How to Force Yourself to Read Novels if You're Too Busy and Dislike Reading

At one point in your life, whether for a friend's book club you promised to join or as a class assignment, reading a novel of some sort will be required. This task is easier said than done, especially if you are very busy and dislike reading. Fortunately, with a bit of practice and determination, you too will be able to finish a novel and feel a bit of accomplishment along the way.

[edit] Steps

  1. Figure out why you don't like to read. Is it because you don't read well? Are you easily distracted? Do you read slowly? You may need to simply keep reading (reading takes practice), give yourself time (slow readers can still enjoy reading), and give yourself a quiet space.
  2. Find novels you like. If you have a choice, find a book that you'll enjoy. This is an age in which there are novels on every conceivable topic. Librarians can help you find a book that's of interest to you.
  3. Look outside the paperback. There are a lot of novels that aren't traditional books: graphic novels, for instance, may be more your taste.
  4. Stop thinking of reading as a chore. One of the biggest things that prevents many people from reading is their mindset. Instead of thinking thoughts like, "I can't read well" or "I read too slow", focus on the positive aspects of reading. Reading allows you to process thoughts faster and to learn and explore different ideas and cultures.
  5. Read the synopsis of the book. Read the back cover or inside front cover. Both, if possible. Figure out the basic plot of the story. If there isn't any information on the book covers, Google it. Watch out for spoilers, though!
  6. Set aside a certain an area to read. Your reading nook should be somewhere quiet where you can concentrate without distractions. Try to avoid rooms where loud talking and electronic noises could mess with your ability to comprehend what you're reading. If you can't find a place in your house to read, try the library, a cafe or coffee, or better yet, the great outdoors! Beaches on lazy summer days make just as great of a place to read as your own backyard does!
  7. Set a certain time aside for reading. If you are easily distracted, you may prefer reading for twenty minutes two or three times a day. Maybe you read slowly, and like to feel like you've actually made progress in your book. Try to read at least forty minutes a day, or maybe up to an hour and a half. Most people say they are too busy to read because they don't want to, but it you really are too busy, consider reading for fifteen minutes a day. This can be done while dinner is cooking, during the commercial breaks of your favorites show (mute the T.V.), or right before bed (get ready a little early).
  8. Give yourself a little reward for each hour you read, or for every chapter you complete. The reward could be a monetary gift, such as a dollar in a little jar. When you complete your book, you will have enough for a night out with your friends, or to go out to dinner. Or, fill a jar with 10 or 20 marbles. For every hour you read, take out a marble. When you finish the book, count how many marbles are left. The fewer marbles missing the better. Mark a certain reward before finishing, and see what you've earned!
  9. Try Audio Books You might prefer hearing your book rather than reading it. You might be an individual that process books better through listening than with reading...and that's perfectly OK. It's understanding and enjoying the novel that matters, not whether you read it or heard it. A bonus is that you can listen while driving, cleaning the house, and other places reading won't work.
  10. Remember your reading rights. Unless you are reading a particular novel for an assignment, remember that you don't have to read a book you find boring, offensive, or confusing. This is something you are doing for fun. Try your best, but don't give up reading completely just because one book ruins the experience.


[edit] Tips

  • Keep trying! The more you read the better you will get at it!


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Categories:Reading and Literature

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Achromasia, VermontGal, D rae, Lillian May
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