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“What kind of question is that!?” might you say.

“Of course I know how to read and write!”

But are you sure?

I bet you have often heard older people and experienced teachers say things like “today’s kids can’t spell anymore”, “they’re only interested in mobile phones”, or even going as far as saying “people are getting dumber”. While this might sound like typical “older people ranting against younger people”, something that has probably been going on since the invention of humanity, I suspect they actually might have a point.

I observed it in myself. Especially in the last years while I was preparing a PhD, reading and writing had become somewhat of a chore. Except when reading or writing the required stuff for university, I could barely concentrate on a text for more than a minute, and I had also stopped writing a journal, letters, or even just longer e-mails to the people I love. Reading and writing required a huge intellectual and psychological effort, for which I felt there was no energy left in me.

And then I remembered that, as a kid, reading and writing were my favourite activities. My mother would regularly take me to the library to borrow books. I could spend days and nights sitting on my bed devouring all kinds of stories, from children’s novels to comic strips. Every morning, I read the back of the cereal box over and over again. I would read just about anything I laid my eyes on, and I would never get tired or bored of it. While reading, my imagination and creativity were stimulated. Going through the pages of a book, a world of possibilities would unfold before my eyes. It was up to me to create the atmosphere, characters and stories that felt good.

“Yeah, but that’s kids’ stuff and nostalgia!” might you say. I don’t agree. As many things children do, it represents the natural behaviour of someone who is curious and thirsty of new knowledge. It is an intuitive and highly creative thing to do.

Moreover, reading and writing are very important everyday skills. If you can do it well, they can be an important asset to getting the job that you are dreaming of. They are also the key to truly mastering a language, be it your own mother tongue or a foreign language you would like to learn. Actually, the more I think about it, the more it seems impossible to find negative sides to reading and writing!

You could also gain from it.

So why not doing it, and becoming better at it?

To make this more fun, I propose a little challenge. If you are the kind of person who mainly reads and writes text messages or one-liner e-mails, and not much more than that, then this challenge is definitely for you! The great thing about this challenge is that you can realise it just about anywhere. You don’t have to be at home and you need very little equipment or tools.

The challenge actually consists in reading one book a week for the next year.

“Holy cow!” This seems like a lot, doesn’t it? I know, but it’s doable. Hundreds of smart people have done it before us and the beautiful thing is that they got even smarter while doing it. And there are a few tricks you can use in order to make this process easier and, of course, truly enjoyable:

— First of all, choose the reading medium you prefer. Some will go for the good old printed book, because they feel stimulated by the touch or sent of it. If you enjoy reading printed books, why not getting a library card, or planning regular visits to the book store? Maybe you could ask your friends to lend you some books, which will make the whole process more social. Some people will prefer to do their reading on a tablet. Both methods are ok. It just has to be a book. Not a blog. Not a magazine. Not an article. A book!

— Also, stay realistic. If you want to be able to read one book every week, you should start with short books, no more than 200 to 300 pages, at least until you become better and quicker at it. This makes an average of about 30 to 40 pages a day, which is less than some pupils and students are expected to read for their school and university assignments. But, unlike required readings for your classes, they are no good or bad books here. You can read any book! From gardening, to inspiring biographies, to traveling accounts, novels, or fantasy tales – the possibilities are just unlimited. No book can be a complete waste of time. You will always learn something from a book, even the kitschiest novel.

— Get your reading done as early in the day as possible. Read anytime you can, even if only a few pages. You can read while traveling on a train, bus, metro or plane. You can read while waiting for someone, or waiting at the doctor’s, during your lunch break, in the evening instead of watching TV. If you don’t manage to do your daily reading, remember that you will have to make it up for it tomorrow. Therefore, plan reading time ahead and keep to your schedule.

Of course, I will also be joining you in this challenge, because as a team, we are stronger and we can motivate each other. In two weeks from now, we will be in touch again to discuss the so far encountered benefits and challenges brought by the implementation of this new life habit.

Then, I will also propose a new challenge to you.

I wish you Happy Reading!

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