How To Get Over a Reading Slump

The reading slump is real. And I think a lot of us are dealing with it these days. I, for one, am finding it difficult to focus on anything. The news has me stressed out and depressed, and if I can apply myself at all, it's to make another cup of coffee as I stare, literally wordless, into the abyss of my half-finished novel, unable to write and unable to think.

I've started and abandoned many books lately. The most recent was The Archive of Alternate Endings by Lindsey Drager, a fascinating and lyrical novel about intertwining storylines all revolving around the appearance of the Halley's comet.

But I do want to get back into reading. And I know how. It's my tried-and-tested technique, and I'm excited to share it with you.

One Day At A Time

I am a huge believer in small, attainable goals. When you're stressed, overwhelmed, or simply out of practice, reading a novel can seem like an exhausting prospect. This is why I recommend tackling it one day at a time.

The concept is called "No Zero Days" and it has worked for me in the past. The idea is to stick to a habit, every single day, no matter what. And if that sounds daunting, don't worry--there's a loophole. You don't have to be 100% every single day. All you need to do is stick to an absolute minimum. Don't aim for a chapter a day. That's too much. Think smaller.

I recommend reading one page every day. And if even a page sounds like more than you can commit to, then try one paragraph. One sentence. Keep your goals small. So small that they seem almost laughable. Because the key here is finding the motivation. And motivation is like a candle flame. If it's too small, you have to protect it.

Just commit to reading a little bit every single day. A paragraph, a sentence, whatever works for you. Something so small and easy that you don't feel the need to put it off. Something you can get done in a couple of seconds or minutes. I'm going to stick to one page a day.

Why It Works

In my experience, the genius of this method is that once you get started, it's very easy to continue. I've found that if I get started, I end up reading a couple of pages at least, sometimes even a whole chapter. The strategy works because it takes the pressure off from the activity. No matter how busy your schedule, or how tired you are, you can manage a tiny goal.

The other aspect of No Zero Days is that if you miss a day (and you might, you're human too!), you forgive yourself. It's totally okay to skip days or take breaks, as long as you're trying your best to stay disciplined. An all-or-nothing mentality is damaging in the long term, and the whole idea is to take the pressure off yourself, not add more.

This method has helped me get back to exercising. I work out at least four days a week, which is 4 more days than I used to before! It has helped me in past reading slumps. It has helped me power through writer's blocks. And I know it will help me again.

I'm going to focus on finishing the book I'd abandoned halfway: The Archive of Alternate Endings. I want to see what happens and I remember being blown away by the prose and the flow. I remember how excited I used to be at the prospect of a good book. For writers, it's essential to read, and I want to get back into it. That's going to be the source of my motivation in the coming weeks.

It's your turn now! Set your daily reading goal and get started. Good luck!