How to replace the habit of sitting in social networks, reading

Bad habits hard to get rid of. Much more effective than trying to completely eradicate them in yourself, and be replaced by good. For example, the stop to sit in social networks and start reading the book.

Kadavu David (David Kadavy)

Designer, blogger, author of "Design for hackers."

Each habit starts with a trigger that leads to action, bringing reward. Over time, we have produced an emotional involvement, and the cycle repeats.

For example, you have a habit of constantly checking social networks. You look at them, even if you went there five minutes ago. It is as follows: trigger (boredom or anxiety) makes you go to social networks (action). The emergence of new comments or likes - is a reward. Messages and photos of friends - emotional involvement, because of which you will return again and again.

Here are three steps that will help you replace the bad habit for good and start read more.

1. Reduce the resistance. We are psychologically difficult to get the same pleasure from reading books as reading posts on social networks. We think that by opening the book, we take on some kind of a big commitment, because it is long and it will have to read long. But you may well dissuade themselves. To do this, allow yourself to read a book of short extracts.
   instagram viewer
2. Override trigger. Every time you have a desire to look into the social networks, hold the book. To start with the best paper will do. During the reading on an electronic device may have too many temptations. If you still have to read from the phone, reverse application icons to all social networks and instant messenger were not in sight, and reading applications were on hand.
3. change effect. Read! Open the desired page and start reading. Try to get rid of the thought that the book - it's an obligation. Start with the book in which many short chapters. Such as suitable "genius mode». Chapters are short and exciting in it.

Try to stick to the plan at least a week. Then your attitude towards reading books will start to change. You will notice that effortlessly reach for the book, not the phone.