Some ideas that have helped build that habit:
- The Pragmatic Programmer (great book) recommends reading one technical book per quarter to invest in yourself. If you read one book per year, you’re still doing better than most . With that, I try to read a “professional” book every morning (I’ve gotten a ton of recommendations from https://leadership-library.dev). I’ve also found that when it comes to topics like leadership, I get a lot more depth through books than blog posts online.
- At night, I like clearing my mind before going to bed. Podcasts with a sleep timer used to do the trick, but became prohibitive after moving in with my partner. I’ve found books have the same effect - I’ll usually read something lighter (fiction or non fiction).
- Regarding audio books - I used to be pretty against audio books - the whole adage “Oh can you even call that reading?”. But I’ve come to learn, yes! I think you have to be pretty engaged to get the most out of them (I.e you can’t be browsing the internet while listening). Audio books on long runs have been a really great way to pass the time! What keeps me coming back is the idea that some reading is better than no reading at all!
- Use the library! Before last year I would buy Kindle books - super expensive and difficult to try new books. This made me force myself to read books even if I didn’t really like them - not great! Instead, check out Libby to check out books from your local library. You can register for a library card without leaving your home! https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby?
- Continuing on my previous point, if you’re not enjoying a book, just drop it and move on. It can take time to find the right book, but you will find one that you enjoy (take it from someone who has at times felt helpless in this area)! I’ve found a couple through - https://apps.npr.org/best-books/#view=covers&year=2020
All in all, books are great and you should read them! Just be sure to find the time(s) that work best for you (don’t feel pressure to replace TV with books), and find the books that interest you in the moment!