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How do you force yourself to read?
- Thread starter je1ani
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Yeah – first of all, employ a little skepticism about the claim there. Why would people do better in life because they read? It it actually because their brains spend that time decoding text into meaningful concepts, or is it something else that happens because they do that, or is it because people who read also tend to do something else that isn't apparent, et cetera? (And, is it even true?)
That aside, your description reminds me of me – I never enjoyed required reading in high school, and I've read very few novels. The thing is, the few novels I have read, I've just loved. And I mean, like… maybe three series in three decades. Audiobooks also have the occasional hit. So, I get the impression that there has to be something really attractive you want to learn or experience, and then reading is demoted from some chore to just the thing you do in order to get what you want.
That aside, your description reminds me of me – I never enjoyed required reading in high school, and I've read very few novels. The thing is, the few novels I have read, I've just loved. And I mean, like… maybe three series in three decades. Audiobooks also have the occasional hit. So, I get the impression that there has to be something really attractive you want to learn or experience, and then reading is demoted from some chore to just the thing you do in order to get what you want.
I sometimes have to force myself to read the dates on forum posts before replying.
Still, mistakes can happen.
Still, mistakes can happen.
I have a couple books on my shelves I started reading in 2007. I have read a bunch more since then, though.
Unfortunately, school has killed my desire to read most fiction; trying to find novels about the material I enjoy isn't easy. I do occasionally try to make an effort but with school looming again, it'll be a while.
Reading is a very valuable investment of ones time. Most happy successful people are disciplined readers that make time and build structure into their lives. The more you read, the better you get and the more you retain. This by itself is quite valuable. The true rewards only get better.
I was listening to some NPR today and they were mentioning how people who read for entertainment do overwhelmingly better in life than those who don't. They also made the correlation that internet does not count because you're reading for short periods of time and your mind isn't in the same state as if you were sitting down reading a book. But anytime I want to just relax and read a book I begin thinking of something else going on in my life and quickly I notice I'm about 3 pages into the book and i don't know what i've just read. What are somethings you do to help you keep your mind focused? I've been like this all throughout High School also.
hi,
it will depend on individual's personal thinking, and their mood, its very complicated some time.
I was listening to some NPR today and they were mentioning how people who read for entertainment do overwhelmingly better in life than those who don't. They also made the correlation that internet does not count because you're reading for short periods of time and your mind isn't in the same state as if you were sitting down reading a book. But anytime I want to just relax and read a book I begin thinking of something else going on in my life and quickly I notice I'm about 3 pages into the book and i don't know what i've just read. What are somethings you do to help you keep your mind focused? I've been like this all throughout High School also.
u mean picking up a book.. ? I don't think people do that anymore.. its all digital.
i can never tend to focused whatever i do....
Could be due do my disability (mental illness), and maybe it physically degraded over time (who knows).... i have no idea, but all i do know is i'm still having a life. and that's all that matters.
I've always been trying to stay focused, and while some tings get me focused more than others. a book is not really one of them.
Either way, when i come away, its always 'patchy' its never a complete-ness of anything.
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I studied literature in college, and found not having deadlines difficult after I graduated. I liked when I had to read and write a paper within a couple of weeks on, say, The Picture of Dorian Gray. In my mid to late twenties I would start books, but often not finish them. Now I find that setting my own goals is helpful. I will have an hour, and tell myself I will read at least twenty pages with my time. Oftentimes, I find myself engrossed in the book, my goals go out the window, and I finish the book before I know it.
Another good approach to ease yourself in would be (as others mentioned) to try an audiobook. Snap up a free one from Audible, and buy a paperback version with it. It does require a certain level of concentration, and helps you become a better listener in many facets of your life. If you listen to it in the car on the way to work then you can pick up the paperback (where you left off) at lunchtime or before bed.
There's no right or wrong way to read. Try some short stories first, or a collection of short stories by an author you enjoy. I wouldn't start with Moby Dick (although I highly recommend it as a novel). The task shouldn't feel daunting.
What is the first thing you search for on the internet? If you love a gardening blog then why not pick up a book on perennials, or edible gardening.
Those are just a few thoughts.
Another good approach to ease yourself in would be (as others mentioned) to try an audiobook. Snap up a free one from Audible, and buy a paperback version with it. It does require a certain level of concentration, and helps you become a better listener in many facets of your life. If you listen to it in the car on the way to work then you can pick up the paperback (where you left off) at lunchtime or before bed.
There's no right or wrong way to read. Try some short stories first, or a collection of short stories by an author you enjoy. I wouldn't start with Moby Dick (although I highly recommend it as a novel). The task shouldn't feel daunting.
What is the first thing you search for on the internet? If you love a gardening blog then why not pick up a book on perennials, or edible gardening.
Those are just a few thoughts.
I don't force myself to read.
Reading is something I have done for pleasure, with passion and a love of learning since I was a small child.
However, I do have to force myself to watch TV if it is broadcasting something other than the news, or a documentary.
Reading is something I have done for pleasure, with passion and a love of learning since I was a small child.
However, I do have to force myself to watch TV if it is broadcasting something other than the news, or a documentary.
^This works for me.
I wonder how the OP made out in the 8 years since this thread was started. Considering they were last seen on MacRumors 2 years ago, we may never know.
Apart from the current help you've received, also try to find out what kind of environment helps you read.
I learned to study for University while commuting by train in the morning/evening, so now I can read absolutely anywhere. But prior to that, I needed silence around me, and always studied best while at the library in a dedicated reading room, or read books of my own interest at home when no one was around.
Edit: Since OP is no longer around, he must have figured out how to read full time, as he doesn't care about the internet anymore!
I learned to study for University while commuting by train in the morning/evening, so now I can read absolutely anywhere. But prior to that, I needed silence around me, and always studied best while at the library in a dedicated reading room, or read books of my own interest at home when no one was around.
Edit: Since OP is no longer around, he must have figured out how to read full time, as he doesn't care about the internet anymore!
To the culprit, it's always best when reviving a thread to mention that or you might be regarded as not observant, even if you were, lol.
When I was a kid, books were my first adventure, followed by movies, and now outside the realm of life experiences, by video games. Right now I'm playing Subnautica, a beautiful under the ocean sandbox game despite being on an alien planet, the prettiest coral reefs and interesting undersea wildlife, and you get to build a base so you don't have to reside in a floating escape pod. Also playing ARK Survival Evolved, a compelling sandbox, you mysteriously appear on a tropical island in your undies, and have to learn to survive, build a home (of sorts), if you want, and not be eaten by... dinosaurs, usually by taming them to be your guard dogs. Because of the environment and interaction/visuals, video games, if successful, pull you in. Can you imagine anything more immersive and escapist than this? Oh, I know, virtual reality goggles (today) or later into the future, the Holodeck.
Subnautica
It's hard to believe that 30 years ago or so, this was cutting edge:
Pong
Back on subject, lol. Is there any reason to wonder why kids are not reading today? In comparison for relatively static books, words that just lay there on the page, the brain must be engaged and focused. For pleasure reading, my technique is to imagine them as a movie, not just reading the words, but a mental image, which I think naturally happens for most people, is vital to focus. If I don't see a movie-like image in my brain, I'm not engaged.
When I was a kid, books were my first adventure, followed by movies, and now outside the realm of life experiences, by video games. Right now I'm playing Subnautica, a beautiful under the ocean sandbox game despite being on an alien planet, the prettiest coral reefs and interesting undersea wildlife, and you get to build a base so you don't have to reside in a floating escape pod. Also playing ARK Survival Evolved, a compelling sandbox, you mysteriously appear on a tropical island in your undies, and have to learn to survive, build a home (of sorts), if you want, and not be eaten by... dinosaurs, usually by taming them to be your guard dogs.
Because of the environment and interaction/visuals, video games, if successful, pull you in. Can you imagine anything more immersive and escapist than this? Oh, I know, virtual reality goggles (today) or later into the future, the Holodeck. 
- ARK Survival Evolved
Subnautica
Pong
Back on subject, lol. Is there any reason to wonder why kids are not reading today? In comparison for relatively static books, words that just lay there on the page, the brain must be engaged and focused. For pleasure reading, my technique is to imagine them as a movie, not just reading the words, but a mental image, which I think naturally happens for most people, is vital to focus. If I don't see a movie-like image in my brain, I'm not engaged.
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