Exactly how boring can reading a book be?

There goes a saying:

“A person who doesn’t read has no advantage over a person who cannot read.”

Well, technologically speaking, that isn’t true. *Nerd Logic Alert* There are audiobooks and software of all kinds out there that can read a book for you regardless of your ability to read. Of course, in this case, you must be able to listen.

Here’s the question, though: exactly how boring can reading a book get?

Some people would rather watch paint dry than read a book, while others will be baffled by the question. After all, how can reading a book be boring for anyone?

Personally, I think reading books is very underrated, especially considering the life-transforming potential that they carry. In my teenage years, school books were enough reading for me, while the coolest new thing called the ‘internet’ kept me busy in the mid-2000s. But this doesn’t mean that I ran away at the sight of those fat fiction novels. However, it does mean that I started out on the journey of reading books pretty late. That said, fiction has never been my cup of green tea.

To be frank, I would totally agree to a young, club-hopping, selfie-posing, online-shopping, girlfriend-on-the-pillion, always-hanging-out guy when he says that reading books is boring. Let’s be honest, this guy has all the reasons in the world to find books boring!

But for the rest of us (and when that young guy grows older), especially those that really want to start reading books but find them utterly boring, here’s what I suggest,

1. What do you like?

There has to be something that you like! It could be as obvious as managing money or as vague as a fantasy world. Whatever you like, you are most likely going to find some really great books on that topic. Here’s the deal, the first book that you buy has got to be the best book in the market on your favorite topic. Read the previous sentence again. No, seriously, do it! Once you’re done with that book, you’re definitely going to crave more.

2. Don’t set high reading targets

People often fall into this trap. We tend to set reading targets – one book per week, one book per month, one book per quarter. You don’t have to do that. Forget the targets. Reading should grow on you organically.

3. Start with 5 minutes per day

Notice how I mentioned one book per quarter as a reading target in the previous point? That’s because the only target you really need is just 5 minutes per day. If that takes you one year to complete a book, so be it!

4. Let the author do the heavy lifting

The best book on your favorite topic is going to do the hard work for you. Trust the author to spark your interest in the book. After all, they’re a bestselling author for a reason. I’m pretty sure that after the first few days, it will start getting difficult to put down the book after just 5 minutes. You’ll want to read more. That is when you’ll be ready to be introduced to the beautiful parallel world of books.

Reading books is one such hobby that grows on you. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll thank me later.

If you are looking for the list of books I recommend go here.