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Discussion on: How To Build Books Reading Habit In Busy Routines

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codemouse92 profile image
Jason C. McDonald • Edited

There's two things you can do to accomplish this.


First, the easy one: always pack a book with you, preferably something you can read in spurts. We always have those moments through our day when we're just idling. When you're waiting, make a habit of picking up the book instead of checking social media! You'll be amazed how much material you can get through in this way.

Fun fact, I actually don't even carry a smart device! Books are my "idle-mode," and I've been able to clear through "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens, "Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame, and "Pour Your Heart Into It" by Howard Schultz already this year!


Second, the harder one: set aside time in your morning. I'm up at 5 AM every day, as that gives me quiet, alone time for fresh coffee, devotional, and then 1-2 hours of learning. I have a number of books (both print and ebook) and Udemy courses I'm working through, so I pick a different one each day of the week.

Right now, I'm simultaneously learning:

  • SQL
  • Advanced Python
  • Java
  • FORTRAN
  • Linux internals
  • Game engine architecture
  • Agile Project Management

No matter how weird or busy my day gets, I always at least have my early morning going right!

Now, that might not be 5 AM for you...especially given that you work until about 11 PM. You might need a different time. However, as long as you're getting enough sleep, shifting your wakeup time may help. Mornings are actually better for this than evenings, as your brain is gearing up, not down. My personal optimal sleep time is 7 hours -- if I go over that, I'm actually more tired -- so 10 PM to 5 AM is a great sleep schedule for me.

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shanalikhan profile image
Shan Khan

Thank you very much, Jason.

always pack a book with you

This is great advise you have given me as I find some time in a day in an office where I can't do anything excepting opening social media on my mobile phone. Of course, I can't study in Office so I should spend that time in a productive way.

Looks like these are great books, I am going to add in my good reads list.

the harder one: set aside time in your morning - Mornings are actually better for this than evenings, as your brain is gearing up, not down.

Yes, you are right.
I tried this thing today and was not able to spend more than 15 minutes in books reading.

What I have decided is:

  1. Read 15 minutes after waking up the morning.
  2. Keep the book in my bag so I can always read them in free time in the office, Especially when you got a big park just in front of your office.

Yes, my sleeping hours that are also 7 works pretty are fine.

Thank you for your advice.