How To Improve Reading Skills: 8 Powerful Ways

“Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light.”

– Vera Nazarian

Reading upsizes your knowledge, vocabulary, and understanding. But, its benefits do not end here. In fact, they are endless. And the more you’ll dig in for its benefits, the more spellbound you’ll become.

In the words of Neil Gaiman – “ A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.” Developing reading habits is worth all your attention. The sooner you’ll start, the luckier you’ll feel.

Watch this video to know how reading can bring out the best in you and helps you grow into a better, finer, and more skillful individual.

However, like every other habit, this habit, too, needs to be developed and nurtured unvaryingly. But how to do that? How to improve your reading skills?

That’s what we’ll talk about in this article.

Here are a few ways to improve reading skills.

Happy reading 🙂

1. Pull Out Time

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” meaning- if you really wanna do something, you find the way.

And so is the case with reading too. You might  be already fond of reading or developing an inclination towards it.

But in both the cases, the question is- How to manage the time when you have so many other things to do?

Of course, you cannot add a 25th hour to pursue your reading chores. But you can still manage time for reading.

And here’s how to do it.

DON’T SET ANY PARTICULAR TIME FOR READING.

Yes you read it right. You don’t have to keep aside any specific time for reading. Instead, do it in between your routine tasks.

READ while you’re cooking, eating, travelling or doing any other routine tasks. For instance- you had a lecture but it got cancelled. Use that time for reading. Just find an appropriate place and sink in.

2. Know The Sources

You want to read, but you don’t know where to get your reading resources from?

Ah! Don’t worry, it happens with everyone. And I faced it too. In the beginning you might often go clueless about the places from where you can get the books.

There can be mainly three ways/places to find the books.

• buy it either online or from a book store.
• download the ebook, the most preferred method nowadays. Or you can even download an audio book and listen to it whenever possible.
• head to a library, get your book issued, and read.

3. Set Small Goals

GOALS- the imperative step, irrespective of what you do. So, set goals as to how much you will read. They will keep you motivated. To start with, it is better to set small goals.

Ummm… something like.. I’ll read 5 to 10 pages in a day. If, you are reading since a fairly long time, then at least read a chapter per day. And then increase the number gradually.

I emphasize on small goals. They are more realistic and easier to attain.

‘A book in a month’ or ‘20 pages a day’

Which one’s more actionable and achievable?

The latter, isn’t it?

So, set clear and well-defined goals. They’ll keep you apprised of what you actually need to achieve.

4. Make A List

As you begin to read, make a list of the books you wish to read. This will keep you focused. Also, you’ll feel accomplished every time you move a step ahead in your list. Besides, this technique will make your reading sessions well-organised and fruitful.

5. Find Your Interest

Reading is something that helps you feel relaxed, makes you knowledgeable, and enhances your imagination power. And if you are not feeling this while you read then probably you’re not reading the right book.

I know you cannot find your interest right away. You’ll have to explore, experiment, and select. So, read different books to discover your interest.

For instance- begin with a book that attracts you. Start reading it. If you feel bored and distracted, try continuing it for a few more days. If the feeling persists, leave it. Because, if it doesn’t tempt you, it’s not worth your time.

Reading should be a stress-buster and not a stress-giver.

Check whether you’re left yearning for more with each passing line or you feel burdened and stressed.

Cling to the websites like Goodreads. It helps you find different books. You can read the reviews, rate & review the books that you have read, set your goals, and much more.

6. Expand

Once you’re done with a book and you liked it. Search for more books written by the author. Or you can search for the books of similar genre.

This way you can:

• expand your reading list,
• Know your interest, and
• enjoy your reading time.

It will help you find out your favorite genre, favorite author, and the favorite book. Further, it will keep you sorted from the problem of what next.

Every time you get over with one book, you’ll have another in your hand to keep your reading cycle going.

7. Eliminate Distractions

Similar to studying, reading too is engrossing. To make your reading sessions worthwhile, it is crucial to maintain the flow. Like for me, being a fiction lover, it is unimaginable to connect with the story, unless I plunge into the character. I love it when I can feel it. And this happens only when I eliminate the distractions while I have my reading glasses on.

Image Source: Scholastic

To make your reading sessions enjoyable, soothing, and effective, peel off yourself from the distractions. Cut yourself from people, phone, laptops, and all those things that hinder your concentration. This will help you connect well with your book.

8. Choose The Right Place

A right place sets the right mood.

Imagine yourself reading in a place with lots of hustle & bustle, people blabbering, constant stumping & stamping.

Will you be able to concentrate?

No, for sure.

So, choose a place that suits you the best.

Image Source: Unsplash

If you don’t know which place will suit you the best, then experiment. And select the one apt for you. It can be anything from your comfy bed to a coffee shop (where you’ll be slurping cappuccino with your favorite book in hand).

The above-mentioned ways are the ones that’ll instigate your interest in reading. Also, they will help in making your reading sessions gainful.

These tips  will not only help you improve reading habits, but also bloom into a more expressive, communicative, and informative human being. No matter which career you’re in, reading will always prompt your upgradation.

“Write to be understood, Speak to be heard, READ to Grow.” – Lawrence Clark Powell