is easy for most people to squeeze in their day.
- Audiobooks for the Win: Ah, audiobooks, my saviors! Perfect for when you're commuting or doing the dishes. Audible is my go-to place for a fantastic selection of audiobooks. Here's a list of my favorite 10 Development Books.
- Hello, Kindle: If you haven't met Kindle yet, you're missing out. It's like carrying a bookstore in your pocket, minus the weight. Plus, you can sneak in a few pages anytime, anywhere. Backlight, adjustable text - it's a dream for anyone who finds regular books take up too much space. Bonus, with the Kindle app, you can read books on your phone and other devices, and as long as you've connected them to Wi-Fi, your spot will be saved between devices.
- Book Clubs Rock: Joining a book club can be a game-changer. It's fun and motivating, and you have accountability to actually read the book. Plus, some groups gather over food and drinks, so it's bonus social time.
- Swap Scrolling for Reading: Try replacing your morning social media scroll with a few pages of a book. Trust me, it's a refreshing change. I have stopped picking up my phone and have been turning to the Bible for my morning read. (For Catholics, I'm following along with the Bible in a Year podcast)
- Listen and Read: Struggling with focus or speed? Try listening to an audiobook while following along in the text. It's a neat little trick.
Reading Freebies Galore: Libraries and More
Libraries are little secrets many people overlook, or simply don't know about - books, audiobooks, games, and even cool digital stuff. Apps like OverDrive or Libby let you borrow digital books for zilch. And if a book from the library really speaks to you, why not buy a copy for keeps? It's great for those re-reads and notes in the margin moments. My kids love checking out books from the library, too. It helps foster the love of reading the next generation.
Closing this Chapter
So, there you have it - fitting reading into a busy life isn't as tough as it seems. Whether it's audiobooks, e-readers, or libraries, there's a whole world of books waiting for you. Start small, keep it consistent, and let the magic of reading enrich your life in more ways than one.
