Reading: Change Your Life With One Simple Habit
What to read, how to read, and reasons to read. A complete masterclass
The habit is reading:
In this newsletter, we will discuss everything related to reading & books: how to start reading or developing the habit of daily reading, what to read and the benefits of reading.
It will be a masterclass on reading.
I know some people who don't even read a single book after graduating from their schools and colleges because the worst thing our education system did to us was make us hate learning, reading, and writing.
However, a few have never studied at school or college but have a keen interest in reading books outside of the school curriculum.
I belong to the second category and I believe you are too if you reading this newsletter now:
In school, I learned only about how to attend everything like they told us to do, you can't ask meaningful or deep questions out of your curiosity or you will be the weird one. School isn't about education, I think it's about indoctrinating the thoughts that they believe are right.
Well, I am not here for a debate on self and formal education. Let's come back to the topic. It was just a quick intro on what I did and how I think of learning in the school education system, you might be different no offence.
How to start reading and developing the habit of daily reading
A lot of people will say a lot of things about how to start reading, but make sure you are reading out of love and knowledge not forcing yourself, if you are forcing your are forcing yourself to read you simply can't do that.
"Read what you love, until you love to read."
I think this one simple statement defines my whole concept of reading out of love.
Anyway if haven't started reading yet, here's how you can start reading and developing a habit of doing so:-
1. Set a Goal
Start with a small, achievable goal, like reading 5–10 pages or for 10–15 minutes daily.
Gradually increase the duration as it becomes part of your routine.
2. Pick the right books
Pick books or topics that genuinely interest you to make reading enjoyable.
Start with shorter books, articles, or even audiobooks if that feels less intimidating.
3. Create a specific Reading Schedule
Dedicate a specific time each day, such as early morning, during your commute, or before bed.
Pair reading with an existing habit, like having coffee or unwinding after work.
4. Eliminate all the Distractions
Find a quiet, comfortable spot to read.
Turn off notifications on your phone to focus solely on the boo
5. Start Small
Begin with short chapters, articles, or essays to build momentum without feeling overwhelmed.
6. Track Your Progress
Use a journal, app, or reading log to record the books you’ve read and your progress.
Seeing your achievements can motivate you to keep going.
7. Experiment with Formats
Explore different genres, authors, or reading formats (e.g., physical books, e-readers, or audiobooks).
Find what resonates with you to make reading enjoyable.
Pro Tip:
Start with books like Atomic Habits by James Clear to understand habit-building or The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho for an easy, inspiring read.
What to read?
Most people always ask me what to read and what good books are out there, but I think that the "what to read" question is to ask yourself what you are naturally curious about. Because if you ask me I will give you the books to read where my self-interest lies the most. So, look up your natural curiosities and what you are naturally interested in. You can read anything you want who cares about what you read? No one cares. Read self-help, fiction, finance, psychology, business, marketing, philosophy, human relationships.
There are a hell of lotta bunch of topics out there, pick one that your heart desires and you are curious about to explore.
Everyone is born with some unique creativity and skill sets you just have to find it through the iteration process with yourself.
If you don't know what to read,
Here are a few books of my recommendations:-
The Almanack of Ravikant:- (This is one of the best books that teaches you about how to be happy and wealthy in a genuine way, I have never seen a person who has regretted reading this one)
The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida: (If you are lost in life seeking some motivation, masculinity or how to attract more women. Then this book is for you read it and thank me later).
The Art of Focus by Dan Koe:- (Hands down one of the greatest books ever written on human philosophy, creative work and mental mastery for me this one book is life-changing. but, never stop your teachings and learnings to bound)
100M Dollars offer by Alex Hormozi: (I have not read a lot of books on marketing yet, but anyone who's struggling with creating his offer packaging it more valuable surely helped with it)
Atomic Habits by James Clear: (The best practical book on how to build good habits from scratch how to remove bad habits and how to stay focused and consistent with those habits for the long term)
48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene: (The man Robert Green whom I called the master of laws and manipulation, this book is surely to read for more persuasiveness and thinking more critically and strategically)
The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman: (This book exactly lets you know why an MBA wouldn't make you successful but obsessing with learning and building businesses will, You don't need an MBA to be successful in life, almost all of the knowledge is packed with value everything you want to know about businesses)
Just pick one of them, and start reading.
What are the benefits of reading
There are a bunch of benefits but I will state 6-8 that resonate with me:
Improved Knowledge: Reading daily expands your understanding of the world by exposing you to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives.
Enhanced Vocabulary: Regular reading introduces you to new words, phrases, and expressions, improving your communication skills.
Boosted Brain Function: Reading stimulates mental activity, improving cognitive functions like memory, focus, and critical thinking.
Improved Vision: Reading fiction helps you understand different perspectives and emotions, enhancing your emotional intelligence.
Better Writing Skills: Exposure to various writing styles and techniques can make you a more effective and creative writer.
Increased Focus and Concentration: Reading requires sustained attention, training your brain to concentrate better on other tasks as well.
Personal Development: Books on self-help, psychology, and productivity can provide actionable insights for growth and improvement.
Entertainment without Distractions: Reading offers an immersive, screen-free form of entertainment that fosters imagination and creativity.
Why reading is for everyone?
I believe reading is a habit that is everyone no matter what you do, where you live, how much you earn, But you should read on the topics that you love, on the topics that feel important in the aspect of your life.
There have been certain things in life that everyone should do like exercising, meditation, praying, reading, writing and so on.
The basic things that make the most difference at the end if you see anything deeply. The people who haven't mastered the basics and tend to move forward to the advanced will fail in the long term.
Reading is important for everyone.
"You must read because you will never meet the greatest minds if you don't read."
Lately, in life from the previous 2 years, I have been obsessing over reading, learning and writing. The newsletter you are reading should have been published a year ago. I don't know jack shit about that there's something that exists like online writing and newsletters and all. But as for all say, starting lately something doesn't mean you are a failure.
Reading is a stepping stone to your success, to look for all the greatest minds that have walked down the path before you, where you want to be. You can never meet them you have the only access is through reading their books.
I think this is going to be a bit longer now, I am ending this letter with this there are a lot of things on reading, writing, productivity, and one-person business I want to talk about in the future, so stay tuned.
If you want to work with me: DM me on X to schedule a free 1:1 call
Thank you for reading,
-SAM
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