Kelly Brown* says reading is the habit of many ultra-successful people and it could be anyone’s. She often gets through two books a week and shares with us how she does it…
My love of reading is something I share with my Dad and extended family.
It brings me great joy and is a consistent source of inspiration for all aspects of my life.
When I tell people I read one-to-two books per week, they always ask how I find the time. This is the advice I give them:
Always carry a book:
I’m old fashioned and like a paper book.
I have tried iPads, Kindles, iPhone etc. I just prefer the feel and the experience of a tangible book.
I’m still amazed how this tactic helps me read more.
Many opportunities present themselves for extra reading time.
Waiting in the doctor’s, a late meeting, flat tyre, airports, lunchtime etc.
You’ll be amazed how much extra reading you can squeeze in if you always have a book on hand.
The physical book also prevents me from grabbing my phone and getting lost in apps for hours.
Ban all devices in bed:
This is the most effective strategy for me.
If I pick up my phone, I can get sucked into hours of mindless scrolling.
If all I have is a book, I usually read for at least 30 minutes.
On Mondays, I like to do the ‘reverse sleep in’ — I go to bed after dinner and read for several hours with a cup of tea.
I started this habit after my second child was born when I came to the harsh realisation that sleep-ins were no more.
Take a speed reading course:
I did this before starting my MBA.
I knew I would need to read a great deal more while working and raising a family.
I have used the techniques I learnt consistently for many years.
Set a goal:
How many hours do you want to spend reading per week?
I choose to read every day.
I read most on the weekends and Monday nights.
I read for a minimum of 30 mins and allow two hours on a Monday night (7.30pm-to-9.30pm).
I prefer setting goals for time rather than books. Our mind has a way of cheating us and taking short cuts.
If we set the number of books as the goal, we can find ourselves selecting short books for the sole purpose of notching up another book rather than reading books that will positively impact our lives and bring joy.
Watch less television:
How easy is it to watch endless hours of good television?
Netflix, Stan and Showcase deliver us a constant stream of entertainment tailored to our tastes and preferences.
I’m not suggesting that you don’t binge on your favourite program, that’s unrealistic, but set a weekly limit.
Too often, we end up watching more than we want.
At the end of the week, ask yourself how much less time could I have spent in front of the telly.
This time could be spent reading.
Reading is the top habit for all successful people.
Warren Buffett reportedly spends five to six hours a day reading.
Bill Gates reads a book every week.
You might not be able to devout as many hours to reading as Warren does, but consistently applying these tips could see you reach Bill Gates’ level.
Good luck and let me know how you go.
I’d also love to hear your book recommendations.
* Kelly Brown is the founder of Recovery Partners Australia, a Sydney-based organisation which has the mission of reducing the financial and human cost of injury. She can be contacted at her website – rrp.com.au.
This article first appeared on the Recovery Partners Australia website.
