MAKE READING A LIFESTYLE

January is coming to an end. Officially we have been in the New Year for close to 31 days. How far have you gone in implementing your resolutions? Have you even started yet? As time lapses, the fervor and interest slowly wan, which is followed by excuses and before you know it, the plans are shelfed. Keeping promises is not easy. Sticking to plans is difficult if you do not write them. The effort of committing your idea to paper and referring back to it constantly keeps the initial passion alive. It compels one to eventually do something about it. If you decided to make reading a lifestyle, you need to know exactly what kind of books you wish to read, then list the titles. This way soon as you come across the book, you will get it and read it!

Plans should not be about the money but about succeeding, about achieving your goals, it is about breaking through to the next level that you planned for. Most plans have been parked because, when it comes to the budget, people get overwhelmed. They pay more attention to how they will obtain the money that is needed to execute the plan. When your emphasis is on the money rather than on what must be accomplished, it is easy to quit, because generally, money is hard to come by. By all means, include a budget but focus more on what must be achieved. Money is just one of the enablers. If you concentrate on what needs to be done, you will begin to implement the part of your plan that does not require finances. For example, if your resolution is to make reading a lifestyle, you must understand that not all books need to be bought. Join a book club, get library membership, exchange books with friends, use social media to connect with other readers so that you can exchange books and when you have the money, buy the book! By making the first steps, you will have completed 50% of the plans and the rest will fall into place. Resources get attracted to plans once there is commitment and when achievement is on the horizon.

Finally, avoid things, places or people that will sway you away from your plans.  Create the time for reading. For instance, television can take away the much needed time. Spend more hours with other readers, talk about your books and share ideas. A lifestyle is made by repeating actions that build into a recognizable pattern. Eventually others will identify you with that particular style, she or he is a reader. When you become rooted, you create a foundation upon which you can build. You could start recruiting other readers or could just start teaching others how to read. If we are to head ‘Toward a Zambian Genre’, then we need avid readers. In 2018, make reading your lifestyle!