When things don’t go as planned, it’s crucial to reinvent yourself and try something new.
After taking a month to complete just one book, I realized that I must not berate myself. Although I have been reading books fervently for the last few years, I cannot claim to have a consistent reading pace. Since it’s my reading journey, I can set my own pace and make my own rules.
When I am not able to read anything for a long time, I go back to reading comic books for a while. I enjoy being lenient with myself. Often, I am not able to read at the pace that I want to. During those times, I observe and keep a check on the kind of self-talk I do. At times, I berate myself. Other times, I’m guilty of not living up to my own expectations. Some other times, I understand the predicament and console myself.
I will share below how I tackled my self-talk, without labeling myself as a bad reader. I hope these help you move forward in your reading journey.
Addressing your self-talk
Health First
If you are unwell, sleepy, tired, or hungry, please address these needs first. Reading can come later. After addressing this primary issue, you can explore other ways to get back to reading. It may take a few days, weeks, or months. It doesn’t matter. Whatever the cause for your reader’s block is, it can transform.
All avid readers have an overpowering desire to read all the books. Yet they’re unable to focus on anyone. Know that is not a big deal. When juggling many books, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and lose concentration.
Try something different
If you find yourself reading books in the same category, it may be time to branch out and try something new! Getting out of your comfort zone might rekindle your enthusiasm for reading. Pick up a book in a genre you wouldn’t usually read. Better yet, ask a friend, bookstore, or library for ideas outside your regular genres.
Try short reads
Sometimes you find yourself reading 600+ page books all the time. If so, it might be time to try something shorter. Picking up a shorter read might sometimes help you break the reading slump. Once you complete a book, you feel accomplished. For me, comic books do the magic of breaking the reading slump.
Skim through topics
If completing a book feels like a task, check how many pages are left. If only a few pages remain, skim through the topics in the book. By going through the topics, diagrams, images, tables, and charts, you will get some idea of what the book has to offer.
If you still feel the need to read more, read the last few pages or the last few paragraphs. Even the last paragraph of the concluding chapter will be enough for you to know the topic.
Take a break or try a different reading format
Sometimes all you need is a break from reading. At such moments, try doing something else, such as listening to music. Or spending time with friends and family. Watching movies. It’s okay to take a break.
You may also want to change your reading format. Books can be read as e-books, audiobooks, or paperback. Listen to an audiobook while exercising or doing chores if you have trouble focusing on printed material. If there’s an overload of audiobooks, you can take up a paperback or an e-book to sit down and relax.
Be around books
Even if you are not actively reading, doing things that include books may rekindle your love of reading. Listen to podcasts. Browse your favorite book accounts online. Read reviews. Read or listen to author interviews. Attend virtual events. Talk to your reading buddies. Visit your local bookstore or library.
To sum up the message
When your interest in reading fades away check for the following signs:
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Are you full of emotions?
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Too many things in your mind?
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Too tired?
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Too sleepy?
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Hungry?
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Are you unwell?
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Or, distracted?
Then try to –
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Address your health concern
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Pick any other interesting book
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Try audiobook
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Take a break
Still, want to challenge yourself? Consider –
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How much of the book is remaining.
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If a few pages remain —–> try to complete it or keep it for later.
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If too many pages remain —–> skip to interesting parts.
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Go through the topics, heading, diagrams, images, tables, and charts, to get a general idea of what the book has to offer.
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Still, struggling? Read the last few pages/paragraphs and move on.
No one is a bad reader
Dropping a book is very easy, labelling yourself as a bad reader is easier. But the point is because you are bored don’t brand yourself are a bad reader. Don’t give up on a good book. With the tips mentioned above try getting whatever best you can take from the book. There are times when life is too chaotic. Perhaps, you’ve started a new job or are caring for a sick family member.
From my experience, I know that we don’t have to push ourselves to read something because it’s good or because everyone says so. When life becomes too hectic, taking a vacation from reading is also okay.
Dropping a book is very easy. Labeling yourself as a Bad Reader is easier.
But is that true?
Sometimes it’s okay to not be consistent or perfect. Have you ever faced reader’s block? Share in the comment section below how you overcame the phase.
#LearningNeverEnds #CuriousTitans
