What are you reading today?
A question I often ask in my trainings to my participants, in my academic classes to my students.
Sometimes I get detailed answers on the book they are reading or listening to, the journal papers or some random article they read that morning.
Participants tell me they don't have time to read or they just don't read books; reels or viral LinkedIn posts are more entertaining.
I have often heard adults lamenting how kids dont read today and they are always on the gadgets.
Till a few years back, I would quietly judge wondering how can someone not read. But today, I am wiser I think. I try and understand the why but also how can we inculcate the habit of reading.
So, sharing what I tell my participants and students and what I tell the fellow parents, when they ask "How do we begin reading? " Or "How to get the child to read? "
1. Reading is not a competition- each of us read at a pace that works for us. There is no ideal time to finish a book. I do keep a track of how many books I read, what genre, new authors but that is only a personal benchmark.
2. Read anything you can get your hands on- a book, an article- short or long form, a magazine, a pamphlet, news shorts... Even what is written on newspaper packets or the statements on t-shirts.
3. All genres are good- let us stop being snooty about genres. We could have a favourite genre ourselves but let us refrain from imposing. Fiction, Non-fiction, Mystery, Romance, Drama, Magical realism, Translated works, Vernacular literature- all work.
4. If you are not enjoying a book, stop reading it. Don't be a victim of sunk cost fallacy... Time and life are precious. Sometimes some books just don't work for us and it is ok.
5. One is boring, want to read multiple books at the same time- Go-ahead. Over the years, I have realised that I prefer reading multiple books- one physical book and another on the kindle and sometimes all physical books... I usually read different genres simultaneously. That keeps the momentum and the interest.
6. Children mirror us adults, most times. So, if you are a parent who wants the child to read... Then you also reading helps the cause. Sometimes you could read out aloud to them or read along! Make it a family activity.
7. There is no perfect time to read. We can set aside a time everyday but also not be bound by it. I like to read when I have my morning coffee or when am travelling in the cab or when am waiting at the doctors or the bank or even at Ranga Shankara for eg. Once children take to reading, we see that they read everywhere and at all times.
8. Reading is not a tickbox activity or just a hobby. It over years becomes a part of who we are and shapes how we think, feel and act.
So, go ahead.. pick up just any book and read!
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