How to Build a Reading Habit That Actually Lasts
We’ve all heard the phrase “Readers are Leaders.” It’s true—books hold the wisdom to shape our thinking, expand our perspective, and sharpen our leadership skills. But let’s be honest: starting and sustaining a reading habit is not easy.
Maybe you’ve picked up a book once, read a few pages, and then life pulled you back into your usual routine. Soon, the book gathers dust on the shelf. If that sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
So how do you go from being a wishful reader to a consistent one? Let’s dive into a practical (and surprisingly fun) method.
Step 1: Don’t Start Reading Immediately—Pre-frame Your Mind
Think about how movies are released. Do they drop the full film suddenly? No. They build hype with trailers, posters, teasers, and music. That excitement makes us want to watch.
You can do the same with books. Before you start reading:
- Buy a book you’re genuinely curious about (not just because it’s trendy).
- For the first few days, just look at the cover. Notice the title, author’s name, and endorsements.
- Next, Google the book. Read reviews on Goodreads or watch YouTube summaries.
This step-by-step pre-framing creates mental anticipation. Soon, your brain will be hungry to explore what’s inside.
Step 2: Skim Before You Dive
Instead of starting from page one, spend a week just browsing the table of contents.
Look at the chapter titles and ask yourself:
- What might the author be trying to say here?
- What do I think this chapter is about?
Just like we guess a movie’s plot from its trailer, let your imagination play with the book’s structure. This “mental rehearsal” makes you more curious and invested.
Step 3: Read Only What Interests You First
Here’s a liberating secret: you don’t have to read a book in order.
Open any chapter that grabs your attention and skim through it. Don’t force yourself to read word-for-word. Instead:
- Highlight an interesting idea.
- Talk about it with a friend or family member.
- Let it stay in your mind, like a song you hum after hearing it once.
This playful approach removes pressure and keeps reading enjoyable.
Step 4: Start Small—Two Pages a Day
When you’re ready to begin, don’t overwhelm yourself. Aim for just two pages before bed.
Why before bed? Because:
- It replaces mindless scrolling on your phone.
- Your brain processes information deeply while you sleep.
- You’ll naturally recall what you read during important moments in life or work.
Many readers (myself included) find that bedtime reading turns casual insights into powerful memories.
Step 5: Consistency Is More Important Than Speed
The goal isn’t to finish books quickly; it’s to stay connected to them daily. Even if you don’t read, you can still:
- Browse the book cover.
- Watch a quick video review.
- Listen to an audiobook version of the same book.
Think of it as keeping the “conversation” with the book alive. This consistency rewires your mind into becoming a natural reader.
Step 6: Learn, Apply, Repeat
One inspiring example comes from a friend who reads each book three times:
- She listens to the audiobook.
- Then she buys the Kindle version.
- Finally, she purchases the physical copy.
It may sound extreme, but here’s the secret—she applies what she learns in her business and daily life. That’s why her learning sticks.
Remember: knowledge without application fades. Knowledge applied becomes transformation.
Final Thoughts: Make Reading Your Superpower
If you’ve struggled with reading habits before, don’t give up. You don’t need to devour a book in one sitting. Instead:
- Pre-frame your mind like a movie trailer.
- Skim, guess, and play with chapter ideas.
- Read small chunks daily, especially before bed.
- Keep the momentum alive through videos, summaries, or conversations.
Do this consistently, and soon you’ll notice something magical: books won’t feel like a burden anymore. They’ll feel like trusted companions guiding you through life.
So, the next time someone says “Readers are Leaders,” you won’t just nod—you’ll smile, knowing you’re living proof of it.
