I get some Frequently Asked Questions, and since I process my thoughts much better in writing, I hope to have better thought-out answers here than when I randomly answer them on social media where my thumbs don’t go as fast as my brain does between activities or in passing conversations. I can’t promise I will be able to answer every single one, but I’ll try my best. That’s what a Work-in-Progress Mom means, right? That we do the best we can with what we have, and if not, we look for ways to improve!
*Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Onto the question…
When do you find time to read?
I’m not a fast reader at all but I’ve shifted my priorities to fit it in because it’s important to me to learn and read other’s thoughts and get their perspective. It’s been a long journey and hard lessons learned by shifting my calendar to match the people and things I value. If you love nature, go on a hike or plant some flowers. If you value learning, visit a museum or take a class. If you love sports, go join a team or watch a game. You see where I’m going with this?
How/when I read has changed over the seasons but I’ve found I read more when I intentionally set aside time before bed. I try to bring books with me when waiting for the girls during their classes/rehearsals but I’m super easily distracted by pretty much everything that moves or makes a sound or exists. I don’t do ebooks or audiobooks because I can’t process information that way so it’s not always convenient to bring them along either. I do listen to lots of podcasts, but for some reason, I don’t do so well with audiobooks…for now.
So all that to say, I think you need to find what works for you and be consistent. If it’s putting on your calendar, do that. If it’s setting a goal to read one chapter a day, do that. If you find you have more time to listen to something while doing dishes, do that.
I’ve heard of people who read hundreds of books every year…not regular people, like high-achievers/CEO types that travel a lot for work and they have time to read on their flights…without kids, and I wish I had all the time in the world to do that, but that’s not my life right now.
That’s the long answer. If you ask me in passing or in “real life” (I get this question often), the answer will usually be “I read before bed.”
When do you find time to read?
Related Links:
- My Book List for 2018 – joycemoy.com/booklist2018
- Amazon Book Wish List – *amzn.to/2zxPF7x
- If you need book lists for kids – readaloudrevival.com
- If you need book lists for yourself – modernmrsdarcy.com and *amzn.to/2Oe0pA5
- There are lots of tools to help you get on track with your goals, but I love my Full Focus Planner. – *michaelhyatt.refr.cc/joycem (15% off using this link)
- Some others that friends recommend: Daily Grace Planner – *bit.ly/2NGTtvP, Dayspring Planner – *shrsl.com/16vyq, a basic Leucchtturm notebook for bullet journaling and/or tracking all the things – *amzn.to/2xRNbia
*Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a tiny percentage if you make a purchase through my link at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure policy here.