Question

How to make reading a habit so as to clear bank exams or JEE or IAS etc? New Delhi, Delhi, India

Answer 1

1.Start by setting your intentions clear. Make it a point that you have to read everyday. The first step is making sure that the decision is firm.

 

2.Make it obvious by giving yourself a particular time and place at which you would start reading and which is easy to fit into your schedule . For example , start by reading every night for 30 minutes before going to bed. So you could keep the book aside your bed so as to make sure you read. Also do not burden yourself in the beginning, set targets that are quite easy to do ,for example reading for 2 hours might be too much in the beginning, starting by 30 or 45 minutes would be much better.

 

 3.Choose a book that aligns with your interests to make it easy to concentrate and it does not seem boring. It may be fiction, non fiction, autobiographies, self help books or about anything you feel drawn to like art, food, travel ,anything that you genuinely take interest in.

 

4.Aim to not skip reading daily until it becomes a effortless. Give yourself a target of some days making sure you will not break the chain no matter what.For example crossing out the dates on calender everyday for 30 days , just after finishing reading is a good way to not skip it. On days you feel like skipping remind yourself that you cannot because 30 days are not yet completed. Repeat the process till the habit becomes so natural that it is unavoidable.

 

 5.Eliminate distractions. Try to avoid anything that hinders your reading, be it your phone , television or anything. Communicate with others that this particular time is your reading time to avoid further distractions. You can play music if you like to concentrate better or choose a quiet place or any place you like to make reading enjoyable .