“The more that you read, the more things you will know.
The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
-Dr Seuss
According to monumental intellectual figures such as Confucius and Dr. Seuss, reading is one of the most beneficial and crucial elements to securing a life of knowledge and enlightenment. However, If reading is so powerful and uplifting, than why has the percentage of readers in America dropped from 58 percent to 46 percent? What is the cause of Americas lack of reading? Well, a typical answer would suggest that television and social networking sites like facebook and twitter are to blame. That answer is very true, but there are other factors that limit a person from reading. The truth is that there are many people who want to read(like myself), but lack the fundamentals necessary in becoming a successful avid reader. The blog that I came across expresses 14 helpful ways to cultivate a lifetime reading habit. All of these tips are profitable, however, three of them share a powerful perspective that will help you become an avid reader. 
A vast majority of the population consumes their leisure time browsing the internet and watching television, which for some, takes up more time than needed. On average, a teenage watches about four and a half hours of television a day. In four and a half hours, a person can jog a half marathon or even read a whole book. On average, a teenager also spends 3 hours a day surfing the internet, instant messaging friends, and watching comical Youtube videos. Therefore, teenagers almost spend 1/3 of their day partaking in semi useless activities. Nevertheless, we can change if we find a balance. Instead of spending 8 hours glued to the TV and computer, spend one hour watching TV and one hour on the computer. This way, you are not just limited to tweeting and refreshing you page on Facebook, you also have the chance to engulf yourself in a good book. 
You have limited your useless leisure time by six hours, so now you have more time to enjoy a book. However, there is a problem. You can not enjoy the book because you are not comfortable. You must remember that reading is like any other activity you do when your trying to let loose. Therefore, It is vital that you create an environment where you know you can focus. You wouldn’t watch a movie or play a video game while heavily uncomfortable, so the same goes for reading. The best thing to do is find a cozy spot that fits your needs best, and make sure that it is secluded enough and far from distractions like music, people, and most of all, the television. 
So you have limited your television and internet time, and found your perfect area to read. However, reading just is not your thing. WRONG. Reading can be your thing. Reading is solely based on the book. It is important to find books that catch your eye, keep you interested, and make you enjoy reading. If you go through a few chapters in a book and feel dispassionate about it, toss it, but keep more books coming. Realize that the more you read, the more you find what type of books you truly connect with. Once your content with your choice of books, expand your genre, and remember that reading can be fun, under the right circumstances!
Site- http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/14-ways-to-cultivate-a-lifetime-reading-habit.html
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