My relationship with reading started rocky. By age 23, I had read fewer than ten books—and most were well below my reading level. Reading felt impossible. My ADHD made concentrating on a page seem like climbing a mountain and every time there was something shiny I would look for the squirrel.
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Everything changed when I overheard someone I admired recommend Rich Dad, Poor Dad. On a whim, I decided to force myself to read it. That single decision changed my perspective. I realized that reading gave me something I didn’t know I was missing: the opportunity to learn something new and directly apply it to my life. I had spent most of my early life being told to read fiction books because people found them fun. In fact my grandmother forced me to read Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie when I was fifteen. It was really good, but felt like it took three years to finish.
Fast forward 27 years, my bookshelf is overflowing with books I’ve read, am reading, or plan to read. Each one represents a step forward in my journey of growth. Non-fiction opened doors I didn’t know existed and helped me shape my mindset, career, and habits.
This newfound passion inspired me to write my own book—a field guide to habit formation, drawing on years of reading and learning.
Building a reading habit wasn’t easy, but I found ways to set myself up for success. Headphones with classical music drown out distractions, and reading physical books helps me stay focused and avoid phone notifications. Engineering your environment to support your goals makes all the difference.
If you’re struggling with reading—or any new habit—know that the right approach can change everything. Start small, find your “why,” and create a space where success feels natural.