Do you often find yourself wishing you could read more but end up clicking “continue watching” on Netflix instead? Or maybe you’ve bought books, only to let them collect dust while you mindlessly scroll through social media. It’s a struggle that many of us can relate to.
Personally, I’ve found myself in this cycle time and time again. But recently, I decided to take action and subscribed to the New York Times. To my surprise, it completely transformed my reading habits for the better. This small decision gave me the push I needed to reignite my love for reading and make it a nightly habit.
If you’re in the same boat and are looking to become a reader or kickstart your reading habit, you’re in luck. This post is a step-by-step guide on how to do just that. Let’s dive in and get started!
Day 1: The first step is identifying your reward.
What is the one thing that you’d rather be doing than reading each night? It’s important to pinpoint this activity because it’s likely what’s keeping you from making reading a habit.
Think about it – what do you look forward to most in your bedtime routine? Is it binge-watching your favorite show on Netflix? Or maybe it’s your relaxing skincare routine? Perhaps you can’t resist scrolling through social media? Whatever it is, write down all the things you enjoy doing each evening.
To give you an idea, here are a few things on my list:
- Listening to true crime podcasts or catching up on the news
- Browsing through my favorite YouTube channels
- Checking Instagram for updates from friends and influencers
- Cleaning out my inbox
- Taking a long, hot shower to unwind
Now, take a closer look at your list and highlight the one activity you enjoy the most. This will be important later on. For now, let’s move on to Step 2 and come back to this list in Step 3.
Day 2-3: Come up with a game plan for how you’ll execute your new habit each night.
Are you ready to start building your reading habit? It’s time to come up with a game plan! One effective strategy is habit stacking. By pairing your new habit with something you’re already doing, you can build momentum and make it easier to form a new habit.
According to James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, the habit stacking formula is simple: “After I do [existing habit], I will do [new habit].”
So, if you’re planning to read tonight or tomorrow, your habit stack might look something like this:
“After I brush my teeth (something you already do), I will read one article from the New York Times (something you need to do).”
Or, “After I finish my evening skincare routine (something you already do), I will read one page from my book (something you need to do).”
Take a piece of paper and write down the existing habit you want to pair with your new reading habit. Then, plug in your reading habit using the formula.
Day 4-6: Make your habit stack more appealing.
Welcome to the exciting world of temptation bundling!
We all have things we know we should do, but sometimes we need a little extra motivation to get them done. That’s where temptation bundling comes in. By pairing a habit you want to do with one you need to do, you can make the entire experience more enjoyable and increase your chances of actually sticking with it.
For example, if you’re trying to build the habit of reading each night, but you also love watching your favorite show on Netflix, you could try temptation bundling like this:
“After I read for 30 minutes, I will reward myself with one episode of my favorite show.”
Or, if you want to work on your fitness but hate going to the gym, try temptation bundling like this:
“After I finish my workday, I will listen to my favorite podcast while I go for a jog.”
The possibilities are endless, and the best part is that you get to customize your own temptation bundle based on your unique interests and goals.
So, take a few minutes to brainstorm some ideas for your own temptation bundle. What habit do you need to do, and what habit do you want to do? How can you combine them to make the entire experience more enjoyable and rewarding?
With a little creativity and some strategic planning, you’ll be well on your way to forming a new habit and achieving your goals.
Day 7-8: Combine your habit stack and temptation bundling formulas.
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the easiest step of all: combining your habit stack and temptation bundling formulas. By doing this, you will have a solid plan to follow and can ensure that you get your reading habit done each night without fail.
To do this, simply take your habit stacking formula (A) and pair it with your temptation bundling formula (B). For example, if your A formula is “After I have dinner, I will read one chapter from my book” and your B formula is “After I read the chapter, I will reward myself with watching an episode of my favorite show,” you would combine them to create a complete plan: “After I have dinner, I will read one chapter from my book. After I read the chapter, I will reward myself with watching an episode of my favorite show.”
Remember, it’s important to make your habit stack and temptation bundling activities appealing and enjoyable to increase the chances of sticking to them. By incorporating activities you love with the activities you need to do, you’ll have a better chance of forming a habit that will last.
With your plan in place, you’re almost there! The final step is to figure out how to track your progress, which is crucial in making any new habit stick.
Day 9: Buy an inexpensive wall calendar to track your progress.
Tracking your progress is key to making any new habit stick. While there are many high-tech apps available, sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. A wall calendar is a cost-effective and efficient way to track your habit. It provides a visual cue that reminds you to take action and helps you maintain momentum.
When you mark an “X” on your calendar every time you complete your habit, you create a record of your progress that you can see at a glance. Over time, this simple action can help you feel a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going. Seeing the chain of “X”s grow longer can be incredibly satisfying and encouraging, providing a visual representation of your hard work and dedication.
So, if you want to make your new habit stick, go out and get yourself an inexpensive wall calendar today. It may seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in your ability to stay on track and achieve your goals.
Day 10-14: Execute your plan.
You’ve worked hard to create a plan and set yourself up for success. Now, it’s time to execute that plan and turn it into reality.
Remember the formula that you created for yourself:
A) Habit stack: After I [habit I already do], I will [habit I need to do].
B) Temptation bundling: After I [have completed the habit I need to do], I will [habit I want to do].
It’s time to put it into action. Start by focusing on just one day at a time. When tomorrow evening rolls around, stick to your plan and execute your new reading habit.
Consistency is key when it comes to forming new habits. Keep reminding yourself of the benefits that you will reap from this new habit and stay motivated. With each passing day, you’ll find it easier to stick to your plan, and before you know it, your new habit will have become second nature.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you now have a solid plan in place to make reading a regular part of your life. Remember, building a new habit takes time, patience, and perseverance, but the benefits are worth it. Reading regularly can broaden your knowledge, reduce stress, and improve your cognitive abilities. So go ahead and start implementing your plan, track your progress, and don’t forget to celebrate your successes along the way. Happy reading!
What’s your favorite habit that you’ve built using the habit stack and temptation bundling methods? Leave a comment and share your experience below!
