How I Got Obsessed with Reading (Again) and You Can Too!
Turning Pages and Life Around
Ever find yourself saying, "I want to read more," but never quite getting there? Hi, I’m Sonali, and I’ve been there too.
Five years, to be precise. I even challenged myself back in 2019 to read one book a month, and to keep myself accountable, I started reviewing them on my YouTube channel. I was on a roll, actively putting out videos and feeling great about it.
My Reading Journey
My mentors nudged me toward the classics, so I dove into gems like Think and Grow Rich, The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, and The Alchemist. I mixed in some modern ones too, like The 4-Hour Workweek, Crushing It, and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. I did 13 reviews in total and was totally consumed by it.
A highlight? Robin Sharma replied to one of my Instagram stories, which led me to read and review his book The 5 AM Club. My friend Deepak Kanakaraju (aka Digital Deepak) even sent me his book, The Edge of Sanity, for review.
Then, life happened. Work got crazy, and my reading habit took a backseat. But the desire to read never really left me.
Getting Back Into It
Fast forward to now, and I’m proud to say I’m slowly getting back into my reading groove. Here’s how I rekindled my obsession:
1. Reinventing my Identity
I went from being someone who wanted to read more to being "Sonali always has a book in her hand." Now, my bedside table is never without a book. I started asking people what they were reading and sharing my current reads.
It’s all about shifting how you see yourself. Now, meet the new Sonali: a reader, someone who doesn’t just talk about reading but is seen with a book everywhere – in coffee shops, at work, even at the park.
"You are what you read." – Adapted from the famous saying
2. Gift Requests: All Books, All the Time
At one point, Amazon parcels were just book deliveries. Now when I am asked what I wanted as a gift, I give a book list or ask for surprises. It feels like a mini-celebration each time a new book arrives.
My friends and family got in on it too – they started gifting me books for birthdays, anniversaries, and even random Tuesdays. There’s something special about unwrapping a book and diving into a new world.
3. Airport Bookstore Adventures
Traveling for work has its perks, like exploring airport bookstores. I get excited browsing the shelves, reading back covers, and discovering new authors and genres. It’s my favourite solo time.
The quiet hum of the airport, the scent of new books, and the thrill of finding a hidden gem make every trip an adventure. I love this ritual; it’s like a little vacation for my mind before the real journey begins.
"A book is a gift you can open again and again." – Garrison Keillor
4. Cart Full of Dreams
When a book piques my interest, I add it to my Amazon cart instead of buying it immediately. This way, I "earn" it by finishing my current read first. Plus, Amazon’s reminders keep me motivated. It’s like having a digital wishlist that encourages me to stay on track.
And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a gentle nudge from Amazon saying, "Hey, remember this book you wanted?"
5. Author Connect
I connect with authors on a deeper level by listening to their interviews and podcasts. If there’s an audio version of the book, I download and listen on the go. Hearing the author's voice while reading strengthens the connection.
It’s fascinating to hear the stories behind the stories, their writing process, and what drives them. It adds a whole new dimension to reading.
"Books are a uniquely portable magic." – Stephen King
6. Spreading the Book Love
Yes, I bore people around me with my book talk! I share my insights, mind-blowing moments, and get them excited about reading too. It spreads the love for books.
My friends might roll their eyes when I start another sentence with, "I was reading this book…" but secretly, they love it. It’s infectious, and soon, they’re sharing their reads with me too.
7. Personalizing My Reading Experience
Books are my brain food. I take notes, underline, and write in the margins. My books are distinctly mine, with notes and marked paragraphs. This is how I digest information – by actively engaging with the text.
My books are a testament to my learning journey, filled with thoughts, reflections, and aha moments.
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go." – Dr. Seuss
8. Turning Reading into Action
I write down actionable steps from my learnings. For instance, I’m currently learning to write better, and I apply these lessons in my LinkedIn posts from Monday to Saturday. It’s about turning knowledge into practice, one step at a time.
Writing has become my way of processing and applying what I read, ensuring that the wisdom I gather isn’t lost but used to grow.
9. Going Public with My Goals
The ultimate step in my reading obsession is writing my own book. I’ve announced on LinkedIn that I’m writing my first solo book, documenting the journey here. Stay tuned!
It’s a big, bold move that keeps me accountable. The public declaration fuels my commitment and motivates me to keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough.
"There is no friend as loyal as a book." – Ernest Hemingway
10. Writing for a Special Occasion
I aim to launch my book in January 2025 on my mum’s birthday. It’s a heartfelt goal, and I can already visualize the book launch with her by my side.
It’s more than just a deadline; it’s a personal mission that drives me every day. This connection adds a layer of meaning and purpose to my writing journey.
11. Big Picture Thinking
Now, every time I pick up a new book, I think about how mine will look. Fonts, page quality, cover design, number of pages – I want it to be something I'd love to read repeatedly.
Can it become a class, course, TV series, or movie? The sky’s the limit. This vision keeps me inspired and focused, reminding me of the potential impact of my work.
"A book is a dream that you hold in your hand." – Neil Gaiman
In short, to learn anything all you need to do is OBSESS over it
O: Own your new self-image as a reader.
B: Build your collection by asking for books.
S: Spend time in bookstores, especially at airports.
E: Earn new books by finishing your current read first.
S: Stay connected with authors through YouTube and podcasts.
S: Share your reading journey and insights with others.
Conclusion
Getting obsessed with something can lead to incredible transformations. For me, it’s been a journey back into the world of books, and I’ve found immense joy and growth in it.
What will you obsess over? Whether it’s reading, writing, or any other passion, dive in wholeheartedly. Let it consume you, and watch as it transforms your life.
Got any book recommendations?
Drop them in the comments! Let’s get obsessed with reading together. 📚
Until next time
- Sonali
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