It’s easy; open your eyes and look at the ink/screen in front of you. Intake the information set before you. But, what if the letters are not forming right? What if you have to re-read a sentence several times for the sentences to make sense with the rest of the paragraph?
I found myself in this position 18 months ago. The previously fun habit of mine was somehow a real challenge to get back into. I recon that, I was out of practice.
I got myself set up to get back in to a good regular reading practice to reform my favorite pastime. Here’s my 3 steps that helped me get back on track to reading again.
Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect. Vince Lombardi
Step 1 - Set a time to read. Pick a time to read and give yourself ample time to get into whatever you are reading. I recommend 45 mins to 1 and a half hours. Depending on what you’re trying to do, you can pick one reading item or several to read in that allocated time.
Step 2 - Remove all distractions. Have a snack, get your drink ready, turn off the TV and put the phone on silent! I admit that if my phone goes off, and I hear it, I had this outrageous urge to check it. Then that feeling becomes this distracting lull in the background. Can you take in what you’re reading with this low level of phone-checking-urge going on? I find it best to remove any and all the distractions; phone, snacks and siblings.
Step 3 - Get into flow. Open the pages and begin to read! If you are struggling with concentrating I recommend to read out loud what was written before you. Reading out loud the words helps force you to focus and eventually the body will understand what you’re trying to do and get into a good flow state to read. I found this extremely helpful and there are other people out there who recognize what a huge help it can be to speak things aloud eg: Acoustic Trigger to Conceptualization12.
“If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” ― Stephen King
There are also some other things to mention that will help the reading process go more smoothly. If you’re doing research or a project and the reading is dry; focus on why you’re doing this particular project. If the why is strong enough, you’ll find some tansy morsels in what you’re reading.
And if you’re reading for pleasure, make sure it’s a book you actually like. As long as you’re getting enjoyment out of the book you are reading, the time is worthwhile. If the book is a bore or not as enjoyable as you thought it would be, it’s okay to put it down, without finishing it, and grab another book to read.
https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED154439
https://www.abebooks.com/9780030635151/Human-Communication-Theory-Original-Essays-0030635152/plp