Chapter 1: The Awakening of a Reader

For much of my youth, I found reading to be a challenging endeavor. My attention would wander easily, and I often lost interest in a story after just a few pages. As a result, I preferred other activities—playing outside or watching television—over immersing myself in books.

It wasn't until my final year in college in 2019 that I decided to take reading seriously. During this tough period of my life, grappling with anxiety and depression, I sought an escape from my overwhelming stress.

After engaging with seniors who radiated calmness and confidence, I came to a profound realization: much of our suffering originates from our thoughts, and a shift in perspective can significantly help us navigate life's inevitable challenges.

Identifying a clear purpose behind my reading transformed the experience for me. As a wise individual once noted, "When you have a strong WHY, you can bear any HOW." I began to catalogue the issues I faced and sought out books that addressed them. Gradually, reading morphed into an enjoyable activity, and I looked forward to it. Although I’m not fond of fiction, I learned that it was simply about discovering the right genres for me.

Reading soon became an integral part of my daily routine. I would spend hours curled up on the couch or in bed, lost in the pages of a book. This practice not only offered me new perspectives and insights but also helped me unwind. As I delved deeper into literature, I noticed a transformation within myself; I became more confident, creative, and open-minded. Reading evolved into a vital source of inspiration and growth, and I found it hard to imagine a day without engaging with a good book.

Here are some key insights I gathered from my journey:

Section 1.1: Find Your Ideal Book

Reading without purpose can become monotonous and unsustainable. Begin by identifying your "why" and choosing books that align with it, or experiment with various genres. Don’t hesitate to set aside a book if it fails to captivate you.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Importance of a Clear Purpose

My initial attempts to read during school and early college years were unfulfilling because I was doing it merely to check a box. Once I discovered that reading could provide me with insights and perspectives from those who had navigated similar paths, I learned to integrate it into my life more consistently. It became part of my strategy for success.

Chapter 2: Breaking the Rules of Reading

There’s no hard-and-fast rule requiring you to read every chapter of every book. I read over 50 books annually, yet I often leave many unfinished. The essence of reading is to enjoy and learn, so it's acceptable to skim or skip sections that don’t resonate.

Ultimately, the goal is personal growth. Whether you complete every book or not, as long as you’re deriving value from your reading experience, you’re on the right path. So, indulge in what you love and don’t hesitate to put down a book that doesn’t speak to you.