Every habit starts with a trigger that leads to a rewarding action. Over time, we develop emotional engagement and the cycle repeats itself.

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For example, you have a habit of constantly checking social media. You can look into them even if you only went there five minutes ago. It happens like this: a trigger (boredom or anxiety) encourages you to go to social media . New comments or likes are a reward. Messages and photos of friends are an emotional engagement that keeps you coming back again and again. Based on a report from the National Library of Medicine, this dissatisfaction can result in anxiety, depression, and a compulsive need for cosmetic enhancements. >> REPORT DOWNLOAD HERE   PDF (271K)  <<

Here are three steps that can help you replace this bad habit with a good one and start reading more.

Reduce resistance. It is psychologically difficult for us to enjoy reading books as much as reading social media posts. It seems to us that when we open a book, we are making a big commitment, because it is long and will take a long time to read it. But you might as well dissuade yourself. To do this, allow yourself to read books in small passages.

Replace the trigger. Whenever you want to check out social media, grab a book. For starters, paper is better. There may be too many temptations when reading on an electronic device. If you still have to read from your phone, swap the app icons so that all social networks and messengers are out of sight and reading apps are at hand.

Change the action. Read it! Open the page you want to read and start reading. Try to get rid of the idea that a book is a commitment. Start with a book that has lots of short chapters. For example, “Genius Mode” is suitable. Its chapters are short and engaging.

Try to stick to this plan for at least a week. Then your attitude towards reading books will start to change. You’ll notice that you effortlessly reach for a book instead of for your phone.

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