The Absolute, Easiest Way to Read More
On my effort to read more physical books, I stumbled upon the easiest way. It’s nothing new or revolutionary. Nevertheless, the practice has me finishing physical paperback and hardback books. As someone that is constantly busy and consistently spends 12 hours a day at work, this is huge.
Reading is equally important to me because I think it rounds me out as a person. Instead of just focusing on medicine 24/7, doing something outside of medicine helps me learn about other disciplines.
So my habit utilizes the classic habit loop of a cue, routine, and reward. Charles Duhigg extensively researched the habit loop in The Power of Habit.
The process is relatively simple:
Identify a cue
Set up a specific routine
Allow yourself a reward that doesn’t undo the specific habit you’re trying to develop
For me and reading, I kept the set up simple. Anytime I go to the bathroom, I leave my phone wherever it is, and read a book instead. It’s time that I’m going to be wasting anyway, I might as well spend it reading a book instead. Reading a few pages here and there add up quickly. It’s much more peaceful than doomscrolling through instagram or facebook or tiktok. Interestingly, I’ve felt like time slows down when I’m reading, something that doesn’t seem to happen with other forms of media.
In my mind, it’s as simple as just leaving my phone elsewhere for a short period of time.
Lately, I’ve used this habit to read:
What do you think? You can argue about how dumb this idea is down below!