Reviving the Art of Reading: Top 5 Tips

Humans who make reading a regular habit win at the game of life, so says author Robin Sharma.

I fear reading is becoming a lost art. It is drowned out in a world that is not just digital. This world is increasingly driven by short form video content and sound bites.

That “TLDR” is a thing *(Too Long, Didn’t Read) adds to my fears.

I set myself a goal at the start of the year to read a book a week.

It sounds like a lot but when I considered how much time I spend (waste) social media scrolling. I realised it was totally doable.

So here I am, aiming to inspire the non-readers, and those who got out of the practice of reading (been there, done that!) to dip their toes into pages and keep at it, for the fruits are divine.

Here are my Top 5 tips for building habits for reading:

1. Make time every day to read. Dedicated daily time of 45 minutes is good. At least 10 minutes will do. This forms a habit, and habits drive us to succeed.
2. Set a timer, head to your reading space if you can and… turn to the page and start reading.
3. Keep it relevant – if the subject matter doesn’t interest you, your chances of success are limited from the outset. Reading should be an intimate conversation between you and the author. Find a book where the topic interests you. It should ignite your passion and curiosity.
4. Make it mobile. Find pockets of time to read. Use those unexpected moments of delay or “found time.” This seriously ups the time you spent each day in your book. This is super easy if you’re reading on a kindle. If, like me, you prefer the real thing, pop it in your handbag or work tote. This way, you can pull it out when the opportunity arises, like waiting for the doctor or your coffee order.
5. Reflect and share – not everyone wants access to a book club. Some people prefer other methods to deeply reflect on a book’s messages or how it touched them. Depending on the type of book you have, consider journalling to reflect on its impact. Sharing with a friend how the words changed you can deepen the impact of the contents.

The greatest tip of all though is to just start reading. Start today. And if the book isn’t speaking to you, change it! Not sure what to start with? Try this book list

And how am I going, you ask?

So far, what I have read includes: (please forgive me my side notes on the authors, I really can’t help it):

• Diary of a CEO – Steven Bartlett. It seems everyone is talking about it, even an Uber driver recommended it me recently! So I bought it. It was OK. There were some chapters that spoke to me but I can’t remember now what they are. Luckily, I have my notes to refer back to.
• The Wealth Money Can’t Buy (by the aforementioned Robin Sharma, a very thoughtful Christmas gift from one of our kids)
• What I ate in one year – Stanley Tucci. I am mildly obsessed with him right now. (Actually, quite obsessed. I want to eat like him, write like him and travel like him).
• The Naked Now – Richard Rohr (such a guru, I am hoping one day to do a Modern Elder Academy Retreat with him). Or a retreat anywhere. He is so wise and has the kindest face). I have also read his book Falling Upward. A must read for everyone playing the game of life who’s reached (and surpassed) level 40. I put it on my list to read again.
• The French Ingredient – you can read the book, or go to a cooking class in Paris at La Cuisine. There is so much to love in this book, especially if you read it in the bath. Or when you’re thinking about Paris, like I do so often.
• All The Light We Cannot See – I bought this at a bookshop on my way to a pedicure. I raided the “historical fiction” section on books about war-time Paris. I didn’t realise it’s also a Netflix production. I adored the book so much. However, I couldn’t watch the series. You know, it’s not the same as the book. You can learn more here.
• Beyond Measure – Margaret Heffernan (a very easy read on how culture “beats” metrics. A work read, devastatingly simple but also profound. You can watch her on youtube here)
• I am by Joel Osteen (another of my gurus Oprah – she never steers me wrong – you can listen to how I got inspired to click and buy this from Amazon here)

Three months into the year, I have now read 11 books. The topics range from how AI can “supercharge your life” to tales about artists in Venice in the 1500s.

My daily reading time has become precious. It is an integral element of my morning protocols. It inspires me for the day ahead and gets my creative juices flowing.

I’ll leave the last words to the late, great Jim Rohn, who also said that “leaders are readers”:

Skip a meal… but don’t skip a book!