I see a trend where many, especially among my college peers, don't find pleasure in reading. It seems to have transformed into a daunting task. I've encountered similar struggles—I, too, face difficulties focusing on books and often overlook allocating time for reading. Yet, I harbor a deep desire to read extensively in the future.

So, why has reading become a challenge for so many nowadays?

We find ourselves merely scanning through rules in public places, struggling even with brief passages. Despite an abundance of life-improving articles online, few at my university engage with them. Even browsing news articles on websites proves to be a daunting task, although they rarely exceed 5000 words.

Attempting to grasp why reading is tough, I've come to realize that our incessant scrolling through social media impedes our focus. Constant exposure to bite-sized content resets our attention spans, making it challenging to concentrate on more extended pieces like an article or a book. This habitual scrolling not only influences our mood but also erodes our ability to maintain focus, particularly when we're waiting, relying on our phones to stave off boredom or discomfort.

Society's reliance on smartphones undeniably affects our reading habits. To truly engage with reading, we must diminish our screen time and reinvigorate our capacity to concentrate. Effective reading involves focused, purposeful reading, but distractions can hinder the acquisition of valuable information and, in turn, lead to misinformation or aversion to reading itself.

Setting goals is crucial. Defining why we read can help maintain focus and direction. Reading materials aligned with our interests fosters enjoyment. By choosing reading material we genuinely want to explore, we reclaim control over our choices and lives.

To bolster focus, start small and build from there. If five-minute articles seem daunting, start with three minutes, or even one. Consistency is key—establishing a routine of engaging with reading material gradually strengthens focus.

Another method involves deliberate focus exercises, such as staring at a wall or a specific point, fostering the ability to concentrate. It might seem mundane, but this simple exercise can dramatically enhance focus and discipline.

For those averse to physical books, e-readers offer a practical solution. Applications like Readera or Kindle provide access to reading material anytime, anywhere, leveraging technology to instill a reading habit.

In conclusion, while effective reading poses challenges in today's digital milieu, it's not an unattainable feat. Starting small, setting goals, practicing focus exercises, and utilizing online platforms can gradually enhance focus and transform reading into a cherished activity. Ultimately, consistent engagement with reading material leads not only to improved focus but also to an enriched understanding of the world around us. As Dr. Seuss eloquently puts it, "The more that you read, the more things you will know."