from Binge Drinking to Binge Reading: One Woman’s Literary Revival
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For years, books were a constant companion. “In primary school, I’d tear through 60-odd books in a month during the annual Read-A-Thon,” she recalls.But adulthood brought changes. The thrill of reading waned, replaced by the allure of social media and other distractions. “I’d be on a roll with reading until I hit a book that just wasn’t that captivating,” she explains.”Doomscrolling on Reddit became a more appealing prospect.” This led to months-long reading hiatuses.
Then, at the cusp of 30, a pivotal decision was made. “In the dying days of 2018, I made the onyl new year resolution I’ve ever successfully kept: I pledged to start reading a book a week,” she says. This wasn’t just about reading; it was about reclaiming a part of herself.
This aspiring goal required a strategic approach. Combating the pull of her phone demanded “ruthlessness.” Unenjoyable books were discarded swiftly, replaced with more engaging titles. Financial constraints unexpectedly fueled her success. “Too broke to buy 52 new books,I joined the library and began reserving anything that looked good with wild abandon,” she shares. This created a self-imposed deadline system. “I found myself with an ever-growing stack of library books next to my bed, each due back in three weeks, compelling me to keep up.”
Her journey highlights the power of commitment and the surprising effectiveness of self-imposed deadlines. The library, initially a cost-saving measure, became a crucial element in her reading revival. this story resonates with many Americans struggling to balance busy lives with personal enrichment. It’s a testament to the transformative power of reading and the unexpected ways we can find motivation.
This experience underscores the importance of setting achievable goals and finding creative solutions to overcome obstacles. For those looking to reignite their love for reading, this story offers a compelling example of how a simple resolution, coupled with a strategic approach, can lead to important personal growth.
From Zero to Fifty: One Reader’s Amazing Book-reading Journey
Many New Year’s resolutions fade quickly, but one reader’s commitment to reading a book a week has blossomed into a remarkable six-year journey. This inspiring story highlights the power of setting achievable goals and the transformative effect of consistent reading.
The journey began with a simple goal: read 52 books in a year.To make it easier, the reader utilized the library, eliminating the financial pressure to finish every book. “Getting my books from the library also made it easier to discard the ones I wasn’t enjoying,” they explained. “When you’ve paid $34.99 for a novel, there’s a sort of financial imperative to finish it and get your money’s worth. Borrowing them removed that guilt and allowed me to ditch the duds without remorse.”
Accountability played a crucial role.Sharing the resolution on social media and posting weekly reviews kept the reader motivated. The time commitment was surprisingly manageable: 30 minutes before bed each night and a couple of hours on Saturday mornings. “Making time to read was the easiest part,” they shared. “I curled up in bed with a book for 30 minutes before going to sleep every night – putting my phone away and out of reach first – and then for another hour or two on saturday mornings. That was it.”
The results were astounding. the reader not only met their goal but maintained the habit, averaging around 50 books annually. Even a dip to 41 books one year was attributed to a positive life change: “Admittedly, last year I got through only 41 – I’d recently met my partner and sacrificed some of that Saturday reading time for his company. It felt like a fair trade for true love.”
Six years later, the reader continues to embrace this enriching habit, adapting to changing circumstances. The challenge now lies in finding new titles, having already devoured many classics. The transition to an e-reader allows for reading in any light, but the commitment to abandoning unenjoyable books remains steadfast. “I live by a simple rule: if I don’t feel excited to hop in bed every night and read my book, I move on to the next,” they stated. “My nightly reading time has become my favourite part of every day and I don’t want to waste it trying to push through something mid.”
“it wasn’t a punishment but a form of enrichment, a life change I could get excited about instead of one to endure.”
The reader’s success offers valuable insight into setting effective resolutions. The key, they suggest, is a clearly defined, time-bound goal, focusing on enrichment rather than self-denial. “There’s probably a lesson to be learned here, too, about what sort of resolutions stick,” they reflected. “Mine was time-bound and clearly defined, rather than a vague pledge to “lose weight” or “spend less”. and it wasn’t a punishment but a form of enrichment, a life change I could get excited about instead of one to endure.”
This inspiring story serves as a testament to the power of consistent effort and the transformative potential of a simple, well-defined goal. It’s a reminder that even small daily commitments can lead to significant, long-lasting positive change.
From Zero To Fifty: A Reader’s Remarkable Reading revival
For many of us, the allure of escaping into a good book fades as adulthood’s demands take over. But what happens when you rediscover that love for reading, setting a goal to tackle a book a week? Today we’re joined by Amelia Ashton, an avid reader who made that very vow six years ago and transformed her life one page at a time. Welcome, Amelia!
Sparking the Change
Amelia: It’s a pleasure to be here. You know, I was an enthusiastic reader as a child, but somewhere along the way, life got in the way. Social media, work, and other distractions started to dominate my downtime.
WTN Senior Editor: What prompted you to make that New Year’s resolution to read a book a week?
Amelia: It was one of those “aha!” moments. I realized how much I missed losing myself in a good story.I longed to reclaim that feeling. I thought, “Why not set a challenging but achievable goal?”
The Power of the Library
WTN senior Editor: You mentioned achieving this goal wasn’t easy. What were some strategies you used?
Amelia: honestly, my biggest ally was my local library. At the time, I was on a tight budget, so buying 52 new books wasn’t feasible. The library became my treasure trove of stories, and having those due dates helped keep me on track.
WTN Senior Editor: That’s brilliant! Did you encounter any hurdles along the way?
Amelia: I did! I learned that I didn’t have to force myself to finish every book. If I wasn’t enjoying it, I’d move on. Life’s too short to read books you’re not connecting with.
Beyond the Resolution
WTN Senior Editor: Six years later, you’re still an avid reader, averaging around 50 books a year.What has this journey meant to you?
Amelia: It’s been a complete game-changer. Reading has become a cherished part of my daily routine, almost like a meditation. it’s helped me relax, learn new things, and expand my empathy.
WTN Senior Editor: What advice woudl you give to anyone who wants to rekindle their love for reading?
Amelia: Start small. Maybe set a goal of a chapter a day. Find a genre you’re passionate about. And most importantly, don’t put pressure on yourself. Enjoy the ride!
WTN Senior Editor: Thank you, Amelia, for sharing your inspiring story with us.
