Reading Habit to improve my Writing Quality

So I bought the book that I’m going to start my habit with. It’s titled “Fire and Fury” and it’s about Donald Trump.

I’m going to start by reading 30 minutes a day, every other day. That’s the highest I’ll go. The smallest way would be to read just one page. I start reading just as I get home and change to home clothes. That’s around 5:30 or 6PM. I’ll add one minute to the duration every week. If my reading habit reaches more than two hours, I’ll have to split that into two sets before and after dinner. I can’t split it in the morning because the things i need to prepare before going to work take priority.

Oh, and happy new year to everyone! 😀

So every other day at 5:30PM I’ll do my reading habit. I set a reminder on my phone so I don’t forget if I’m supposed to watch a Netflix show or read a book. I already have a calendar at home so I’m marking it an x for my reading habit, an O for my movie habit, and a check mark every day for my writing practice (which I already do habitually).

I pass by the living room before and after I go to my room to change my clothes. I am reminded to do it the moment I get through the front door and see the living room. The book I want to read is easy to see on the living room table. The fridge is nearby if I want to drink or eat something while reading or watching.

Other than my habit watching Netflix shows and my Writing Habit, I already have a weekly grocery and weekly cleaning habit.

Got it! 🙂 The only habit that hasn’t been developed yet for me is the reading habit.

My reading habit does have a warm-up routine, and it involves reading the last two paragraphs of the last page that I read, before proceeding to the next page that I haven’t read. My bookmark can help me keep track of which paragraph in case I don’t end at the bottom of the page. That’s also the smallest step which makes me proceed to read the rest of the way through.

Identity Mantra: I don’t forget to read every other day to improve my writing quality.

I set up a second bookmark so that if my first bookmark goes past it, I remember to buy the next book that I am going to read in advance. I buy the book on the weekends either by going to a local bookstore or purchasing it online.

I really dislike noise when I read, so I have a pair of noise-cancelling headphones on while I read. I bring it to work anyway, so it’s dual purpose and I don’t need to play music on it to read.

I also dislike getting interrupted while reading, so I’ve set my phone so that it only rings loudly when calls from people I prioritize are incoming. Calls from people I don’t really want to disturb me get a ringtone that’s very pleasant to hear even while reading.

So far, I’ve been reading every other day and I haven’t identified things that deter me from doing my habits other than getting too tired at work. Ironically, reading and sitting down is exactly what I wanna do if I am tired from work. I haven’t actually gotten to the point where I’m too tired to read yet, but that’s probably because my work isn’t exactly physical.

ROFLLLL Yes, of course. Sorry I forgot to clarify that. XD

I think I’m better off getting my accountability here because:

1. I don’t exactly like reading in groups, and I don’t want to anchor my habit to someone else.
2. I don’t have the luxury to put money at risk for the sake of habit.
3. Saying “I’m reading (x book) out loud” on social media doesn’t exactly make for engaging content, and I’m already doing that.
4. I’m not exactly a social butterfly. I have a small circle of friends that I hang out with during the weekends. However, we all have varied interests and while we all love Netflix stuff, I’m really the only reader.

I’ll definitely keep you guys here on Ofpad posted of my progress though.

Will do! 😀

Finally, the last workbook!

If I’m under the weather or don’t have that much time, I’ll read for 15 minutes. If I am severely ill, I’ll at least try reading one page.

Events that disrupt my habits:

Phone Calls
Sickness
Emergencies

If I get a phone call from a priority contact, then I’ll temporarily stop reading to take the call.
If that call forces me to stop reading, then I’ll at least finish the last page I was on before going.
If I get a phone call that’s NOT from a priority contact, then I’ll ignore the call and keep reading.
If I get three phone calls from non-priority contacts, I’ll answer the third one. If it’s about something unimportant, then I’ll keep reading.
If I’m under the weather, or do not have enough time, then I’ll read for 15 minutes.
If I’m severely ill, then I’ll try to read one page.