Falling in Love with Reading: A Journey to Knowledge and Success
Introduction
"Falling in Love with Reading" is more than just a skill; it's a gateway to becoming a successful grant writer, an independent thinker, and a lifelong learner. I remember a time when I found reading annoying, especially after finishing high school. However, at the age of 27, I rediscovered the joy of reading, and since then, I've accumulated a wealth of knowledge that has empowered me to shape the world around me. It's hard to believe that, as a child, I was bullied for being smart, sitting at the front of the class, and raising my hand to answer questions. But today, I credit my foundation of reading and learning for my ability to craft compelling grant narratives and coordinate public/private pilot programs that benefit communities nationwide. Reading is not just the beginning of the learning process; it also enhances our ability to communicate our thoughts and emotions effectively. In this blog, I aim to introduce you to the transformative process of falling in love with reading, a journey that will make you smarter and make life so much better.
Set Goals
Setting goals is a crucial step on your path to falling in love with reading. It's a valuable habit to develop, even beyond your reading journey. Begin by identifying how many books you want to read in a year, your preferred genres and subjects, what you want to learn, and how often you intend to read. Starting small is key; it prevents burnout and allows you to experience small victories that boost your confidence and reading comprehension. Set goals for how long you want to take to finish a book based on the number of chapters, and strive to achieve them. Building confidence through these small successes will not only nurture your grant-writing mindset but also increase your reading endurance.
Reading in Chunks
One technique that transformed my reading experience is reading in short bursts. I discovered this approach later in life, thanks to a friend who was a medical student. He not only introduced me to the world of plant biology but also recommended books that ignited my passion for the subject. His advice was simple yet profound: read for a set amount of time, then take a break to do something enjoyable. This technique taps into the psychology of pleasure and conditioning, involving the release of dopamine when we engage in pleasurable activities. When applied to reading, it can reignite your love for it. Start with short reading sessions of 10-20 minutes and gradually extend them, always punctuated by enjoyable breaks.
Finding Pleasure in Reading
After each reading session, treat yourself to something enjoyable. Consistency in this practice will reinforce the pleasure associated with reading, making it an activity you eagerly anticipate. As for me, I go outside and enjoy my cigars directly after reading. I love cigars, as well as outdoors, so I make myself earn access to the things that bring me pleasure; now I look forward to not only my smoke breaks, but I earnestly look forward to being able to read!
Growth Over Time
Patience is key. Consistent reading over time yields substantial benefits. It's a philosophy that should guide your journey from the beginning, preventing burnout and unrealistic expectations. Remember that becoming smarter and more knowledgeable is a gradual process. Monitor your expectations and focus on becoming a better version of yourself over time. The broad range of knowledge I possess today didn't accumulate in a month or even a year; it took decades of reading on diverse topics.
Choosing the Right Material
What you read shapes your mind. While classics like Dr. Seuss have their place, align your reading with your life's purpose. Learning about subjects linked to your passion ensures you'll never tire of expanding your knowledge. Enjoying what you read is crucial; reading material that doesn't interest you can be counterproductive, but keep in mind that reading books filled with nursery rhymes wont help you accomplish your dream of sending a rocket to the moon. After you have redeveloped your love for reading, try reading books that will make you an expert in your field, or help you achieve your personal/professional goals.
Conclusion
To recap, falling in love with reading involves setting goals, reading in manageable chunks, practicing consistently, and selecting material that interests you. Embrace this journey, and you'll unlock a world of knowledge and personal growth. The biggest obstacle to falling in love with reading is the thoughts and emotions that you harness about it. Remember that you can trick your mind; check your thoughts and tell yourself frequently that reading brings you joy, even before it really does.
Call to Action
I invite you to share your experiences and reading goals in the comments. If you are interested in learning about the grant writing field, and how you can either start a career or business, please check out our Grant Writing workshops on the products page; we also offer one-on-one
mentoring services for a monthly service fee. Start your reading journey today and enjoy the process. Remember, the more you read, the more you'll fall in love with it, and the more it will enrich your life. Happy reading!