The habit of reading

While it is common knowledge that reading is the best habit one can cultivate, there are several writings and misconceptions related to the habit that I wish to address based on my own experience. It took me quite a bit of time to get into the habit of reading. Depending on the subject matter, procrastinating by days or months was common. A racy fiction would be an exception.

What constitutes 'reading' according to me?

Anything and everything that can help gain knowledge or skill(s), makes one worldly wise, helps one get into a conversation or just helps kill boredom. Yes, a newspaper does the job too - a habit of reading it for at least 30 minutes everyday keeps you well aware of happenings around you, in the country or across the world.

So many subjects, should I read as much as I can?

There is a temptation to explore varied subjects when you listen to someone talk to you eloquently about a concept or happening in history which you would have had no knowledge about. Well, it is good to accept that much as you may try, it may be very difficult to tackle all subjects that may appear fascinating to you. Better to stick to some that deepen your existing knowledge of or helps you gain immensely in another that you have wanted to learn about all along. In a conversation a listener is as important as the one who speaks. If you are faced with someone talking to you about something you have less knowledge about, don't try to pitch in. Instead, just say "I don't know much, please enlighten / educate me". Yes, trying to rephrase what is being said and asking more questions makes it even more interesting.

A shelf of books appears profound?

And, if I may add, intimidating too. Your mind tends to attach words like - scholar, insanely knowledgeable or brilliant to the image of rows and rows of books. Some of these could be true as well. It isn't proper to judge anyone who has carefully curated a large collection. Their profession may have mandated it or they may have collected them over a very long period of time. Having said this and if possible, share your collection or those you have read and benefitted from with as many people as you can. It is good to share knowledge and books alike. Besides, with the multitude of books available on various subjects, a good recommendation helps several others from searching endlessly.

The speed reading trap

There are umpteen videos, articles and stories about speed reading or how the best of CEOs finish a hundred books a year. If gaining adequate knowledge or mastery over a subject is something that you're looking for, there is no shortcut. It takes time to read and assimilate any content and it requires immense focus and investment of time to do so. Unless you are part of a bizarre competition to be one up on the select crowd who seem to 'speed read', pace yourself to ensure you are consistent through a daily habit that helps you achieve your reading goals.

My own habits

I read between 6-9 books in a year depending on the intensity of the subject and the depth I wish to explore. This is over and above the content that I read daily through newspaper or articles that pertain to the industry / sector I am currently working in. I ensure there is a distraction less time between 30-45 minutes when I can read anywhere between 5-15 pages of a book. That's it.

I do not use a tablet or a kindle like product for reading. It is my way of thinking - that time away from an electronic device (that intrude into our lives for most part of a day) is a welcome change. I keep saying that the feel of a book has its own charm. This may sound abstract but that is the truth.

How do you find the right books to read?

Follow the recommendation of people you believe in - unlikely to go wrong. There are several online sites like 'Publishers Weekly' that do recommend books by genres. When The Outlook magazine was at its peak, their books recommendation section would have some interesting titles listed there. Follow some management experts, journalists or successful CEOs for their recommendation - for sure, they wouldn't waste their time on something that won't do justice to their time.

Watching movies based on certain books....not good enough?

First and foremost - it is difficult to capture every nuance of a 250 page book in a two hour movie (Harry Potter fans are testimony to this). Besides there are several subjects on which movies don't get made.

Reading is something purposeful, intense and with significant benefits (possibly the best ROI for those who imbibe and practise) that those who genuinely do won't quantify. It will reflect adequately in how they conduct themselves and enlighten others with a quantum of humility.

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Thanks for reading. Happy to know what you think.