Reading

At the beginning of 2023, one of my New Year's resolutions was to read a book every month, and I'm proud to say that, 12 months later, I accomplished that goal. Reading more has always been a desire of mine, but procrastination often got in the way. I struggled with consistency in my reading habits. However, I decided to challenge myself by setting a monthly deadline and a simple daily goal: read at least 10 pages.

This approach wasn't without its ups and downs. Some months, I devoured books at a faster pace, while in others, life's demands led to less reading. The book lengths varied too, as I intentionally sought diverse subjects to prevent burnout. Despite these fluctuations, I'm determined to make this a lasting habit in the coming years.

I encourage anyone seeking a reading habit to give this method a try. The beauty of reading 10 pages a day lies in its flexibility. Some days, you might read more, while others, circumstances may limit your time. There are no strict rules; you adapt as life unfolds. This practice teaches you commitment, adaptability, and consistency—skills that transcend reading into other aspects of life.

Beyond these life skills, there are other significant benefits. First, this habit keeps your mind constantly engaged with fresh ideas. As you read, you begin connecting the book's content to your daily life, often leading to novel perspectives on situations. These newfound ideas may emerge unexpectedly but can offer creative solutions to problems or widen your horizons.

Finally, the act of reading 10 pages daily provides a moment of disconnection from the digital world and other distractions. It's a valuable opportunity to spend time alone, with your thoughts, and a good book. While this may particularly appeal to introverts, the mental clarity and peace it offers are beneficial for everyone.

Here is a list of books I read this year and hopefully it inspires you to start your reading journey. I hope this inspires you to take action!

Books I read this year so far:

• A Clock Work Orange by Anthony Burgess
• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
• Awareness: The Perils and Opportunity of Reality by Anthony De Mello
• Gold by Rumi
• Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson
• Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
• How To Make Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• My Dinner with Andre by Wallace Shawn and Andre Gregory
• The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
• The Twilight World by Werner Herzog
• The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
• The Will to Keep Winning by Diago Umehara
• The Autopsy by Michael Shea

In conclusion, fostering the habit of reading is a surefire way to foster your personal growth and evolution. I encourage you to start building this habit now, so that when the dawn of 2024 breaks, you're already in the flow, primed for a year of learning and self-improvement.