Breaking the Myth: You’re Not Lazy for Skimming or Skipping Books
There was a time I believed I was lazy because I couldn’t get through lengthy novels, even though I loved the stories they told.
I thought something was wrong with me for not being able to sit still and devour hundreds of pages like other readers seemed to do effortlessly.
But over time, I realized something powerful: I wasn’t lazy — I was just selective.
I had the desire to read, to gain insight, and to expand my mind, but the traditional format of long-winded books simply didn’t appeal to my natural tendencies.
The effort felt exhausting, not enriching. That changed the day I stumbled upon a post that said, “Read what you love.”
That simple advice shifted everything for me.
Read What You Actually Enjoy
I’ll love to add and how you love to read.
We often force ourselves to do things in a particular way because it seems like the “right” or “smart” thing to do.
Let’s not even talk about the divide that audio book readers are not real readers according to some folks.
In the world of reading, sticking to bestsellers, classics, or books everyone is raving about is the hallmark of a real reader.
But reading shouldn’t feel like a chore.
Once I gave myself permission to read short articles, essays, and summaries — formats I actually enjoyed — I found myself reading more consistently.
I built a reading habit without the pressure to finish what didn’t resonate.
Resistance Isn’t Laziness — It’s Feedback
When you find yourself resisting a task, ask yourself:
- Does this align with my preferences or natural rhythm?
- Is there another way to approach this task that still supports my goals?
This kind of self-awareness helps you work smarter, not harder.
The goal isn’t to avoid effort altogether but to channel your effort into what works for you.
Every Next Level Requires Some Effort
Of course, progress takes effort.
You can’t coast your way into growth.
But effort doesn’t always mean brute force.
It means choosing what works and committing to it.
If your goal is to read more, start by reading what feels natural.
Over time, you may grow into reading longer works — at your own pace.
If I needed to read a long book, I opted for summaries or audio versions.
That didn’t make me lazy; it made me strategic. I was still learning and expanding my mind — just differently.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
For some of us, skimming, scanning, or reading selectively is what helps us retain information best.
Others may enjoy deep-diving into chapters for hours on end. Neither approach is superior — they’re just different styles.
So, the next time you feel guilty for not keeping up with your reading goals, pause.
Consider if you’re trying to fit into a mold that simply doesn’t suit you.
Give yourself grace.
Your preferences aren’t flaws — they’re clues.
Let’s connect on my bookish space
Feel free to also clap and share your thoughts on this post.
In case you missed my previous bookish post, you can check it out here:
