Ethan Riley**60% of people** who say they read the news daily actually only consume it for 10 minutes or less lensafootball. If you’re one of them, you’re not alone. The problem isn’t a lack of news—it’s a lack of a habit. Here’s how to change that.
BUILDING A NEWS CONSUMPTION HABIT
**Step 1: Start Small**
Don’t try to read every article in your news feed. Instead, set a daily goal of 10-15 minutes. This is enough to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. For example, if you have 10 minutes, focus on one or two key stories that matter to you.
**Step 2: Choose Your Sources Wisely**
Not all news sources are created equal. Spend 15 minutes each week evaluating your sources. Look for reputable ones with a track record of accuracy. For example, The New York Times and BBC are generally reliable, but local news outlets might be more relevant to your community.
**Step 3: Set Specific Times**
Habits stick when they’re consistent. Pick specific times to check the news, such as first thing in the morning or before bed. For example, if you’re a morning person, set your alarm 10 minutes earlier to read the news before starting your day.
**Step 4: Use Newsletters**
Newsletters are a great way to stay informed without constantly checking your phone. Subscribe to a few that cover topics you care about, like technology or politics. For example, The Atlantic’s “Weekly Shuffle” newsletter is a great way to stay informed about current events.
**Step 5: Engage with the News**
Reading the news is just the first step. To build a habit, engage with it. Share articles on social media, discuss them with friends, or write a short summary. For example, if you read an interesting article about climate change, share it on Twitter and start a conversation about it.
**Step 6: Track Your Progress**
Keep a journal of your news consumption. Note the topics you read about, the sources you used, and how you engaged with the news. For example, you might note that you read about the economy on Monday and shared an article on Tuesday.
**Step 7: Be Patient**
Building a news consumption habit takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you miss a day or two. The key is consistency. For example, if you miss a day, just pick up where you left off the next day.
**Step 8: Adapt to Your Lifestyle**
Everyone’s life is different. Find a way to incorporate news into your routine that works for you. For example, if you’re a busy professional, you might prefer to listen to a podcast while commuting.
**Step 9: Stay Curious**
The best way to build a news consumption habit is to stay curious. Ask questions, seek out different perspectives, and don’t be afraid to challenge your beliefs. For example, if you read an article that contradicts your views, take the time to understand why.
**Step 10: Review and Adjust**
Every few months, review your news consumption habit. Ask yourself what’s working and what’s not. Adjust your approach as needed. For example, if you find that you’re not engaging with the news enough, try setting a new goal to discuss one article with a friend each week.
**Key Takeaways**
– Start small with 10-15 minutes of news consumption each day.
– Choose reliable news sources and set specific times to check the news.
– Use newsletters, engage with the news, and track your progress.
– Be patient, adapt to your lifestyle, stay curious, and review your habit regularly.
**Next Steps**
– Set a daily goal of 10-15 minutes to consume the news.
– Spend 15 minutes each week evaluating your news sources.
– Pick specific times to check the news and stick to them.
– Subscribe to a few newsletters that cover topics you care about.
– Engage with the news by sharing articles, discussing them with friends, or writing a short summary.
– Keep a journal of your news consumption and track your progress.
– Be patient and consistent. Don’t get discouraged if you miss a day or two.
– Adapt your news consumption habit to fit your lifestyle.
– Stay curious and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to challenge your beliefs.
– Review your news consumption habit every few months and adjust as needed.
