Your goal: Build a consistent reading habit
Imagine if you allowed countless hours to slip by, unable to focus or improve your productivity because you didn't commit to building a reading habit. Without the knowledge and mental sharpening that reading brings, your professional growth may stall, and your ability to solve problems creatively could diminish. Opportunities that require sharp cognitive skills might pass by, leaving you behind while others advance. The quiet satisfaction of finishing a thought-provoking book and the inspiration it ignites would remain out of reach. Don't let procrastination rob you of the chance to expand your mind and boost your productivity.
Think of yourself as a dedicated reader, someone who inhales information and transforms insights into actions. By embracing the identity of a reader, you naturally seek opportunities to engage with texts that enlighten and educate, paving the way for improved focus and productivity. This identity resonates with your desire for growth and success, turning every page into a stepping stone towards your future. Imagine the confidence gained from well-formed opinions and the productivity boosts that come with enhanced concentration. Every day you see yourself this way, you're one step closer to becoming the informed achiever you're meant to be.
Achieve your goal using the 4-laws of behavior change
Start by reading just one page or setting a low-time target like five minutes per session. This removes the intimidation factor and makes the habit so easy to begin that resistance fades away. As you maintain consistency, gradually increase the time or number of pages.
Connect each reading session with something you enjoy. Choose compelling books or genres that thrill you, or integrate reading into a cozy, comfortable setting. Perhaps allow yourself a favorite drink only when you're sitting down to read, building a positive association with the habit.
Designate a specific time and place for your reading sessions. For instance, leave a book on your bedside table or place a bookmark strategically to remind you daily. Creating such a visual cue sparks the habit, making it unmistakably clear when and where you should read.
After completing your reading, reward yourself with a small treat or a few minutes of your favorite activity. You could also track your reading progress visually, marking each completed book in a journal. This establishes a clear reward system and shows tangible growth, making each session fulfilling.
Start with small, simple tasks that make progress feel effortless. These easy wins will set the foundation for lasting change.
Your weekly tasks could look like the following
Find a book you are excited to read.
Set a reminder on your phone for a 5-minute reading session in the evening.
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