Maintaining reading consistently is just as important as starting it. We’ll explore the types of reading motivation and methods for forming reading habits, and introduce practical ways to make reading a part of daily life.
Our motivations for reading vary—a teacher’s suggestion, a friend’s recommendation, self-improvement, and more. Reading motivation is defined as ‘the force that drives and sustains reading,’ encompassing both starting and continuing the act. This motivation can be explained using two types proposed by Schutz: ‘because motivation’ and ‘for motivation’.
The ‘because motivation’ for reading refers to the reason that prompts the act of reading. As it serves as the trigger for reading, it corresponds to an event or experience that occurred before the act of reading itself. For example, curiosity about a specific topic or a desire to acquire new knowledge might be such motivations. These serve as important driving forces that initiate reading. Recommendations from friends or family, or assignments/requirements from school or work, can also serve as ‘because motivation’ for reading.
Conversely, ‘for motivation’ in reading refers to the purpose one aims to achieve through the act of reading. Since this purpose is achieved as a result of the reading act, it carries the nature of an expectation or prediction about the state after reading, and inherently involves the possibility of not being achieved. For example, if you receive a book as a gift from a friend and decide to read it, receiving the book as a gift is the ‘because motivation’ for this reading activity. If you then set the goal of discussing the book with your friend after reading it, that becomes the ‘for motivation’. Furthermore, experiencing a sense of accomplishment or being moved by the reading activity, or reading the gifted book to avoid disappointing the friend, are also outcomes that can be expected from this reading activity and thus can also be considered ‘for-of-its-own-sake motivation’.
The ‘for-of-its-own-sake motivation’ for reading can encompass not only the simple satisfaction of intellectual curiosity but also aspirations for self-development, problem-solving, or achieving specific goals. For example, reading specialized books to build expertise for career advancement or to obtain certifications also falls under ‘for-the-sake-of motivation.’ This demonstrates that reading transcends being a mere hobby; it can be a powerful tool capable of bringing tangible change to one’s life. Utilizing this motivation allows reading to be seen not as a simple obligation but as a tool for self-growth, positively influencing the long-term formation of reading habits.
This concept of motivation helps explain the process of forming reading habits. The core of a successful reading experience lies in finding enjoyment and benefit through the act of reading. Experiencing this enjoyment and benefit creates a desire to read more books, and that desire leads to new reading activities. The enjoyment and benefit of reading become the reason for new reading activities, making them a ‘because motivation’. Simultaneously, it also becomes a ‘for-the-sake-of motivation’ that makes one want to experience it again through new reading activities. Through this virtuous cycle, as reading experiences are repeated and deepened, reading habits are naturally formed.
Furthermore, creating an environment conducive to reading is also important for establishing reading habits. Methods such as setting up a quiet reading space or designating and sticking to specific reading times can help maintain reading habits. When reading becomes a daily routine, it ceases to be a special activity and naturally becomes part of life. Through this process, reading can transcend being merely a means of acquiring knowledge and become a crucial element in shaping an individual’s values and way of thinking.
Therefore, to form a reading habit, it is important to first begin the act of reading based on both ‘because motivation’ and ‘for motivation,’ and then sustain the act of reading through successful reading experiences. Reading habits are not merely about reading many books; they are a crucial element capable of bringing about positive changes in various aspects of life. To achieve this, it is necessary to select books that suit oneself, practice reading consistently, and make the effort to reflect on what has been read and apply it to real life. The knowledge and wisdom gained through reading will greatly aid personal growth and development, ultimately serving as an important foundation for living a better life.
