HOW DO I DEVELOP A PASSION FOR READING?
Sorry, there is no anointing for reading.
I have been asked this question several times that these days I am becoming ashamed that I don’t have an answer. But the truth is, I really don’t. I wish there was an anointing for reading so I can simply tell you to kneel down and I will lay my hands on you. Unfortunately for all of us, there is no anointing for reading.
Reading is like sewing or carpentry, no one is born with it. Everyone simply learns as they go through life.
So, how then do I develop a passion for reading?
For some, it is like this, “I admire those who read, I know the importance of reading. And I want to read. But I don't know how to develop a passion for reading.” If this is your case, you are not helpless. Sorry, you are helpless if you think this is a one-moment thing where you suddenly want to read and continue reading forever, it just doesn’t work that way. Anyone who has learned a new skill knows that there were points he or she wanted to quit, there were points when it wasn’t what he or she expected. However, they stayed through, they kept learning, and probably today, they are masters at what they do.
Muhammad Ali once said, “I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion”.
That is the truth about developing boxing skills, as well as, reading. The passion for reading will not come in one moment, it builds over time. Passion is not a cream that you can apply once and everything changes. No, it is very different. Developing passion is a long journey. It begins gradually but eventually, it takes root.
That is why it is important to begin reading that one paragraph. That is why it is important to begin reading that one page today. That is why it is important to begin reading that one chapter today. That is why it is important to begin reading that back cover today. Everyone who is a champion today started small. Passion came as the journey went on, you cannot get it overnight.
You gotta start with that one page, one chapter, or one book. Start today.
Reading is more like a skill that one can develop, but always better to be developed from childhood. Like most stars, they started very early with the skills that make them a star. For some of us, reading is no longer a task, but a lifestyle. It's now a habit. It all started from childhood, though you can start now to develop the skill.
My major point now is not just for us to develop the reading habit, but also to help the upcoming generation develop the habit from the early stage. Always create a time to read with your children. Take your book and give them theirs, while they read quietly in your company. It's the best asset you can bequeath to your kids. I can never stop thanking my dad for that practice.
There's certainly no anointing for reading, we all love quick fixes but even experience should tell us that's a myth. For me reading didn't come quiet easy too. I decided that i wanted to do it and i knew that like most skills, it is learnable, i own journey started with owning my own books, i am someone that loves having to call something my own, i love ownership, i realized how happy and fulfilled i felt anytime i bought my own books and arrange them on my shelf...it has gradually become a habit and i'm looking forward to it being an addiction. Anytime i look at the books it gives me joy, and it feels like they are always drawing me to read them...i guess that's my motivation. My motivation to read is in my house, right close to my bed. lols. I'm not there yet but soon!