Have you tried to reframe ‘lazy’ to ‘demotivated’? It’s not just about jargon, it’s about identifying a problem and attempting to finding a solution. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes laziness is alright. If you’re getting by with joy in your life and find it fulfilling, even though you’re labelled ‘lazy’ either by yourself or others, then please continue! After all, fulfilling life is what we should all be aiming for.
But if you tend to blame laziness for your inability to achieve what you feel you should be achieving, then try this. Reposition your lazy as a lack of motivation.
I’ve been a voracious reader all my life, but for the past few years I’ve been languishing on two or three, maybe five books read the whole year. And then this year, in October my tally stands at 26 books. It’s 8 books ahead of the target I’d set for myself at the beginning of the year!
Some introspection actually made me realise that my supposed laziness when it came to reading was actually based on some myths that I had propagated for myself. I wasn’t motivated enough to read more because I was forcing my mind to focus on “truths” that weren’t there at all.
3 “Truths” that I changed so that I could read more books:
1. Read what’s recommended
Changed to: Accept that I need pace and thrill in my reading.
Rather than worrying about how people around me are reading smart things, keeping up with smart ideas, and finding essential truths in non-fiction, I had to let go of the snobbishness associated with reading and accept that Fiction is where my heart is, and perhaps always will be. Give me a well-articulated fantasy world or a thriller delving into an unthinkable crime any day. Even in non-fiction, I can devour Bad Blood (the fascinating account of Theranos’ rise & fall), but I cannot digest Ikigai. Despite all my love for all things Apple, reading Steve Jobs’ biography has never been on my list, but I was fascinated to start my running journey with Born to Run (an adventure with ultra-runners and hidden tribes in the Americas). Everyone can’t read every genre that is written, and I had to stop focussing on reading the “best-book-ever” according to other people.
2. Finish what you start
Changed to: It’s alright to leave books unfinished.
Contrary to what I used to feel earlier, you are allowed to leave a book midway. This one took me a long time to accept, but I eventually did. Ploughing through a book which isn’t keeping me engaged actually ends up reducing the hours I spend reading. I’ll be too tired to read at night, or “forget” to charge the kindle or find the book too heavy to carry on a flight… all inane excuses that are trying to hide the underlying message. I don’t want to read this book! The aha moment came when I realized that “this book” goes at the end of that sentence. So, whenever I find myself struggling to find time to read, I leave the book I’m currently on and pick a new one.
3. Reading means physically sitting with a paper book
Changed to: Let go of any inhibitions about the meaning of “reading”.
Kindle books are books. Audiobooks are books. Puritans may be ready to put me on the docks for saying this, but I’m a strong believer in letting go of the snobbery associated with “being a reader”. I love real physical books as much as the next book-worm. But, for me, the words and their absorption is equally important. (Audio)books have made 2-hour commutes entertaining, (Audio)books have made household chores bearable, (Audio)books have let my feet focus on running as my mind is in another world during my workout. So yes, I’ve let go of the concept of a reading nook with a physical book in a quiet corner as the only way to read. I have an audiobook, and a kindle book and a physical book simultaneously on my “currently reading” shelf and I’m happier for it.
Do you relate to these falsehoods that are keeping you from reading more, or perhaps some misconceptions are keeping you from achieving other awesome goals? You too can try to reframe the problem to find a way through; do share your thoughts in the comments below.
Through the month of October, I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter‘s #MyFriendAlexa. Stay tuned!
You can follow #PracticalMumWrites on twitter to get regular updates.
This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase products through these links I may earn a small commission, it is no extra cost to you and it is a means to help support this blog.
Wow Nupur! I have Blogchatter to thank for having put a blog like yours in my radar.
I find your blogs so interesting and relatable.
Coming back to this post, yes definitely I have gone and still am going through these phases. A voracious reader, it’s been many years since I’ve actually felt the joys of reading per se. My reasons are plenty! 😉
I should just perhaps ‘let go’ as you suggest and start all over again.
The feeling is quite mutual Radhika! I’m a total #Fangirl of your writing which I’ve discovered only thanks to Blogchatter..
I’ve definitely moved on from needing only paperbacks… Am very content with Kindle. But yes, need to do more to motivate myself to read… Has been a bad year on that front.
Maybe you just need a few really good books to get going..
A really thought provoking post when it comes to habits around reading. I totally agree to leaving a book midway when you already arent motivated to move ahead with it and waste your time on it. People feel that others might shame that they haven’t completed. One might come back to a book later at anytime. Even classics are sometimes boring. Nice one. Keep the good work going.
#MyFriendAlexa #ContemplationOfaJoker #Jokerophilia
Yes exactly, it’s the fear of being told, “but how did you not like that book?”
Thanks for stopping by…
These changed truths you have stated about reading, are refreshingly new norms, and very motivating. Loved all three! Read what’s recommended and reading is physically restraining, are already old calls 😊
Need to work on the ‘finish what you read’ coz I’m still obsessed with this one.
Perhaps you haven’t yet started a book that needed to be left midway 😉 Never say never
Couldn’t agree more. Especially the reading from paper books part. Else you don’t get the feeling only .
But it’s ok to not get the feeling sometimes! 😉
I was introduced to Kindle books during the BlogChatter ecarnival; it busted my myth about online reading. Loved your blog post and I will try to implement these truths in my life. I visited your blog for the first time, thanks to MFA, must say that your content is very interesting. Keep writing :).
Thanks for that Mayura… I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the content.
Oh yes, I relate to all the points. But still can’t get myself to leave a book midway. I don’t know why I am obsessed with the idea thati have got to finish every book I start. Also I always thought I would never be able to enjoy reading on Kindle because I like to buy books, smell the pages and increase my collection on the book shelf. However, the lockdown changed my opinion. Luckily I got a kindle just a day before the lockdown and I have been able to read more and keep myself sane during these past few months.
wow! Perfect timing of getting the kindle.. well done!
And maybe you haven’t come across books that need to be left midway?
Thankfully, I am a more flexible kind of reader and it is only after I read your 3 truths did I realise how helpful that has been.. hahaha
Glad to hear you’ve been flexible! Haha.. I’m sure you get more done
I am a Kindle as well as a physical book person! Audiobooks for me are distracting. I like to bookmark sentences or highlight them sometimes to go back to them.
I know what you mean. There are some books where re-reading needs to happen! Those can’t be done on an audiobook for sure. But there is a category that works really well for listening. For instance, an autobiography like Becoming which is narrated by Michelle Obama herself. Try it sometime. You may just change your mind 😉
Bang on.. I agree with all the three tips………I am lacking behind in my reading so will follow these tips to move ahead. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Swati.. happy reading!
Very relatable post I must say. Reading is something we should always find time for and we must do it as per our wish. Glad you wrote on this topic.
I too read a lot and books are my best friends [leaving aside my wife 😉 ] I too put aside a book occasionally. If it doesn’t grip my heart after a score of pages or two, I keep it aside. Its time will come eventually. Hopefully.
I feel guilty after reading your blog Nupur. I just dont find the time to read a book these days.I was one who read a book from start to finish in one night..Getting old I guess 🙂
Or, not finding the right books to keep you up at night 😉 Hope you find your reading-funk back soon
I too personally belive in reading books and not the kindle or audio verions, they just take away all the fun. I love books the way they are and mostly its more kids books for us then for me.
Actually, I was advocating the opposite Gunjan 🙂 Try a Kindle or audiobooks some time, you might just change your mind
I could completely realte to your post. It took me a while to start DNF-ing books that were not working for me. I just used a different word “Backburner”. To come back to the books in the future but I rarely did. Ditto on the physical book. I prefer audiobooks to ebooks though.
Backburner! I love it… Am going to use this too.
Exactly I suffered from the same burden that I should finish what I start…and it took away so many hours! Now I have learnt to let go of many things and stick to what I love to read, whether a paperback or kindle or audiobook. A wonderful post…I could relate to it in entirety.
Thanks for stopping by Ninu.
The second point resonates so much with me I am anti-don’t quit 🙂
It took me many years to get on this camp! But it is a life changer for sure.
So true, when it comes to reading, paperback in hand and finishing it is the key I stick too, but fail many times. And now I can say its pretty normal without guilt.
To stay interested in a book, it should match our mindset and comfort level. Audio or kindle, fiction or non fiction, best on the list or worst it’s your choice to pick and read.
Some books make your mood, some moods make a book happen to you.
So its ok leave & comeback, as till you are not interested or motivated in reading it wont be a fun activity.
Nice post.
I totally agree. Thogh I haven’t warmed up to audiobooks yet, I understand that books of any format are amazing.
It’s a great supplement to your regular reading habit. Try it sometime and let me know what you think. Pro-tip : listen on 1.2x or 1.4x speed, it helps to stay concentrated!
I am a voracious reader who is compelled to finish every book she starts. Your post has given me food for thought, as I do want to read more than I already do. Thanks for this awesome read!
I hope you either spend a lot of time choosing which book to start, or that you have enough will power to go through the “not so good ones” too.
Yes I prefer paperbook but kindle is a good option to those who frequently travel or change place.
Also I concur all 3 points.
Also for late-night reading (with the backlight on). And for easy access too! You can buy a new book in one-click at any odd hour of the day or night. Can’t beat this convenince.
Well I’ve moved to ebooks and yes my Kindle has ensured Im reading more than before.
My, I don’t remember the number of times I’ve felt guilty for not reading books that people are raving about, like The God of Small Things, for instance. People laugh that I’m a Potterhead but I don’t mind. Snobbishness is childish, I feel. Also, I’ve also let go of leaving books unfinished. Why suffer when you can move on? Got a Kindle only recently and yes, the experience isn’t too different. Reading is fun if we don’t think too much about others.
Much like other things in life 😉
Even I can’t handle too much of Jhumpa Lahiri. All her books are on my half-read list!
I can’t live without my kindle. Most of this has been due to my shifting to Dubai 6 yrs back. Paperbacks became too costly and then space constraints to add to. Ended up with reading more on kindle. Reading is like a stress buster for me. When nothing works, pick up a book and lose yourself in it.
Exactly! It’s amazing to get lost in the world of books.
The first few lines are really good dear. And yes all three tips are good for beginners and avid readers.
Of lately I am.unable to read as much as I would like to. Some books I have just left half and not.picked up. Your tips are indeed going to be helpful to get my reading habit back on track.
Pick up a book that you would love to read, rather than looking at the half-done pile.
I was an avid reader few years back but due to motherhood and personal works, reading took a backseat. You shared some nice points an thought provoking too. I will try these to get back to reading.
“It’s alright to leave books unfinished.” Thank you for saying this. I feel less guilty now! I’d also like to know in connection with the third point that what is your take on watching movies instead of reading the book from which it was created.
No, no, no! Movies are absolutely not the same. I am anyway not a TV person too much, but to say that watching a movie is the same as reading a book is too much of a stretch. Movies can be enjoyable in and of themselves, not as a replacement to reading.
Hi Nupur, I am glad you wrote this post. I think it’s important to mentally sort out the books of interest rather than reading what the world is reading. Like yourself, I just cannot read from a kindle. It is not for me. I even chose the night time to sit in my favourite corner with an aromatic candle by my side. The whole activity of reading must be a joyous one.
Actually Dipali, I love my Kindle! It’s been a saviour of my reading habit on more than one occasion – late nights with the baby asleep and no lights on in the room, travelling on a flight.
But yea, the idea is to do what makes reading enjoyable for you.
This is soo relatable.. I remember when I read every book recommended and now i have my own pace and my own choice for reading… You penned everything beautifully
It gets tough to keep up if you’re trying to read the “right” books all the time.
Absolutely agree with you on all points, especially the third. Can’t go without an e-reading device now, even if it’s reading on my phone while commuting. It’s an absolute saviour. I listen to a few audiobooks, but mostly in Bengali, haven’t given the English ones a go as they would need more attention. Keep reading!
Thanks for reading me too!
I read what I like .Its the only way to sustain reading.Great mindset hacks.I loved Ikigai by the way.But I am a mystery lover too.
I found Ikigai too boring to sit through. But then like you said, read what you like! It’s a totally personal choice
I abide by the 3 points you have mentioned. Reading on my pace and something leaving a book unfinished is ok. For me reading is for pleasure and I let it be that way. Not get overwhelmed.
Reading for pleasure is definitely underrated in today’s competitive world. Glad to hear you’re keeping it real.
This makes so much sense, with this flexibility it is easier to keep the reading habit alive.
You are so right, I have so many half read books. Its alright to cut your losses and move on if you dont liek a book!
It’s uncanny how many people are not ready to do this, unfortunately.
Oh I was the ‘I Should finish the book I started: kinda person. I changed that over the last one year and I must say I’m so much at peace now.
Same pinch!
I’ve left a few books incomplete. I don’t feel guilty either. Though I’ve moved on to Kindle, a paperback definitely is my first choice.#tmmreads
The first point was exactly me a year ago. Trying to buy or read recommended books cost me highly. I too love reading my kind of books at my pace. Helps me move ahead. Thanks for listing this down for every reader.
Glad to hear you got out of the reading glut. Thanks for stopping by!
When I was in school I used to love reading books. Every week I would eagerly wait for the library period. I had such an amazing collection of books. But as time went on, I some how lost touch with reading books. Lately, I am trying to get back to reading more and your tips are surely very helpful.
I hope you get back to reading more soon!
Doesn’t this connect to all of us (readers who changed our paths due to life), I was one and would definitely try to go back to my first love.
I hope you are able to get back to reading, in whatever form.
Great tips! I accept that I have been lazy with reading for a long time. But with Blogchatter carnival things changed for the good,
So glad to hear that. Blogchatter is doing great work!
I can totally relate and feel every word. I am currently going through the same. I have so many unread books with me but I feel most of them are non-fiction, too heavy for me to read or is something i am currently not interested so I am reading harry potter book 5 and a collection of short stories book.
This helps yet it’s hard to find time to read between all the multi tasking we do. Also, I do download some ebooks on my juggernut app or kindle app so when I am not in mood to hold a book, I can just read something from my phone…
Harry Potter is always a good idea to get the reading funk back! enjoy the magic 🙂
I need to work on finish what you read this year, lots of pending books to read completely
If it isn’t giving you joy… leave them unfinished!
I think we can be best friends Nupur. I totally agree with all 3 points you have written. Also I just cant seem to read non-fiction at all!. Though books have been my best friend since am early age, now I struggle to read. Your post inspired me.
ahhaha! this is awesome to hear, and happy to meet my book-buddy! I hope you pick up books again..