Reading Habit

A reading habit is the consistent practice of reading regularly, ideally daily. The 75 Soft Challenge requires reading 10 pages of a non-fiction or self-improvement book every day for 75 days.

Why 10 Pages?

The 10-page requirement is intentionally achievable:

• Takes only 15-20 minutes for most readers
• Compounds to approximately 5 books over 75 days
• Small enough to do daily, substantial enough to matter
• Builds the habit without overwhelming

Benefits of Daily Reading

Cognitive Benefits

• Improved focus and concentration
• Enhanced vocabulary and communication
• Better memory and mental stimulation
• Reduced cognitive decline with age

Personal Development

• Exposure to new ideas and perspectives
• Learning from others' experiences
• Inspiration for personal growth
• Skills development

Stress Reduction

• Reading lowers heart rate and muscle tension
• Provides mental escape and relaxation
• Reduces stress more effectively than music or walking

Book Categories for 75 Soft

Personal Development

• "Atomic Habits" by James Clear
• "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey
• "Mindset" by Carol Dweck

Health & Fitness

• "Why We Sleep" by Matthew Walker
• "The Body" by Bill Bryson
• "Spark" by John Ratey

Psychology & Behavior

• "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman
• "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg
• "Influence" by Robert Cialdini

Business & Career

• "Deep Work" by Cal Newport
• "So Good They Can't Ignore You" by Cal Newport
• "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries

Tips for Building a Reading Habit

Create a Reading Ritual

• Same time each day (morning or before bed works well)
• Same location (comfortable reading spot)
• Same trigger (after dinner, with morning coffee)

Remove Friction

• Keep your current book visible and accessible
• Use a Kindle or reading app on your phone
• Have your next book ready before finishing

Track Your Progress

• Log completed days in your 75 Soft app
• Note favorite passages or insights
• Celebrate finishing books

Make It Enjoyable

• Choose books YOU find interesting
• It's okay to quit books that don't resonate
• Mix topics to keep it fresh

What Counts as Reading?

For 75 Soft:

• Physical books
• E-books (Kindle, etc.)
• Audiobooks are debated—purists say no, pragmatists say yes

What doesn't count:

• Magazines, newspapers, articles
• Fiction (in traditional 75 Soft rules)
• Social media or news feeds