From Zero to 40 Books a Year: My Reading Transformation Journey
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Chapter 1: My Reading Journey Begins
My journey into reading has been the catalyst for numerous positive transformations in my life. Books have become a vital part of my daily routine, with each day including time spent reading or listening to literature. The significant shifts I’ve experienced can be attributed to my developed reading habit, which has sparked change in various aspects of my life.
Reflecting back, I was not always an avid reader. In fact, I didn't complete a book that wasn't a brief children's story until I turned 18, and even that took me about a year. Fast forward to today, and I now read and listen to approximately 40 books each year. Here are three approaches that helped me make this leap from reading zero books annually to 40.
Section 1.1: Embrace Audiobooks
- For those who struggle to enjoy reading, I highly recommend starting with Audible. Initially, books took me an extended period to finish. I often found myself re-reading passages, losing my place, and at times, putting books down for months due to boredom.
My perspective shifted when I utilized my Audible trial to listen to 'The 5 Second Rule' by Mel Robbins. While my appreciation for the book has diminished over time, it was an eye-opener regarding the potential of what books could offer. I now make it a habit to listen to audiobooks during my free moments—whether I’m driving, cooking, exercising, or doing household chores.
Over the last four years, I’ve accumulated around 686 hours of listening time, averaging just under 30 minutes each day.
Subsection 1.1.1: Short Reads for Quick Sessions
Section 1.2: Optimize Your Time on the Toilet
- What do you typically do while in the restroom? Instead of mindlessly scrolling through your phone, consider picking up a short chapter book or even a single-page read. This way, you avoid losing your place each time you step away.
Some of my top picks include:
- Food Rules by Michael Pollan
- The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday
- The Rules of Life by Richard Templar
- The Rules of Thinking by Richard Templar
Section 1.3: Prioritize Enjoyment in Your Reading
- This may seem like common sense, but it's an important point: choose books that genuinely interest you. I have often fallen into the trap of following 'must-read' lists and selecting titles that others claim are essential—classics or books that I feel obligated to read but lack enthusiasm for.
This approach can quickly lead to the demise of your reading habit. Instead, focus on books that you find enjoyable. Feel free to start several books and finish only a few; don't hesitate to put down those that fail to capture your interest. I often juggle multiple books at once, picking up whichever one piques my interest at the moment.
Establishing a consistent reading routine can be one of the most beneficial things you do for yourself. You can absorb years' worth of knowledge in just a few hours—why wouldn't you take advantage of that?
Chapter 2: Insights from Experts
For further inspiration on improving your reading habits, check out the following videos:
The first video, "40 Books in a Year: My Top Reading Tips," provides practical advice on how to enhance your reading experience and increase your annual book count.
Additionally, the second video titled "The System That Changed My Life: How I Read 12 Books in 12 Weeks" offers a compelling framework for accelerating your reading goals.
If you found this content helpful, feel free to connect with me on Twitter for more insights: @iamsam_williams