Why Reading Might Not Work for You Right Now
It’s not your fault if you haven’t fallen in love with reading, and here’s how to change that.
I used to think reading wasn’t for me.
I’d pick up a book, try to read a paragraph, and feel like a failure. I’d force myself to read, hoping the feeling would pass. But the harder I pushed, the more I procrastinated until I gave up altogether.
And when I quit reading, I blamed myself.
“Why is this so hard?”
“Why can’t I just focus like everyone else?”
Here’s the truth:
The problem isn’t you. The problem is how you’re starting.
Why Reading Feels So Difficult
Yes, AI can summarize books in seconds.
Yes, TikTok and YouTube give us bite-sized wisdom.
But here’s what they can’t give you:
The focus you build through reading.
The calm you experience while reading.
The identity you create as someone who reads.
Reading isn’t just about consuming information. It’s about becoming someone new through the process.
AI should support that, not replace it.
Writing without AI feels raw.
Drawing without AI feels fulfilling.
Reading without AI feels meaningful.
We don’t need to abandon these activities just because shortcuts exist.
Why You Might Hate Reading Right Now
Let’s be honest, maybe you’re forcing it.
You picked up a book not because you love it, but because you want to be “productive.” You scroll past highlight quotes on Instagram and think, “I should read more.”
But guilt is not a good foundation for a habit.
You don’t hate reading.
You hate the pressure around it.
3 Simple Steps to Fall in Love with Reading
1. Read What You Actually Enjoy
Not what everyone else says is “life-changing.”
Not what’s trending.
Start with books you genuinely find interesting.
Even if it’s a novel. Even if it’s “not productive.”
Here’s a trick:
Read a book you love → then a book you dislike → then return to a book you love.
This “sandwich method” builds tolerance for harder books while keeping the habit enjoyable.
2. Start Ridiculously Small
One sentence.
One paragraph.
One page.
Don’t kill your motivation with unrealistic expectations. Instead, finish your reading before touching your phone. Build it into your environment.
Want to replace a bad habit?
Put reading right before it.
3. Only Grow the Habit When It Feels Too Easy
Don’t force yourself to read more unless it’s so easy, it’s boring.
That’s your cue to level up:
1 sentence → 1 paragraph
1 paragraph → 1 page
1 page → 10 pages
Let consistency build confidence.
And If It Still Doesn’t Work?
Try an audiobook.
It’s not the same as reading, but it’s a gateway to build focus.
Still not clicking?
That’s okay.
Don’t read out of guilt.
Take a break. Read later. You’re still growing — just in other ways.
Final Words
You’re not broken.
You’re not lazy.
You just haven’t found your rhythm yet.
When you’re ready to start again, come back to these 3 steps:
Find books you love
Start small
Grow gradually
Reading is not a race. It’s a lifelong relationship. And you’re allowed to begin again as many times as you need.
You’ve got this.
Good read
Great work Kevin