How to Develop a Love for Reading: Start with What You Love

Everyone can benefit from the joy of reading, whether it's books, newspapers, or articles. But how do you develop a genuine interest in these forms of written material if you initially feel like a reluctant reader? This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to transition from disinterest to a deep passion for reading. By starting with topics that genuinely interest you, you can slowly expand your reading horizons and find the pleasure in words and ideas.

Start Small and Build Gradually

The key to developing a love for reading is to start small and build gradually. Don't rush yourself into a habit or even liking books right away. Begin with topics that genuinely interest you. It's far more effective to start with a book or article that you find captivating. Once you establish a rhythm and routine, you can slowly expand to new subjects and genres.

My Early Experience with Reading

Reflecting on my own journey, I was always a voracious reader. When young, I would escape to books during my free time and even read under my desk during class. However, I often encountered resistance from teachers who discouraged me from reading unassigned material. At the time, many educational authorities also expressed concern that children were not reading enough, especially boys. I believed their methods of trying to motivate children to read were somewhat misguided.

The Simple Solution: Tailor Your Reading Material to Your Interests

From a young age, I was a natural psychologist. By the time I was 13, I devised a simple solution to encourage my peers to read more. My theory was that if you provide children with books on topics they are very interested in, they will naturally want to read them. I observed that many boys and girls were particularly interested in the following:

I believed that if these topics were made available, they would be much more engaging than reading boring school assignments. Although I didn't have the chance to test this theory thoroughly, I am confident that teenagers would be more inclined to read if given a chance to explore books and articles on subjects they care about.

Adapt Your Reading to Your Interests as an Adult

For adults who wish to enjoy reading, the first step is to choose material that you are genuinely interested in. Start with topics you can easily engage with and that you can comfortably read. Being a reading snob is not necessary; comic books, or even infographics, count as reading if you are reading the words. The more you read, the better you will become, and eventually, you will feel confident enough to tackle more complex material with unfamiliar words and concepts.

What If You Don't Find Newspapers Interesting?

Some people might find traditional reading material less appealing and may struggle with the idea of reading newspapers or articles. If you are not naturally drawn to reading about politics or current events, there is no need to force yourself into that habit. Instead, consider finding alternative ways to stay informed or engaged in relevant topics. For example, Elana, a client of mine, identified that she admired people who read serious newspapers daily but found the content uninteresting. We discussed her true interests, which included fashion magazines and Regency romances, and she found a compromise: listening to morning news shows while preparing her breakfast and then reading whatever caught her interest during her meal.

Enjoy Reading Without the Pressure

The easiest way to loved reading is to focus on material that genuinely interests you. If you feel the need to know about certain things but find them less appealing, finding an alternative method, such as listening to information, can suffice. Remember, reading and acquiring information are two separate things. Choose topics you enjoy, and if you prefer to glean information another way, that's perfectly fine.

In conclusion, developing a love for reading is a journey that begins with genuine interest. Whether you find yourself drawn to literature, newspapers, or articles, start with what genuinely excites you. By building gradually and adapting to your personal preferences, you can cultivate a love for reading that enriches your life and expands your knowledge.