Contents

• Background
• My Reading Practices
• Tips for Increasing Your Reading Volume
• Reading Books You Are Reluctant to Pick Up
• Key Takeaway: Cultivate Excitement
• Conclusion

Background

I once penned an article that gained significant traction:

How to Maintain Confidence as a Non-Native Writer A Case Study from a Non-Native English Writer writingcooperative.com

In that piece, I shared my journey and the methods I utilize for continuous improvement as a writer. I noted that one essential step in my development involves reading extensively. After listing some recently finished books, a reader inquired about my speed and whether I was a speed reader.

Spoiler alert: I am not a speed reader. I am something that *anyone* can become:

My Reading Practices

I am an *enthusiastic* reader. And you can be one too.

Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience:

1. I choose books and other reading materials that genuinely excite me or pique my curiosity.
2. I ride the wave of my interests; whatever topic captivates me at the moment, I delve into it intensely. Reading material that doesn’t engage me feels like a chore, which I try to avoid.
3. If I haven't read in a while, I begin with a short or easy read that still aligns with my current interests.
4. I read with a specific goal. If it's for enjoyment, I search for books similar to ones I love. If it’s for learning, I look for books addressing my pressing questions.
5. I set aside books that don’t resonate with me or fail to bring me joy (especially for leisure reading). Occasionally, I revisit a book and find it delightful when I’m ready to embrace it.

For instance, I struggled to get through Trevor Noah's "Born a Crime" three times, despite being a huge fan of his work. It wasn’t until I engaged with some psychology articles that his name sparked my interest, making me eager to read his book—and I loved it.

Tips for Increasing Your Reading Volume

If you’re keen to become a more avid reader, consider trying this approach:

1. Make a list of your favorite topics or passions. Aim for a top ten list, such as “how people think,” productivity, spirituality, or entertainment.

2. From that list, choose your top three interests.

3. Seek out books that answer your questions about those topics, like “how to earn passive income in a month” or “understanding complex PTSD.”

   If you read mainly for fun, think about the genres of movies or shows you enjoy—could a book in that realm resonate with you?

4. Explore bookstores and libraries for a few highly recommended titles that address your questions in a format you find digestible.

5. Finally, try reading one of those selected books and see if it meets your expectations.

6. Then, repeat the process.

Reading Books You Are Reluctant to Pick Up

You might say, “But I also want to read books that I feel I should read but lack enthusiasm for!”

Let’s consider how I eventually came to enjoy Noah's book. Three factors played a role:

1. I found him relatable due to insights into his thought processes.
2. His work intertwined with one of my interests—psychology—which drew me in.
3. These elements combined to elevate my interest and motivation, transforming reading his book into a fulfilling experience.

Key Takeaway: Cultivate Excitement

If you take away one thing from this, let it be the importance of reading what excites you. Sometimes, you can take proactive steps to ignite your enthusiasm for a book.

> Be enthusiastic about each book you read. If you’re not sufficiently excited, create that excitement.

Generating excitement might involve reading reviews about the book and how it impacted others, both positively and negatively. Sometimes, contrasting reviews can pique curiosity.

For books that could enhance your skills in a desired area, take a moment to reflect on your goals. Visualize achieving your aim, like delivering an inspiring speech, and consider how reading a particular book could help you reach that exhilarating moment.

Feeling excited now?

Conclusion

To wrap up, here’s a quote from Ethan Hawke, the Patron Saint of Lost Artists, which encapsulates my message beautifully:

> “… read the book you want to read and not the book you should read…” (Ethan Hawke in his TED Talk)

Do you have unique strategies or steps that differ from mine? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!