As human beings, we know that if it is important, we’ll make it a priority and find the time in our schedule to do it. For readers that “it” is reading. And like any good resolution to start a good habit whether for its own sake or to replace a bad habit, systems are put in place to make it happen.
As is the case for reading more, the systems might be
- Making sure that wherever you go you have a book with you. This could mean a book in your bag, a downloaded ebook or audiobook on your phone, keeping one in the car, or at your desk at work.
- Actively changing the pattern of reaching for your phone and instead reaching for your book if you spent your down time scrolling.
- Purchasing materials to make a book nook at home to make it a comfortable reading spot. This might mean a comfy slippers, a plush blanket, a new armchair.
- Changing behavior and reading for 15 minutes when you wake up in the morning rather than turning on the TV or likewise turning off the TV and reading for 15 minutes before bed to gain momentum.
- Picking materials that you WANT to read. No one should be forcing you to read things you don’t want to so when you’re picking something because you enjoy it whether it’s a steamy romance or self-help book or future science, you’ll find yourself reading more when you’re enjoying the content itself more. Reading classics only works if you WANT to read classics. And the same goes if you aren’t enjoying the book you’re reading– there’s plenty of inspiring quotes that life is too short to be reading a bad book.
- If you’re increasing your reading, you might want to make sure your public library card is up to date.
- I’m a book borrower, rarely a book purchaser (except for the purchases I make working in the library) and that’s an economical choice because I read so much.
- Join a book club or have a book buddy. Someone that enjoys the act and can push, pull, prod, and inspire you to continue on your reading journey. For some, this is the motivation they’d need to build their momentum. Or at the very least, start a relationship with your local public librarian or indie bookseller because they’re just as passionate about books and would happily engage in conversations around what they’re reading and what you’re reading.
- Practicing the art of reading focus. We can binge watch on Netflix, but it’s hard to binge read? Never! But for those that haven’t done it in a while, you need to get your stamina back and that means the concentrated focus we have at work to accomplish a task can be applied to good ol’ fashioned reading. Plain and simple.
One of the systems I put in place years ago was that my lunch at work in a busy school library was to read. First (and this is aimed at every educator) was to take my lunch and the second was to use part or all of that time to read. It was astounding how many more books I read over the week, month, year when I began this practice. And for 2019, I vowed to capture more of my lunchtime reading by bookstagramming them and using the hashtag #literarylunchbox. Feel free to follow my journey on Instagram @readersbeadvised.
What systems will you put in place to make reading a bigger chunk of your life?
How do I feel? In one word, accomplished. I saw the yearlong activity through from January through December. I posted each week using the prompts and in between with other blogging-related content like book reviews and librarian activities. I’d say that it’s a characteristic of my personality, the need to accomplish an activity once it’s started. Ultimately every library activity from author visits (planned years in advance sometimes) to preparation for the year ahead is an exercise in perseverance. Students may change, the weather even, and administration or colleagues, but inside you need to revisit the concepts and the reasons, refining them and getting as close to perfection as they can before the launch. You hear this from authors whose published books began years before.
Whether I’m coming or going, my home city is always a sight and was actually the center of quite a lot of 
Readers Be Advised 