How to Find More Time to Read

​Yesterday I spent three and a half hours at the DMV renewing my driver's license. Due to Covid restrictions, the first two hours were spent outside the building, standing in line. While I was frustrated at the long wait, the one good thing that came of it was they gave me enough time to read a book.

I believe the old adage is true: "leaders are readers." For as long as I can remember, books have been a part of my life. Today we are living through a cultural shift where more and more of our learning is acquired through visual media.  A Pew Research study conducted last year revealed that 27% of Americans had not read a book in whole or part in the previous 12 months.

​Undoubtedly, many factors cause this decline in reading: our fast-paced lives, family responsibilities, financial pressures, and increased visual media consumption. Worldwide, the average person spends 144 minutes per day on social media. The current TV viewership is two hours and 46 minutes per day. Yet, I often hear people lament they don't have enough time to read.

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What does this have to do with discipleship?

One of the great spiritual disciplines is reading. Being a disciple of Jesus is about a daily pursuit of knowing and being like Christ. We grow as we are intentional about knowing Him more. Reading allows us to go deeper. Whether it's reading Scripture, Bible study tools, blog posts, or books that inspire us, reading is a valuable resource.

So how can we find more time to read? Here are 15 tips to help you get started.

• Utilize your commute. While this is technically not reading, you can still consume written content through audiobooks.
• If cost is an issue, don't forget about your local public library.
• Use the Kindle app so you can read across all your devices.
• Keep track of your progress by using GoodReads.
• Take a book with you everywhere you go. 
• Make reading a part of your morning routine.
• Read before bedtime.
• Commit to reading with friends. Accountability helps.
• Set a reminder on your phone.
• Set a timer to read for 15 or 20 minutes.
• Don't be afraid to quit a book that you don't enjoy.
• Limit your social media and tv consumption.
• Read on your lunch break.
• Always have the next book ready.
• Consider setting a goal of 20 pages per day.

I hope these tips help you find more time to read! If you are looking for book recommendations on discipleship and spiritual growth, check out this list.

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Missed last week's article? Check it out here... Why You May Not Be Growing Spiritually

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