A Simple Exercise To Get You Back Into Reading

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores how to fit reading into a busy life and overcome the mental barriers that prevent us from reading more. The main advice is to stop treating reading as a laborious task and instead make it a reflex, like eating or breathing. By integrating reading into daily activities—like using a Kindle during breaks—and choosing books slightly below your reading level, you can gradually build a sustainable reading habit. The key takeaway is to make reading part of your routine, avoiding the pressure to read 'difficult' books, and simply reading a little each day.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reading should be integrated into daily life, not seen as a time-consuming or difficult activity.
• 😀 Our busy lives make it hard to dedicate long stretches of time to reading, but small, consistent reading moments are more achievable.
• 😀 Negative associations with reading often stem from past experiences in school, such as forced reading assignments.
• 😀 Overcoming literary trauma requires seeing reading simply as staring at words on a page, not a grand ritual or task.
• 😀 Reading should become a reflex, like eating or breathing, something you do naturally throughout your day.
• 😀 You can read anywhere: on the train, during a work break, or even on a photo shoot.
• 😀 Long reading sessions are a luxury; instead, aim for small reading moments during busy periods.
• 😀 Replacing phone scrolling with reading is a simple way to build a reading habit.
• 😀 Choose books below your current reading level for more consistent, manageable reading.
• 😀 The more you read, the better you get at reading—speed, comprehension, and interpretation all improve.
• 😀 Gradually challenge yourself with more difficult books once you’ve developed the reading habit, but start with manageable content.

Q & A

Why is it difficult for people to read more, even though they want to?

The difficulty often stems from carrying 'literary trauma' from past experiences, particularly from high school, where reading was associated with long hours of study or as a form of elegant, ritualistic activity. This can create mental barriers that make reading seem like a daunting task rather than a simple, enjoyable activity.

How does a busy life affect the ability to read?

As people age, their lives become busier with more responsibilities, such as work, relationships, and other obligations. This leaves less time for activities like reading. However, the speaker emphasizes that this doesn't have to prevent reading altogether if it's approached in a more flexible and natural way.

What is the problem with viewing reading as a grand ritual?

Viewing reading as a grand ritual creates unrealistic expectations, making it seem like it needs to happen in a certain setting or requires a lot of time and effort. This mindset prevents people from simply integrating reading into their everyday life in small, manageable ways.

What is the key idea from Ryan Holiday's article about reading?

Ryan Holiday suggests that reading should be treated as a natural reflex, like eating or breathing, rather than a special activity. Once reading becomes a default habit, it can be done in small moments throughout the day, such as during a work break or while commuting.

How can reading be integrated into a busy daily life?

The speaker suggests carrying a Kindle or another book with you and replacing time spent scrolling on your phone with reading. Small chunks of reading, even if it's just a few minutes during a commute or break, can add up over time.

What type of reading material is recommended for busy people?

The speaker recommends choosing books that are slightly below your current reading level, especially during busy times. This allows you to read consistently without the pressure of tackling something too challenging, making reading more sustainable and enjoyable.

Why is it important to choose a book below your reading level?

Choosing a book below your current level allows for easier, more consistent reading. This helps establish a reading habit and prevents reading from feeling like a laborious task. Over time, this builds the habit and confidence to tackle more complex material.

How does reading regularly improve one's skills?

Regular reading improves reading speed, comprehension, and the ability to interpret and retain information. It also enhances your ability to understand arguments and ideas, making you more efficient at reading over time.

What is the connection between reading and overcoming high school trauma?

By shifting the perception of reading from a difficult or formal activity to a casual, daily habit, individuals can overcome the negative associations formed during high school. This makes reading a less daunting task and helps reintegrate it into everyday life.

What experiment does the speaker suggest for the audience to try this week?

The speaker suggests that the audience experiment by incorporating reading into their daily life in small moments. Instead of scrolling on their phones during a commute, they should read a book. The idea is to practice reading consistently, even if it's just for a few minutes each day.