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Have you ever surprised yourself by falling in love with something you never thought was "for you"? That's exactly what happened when I discovered reading for pleasure as an adult and a busy attorney.

Growing up, I was never a "reader" - books were homework, assignments, necessary evils of education. Law school only reinforced this with endless casebooks and legal texts that felt like work rather than enjoyment. For relaxation, I turned to TV shows and mindless scrolling, creating a clear division: reading was work, screens were rest.

Everything changed when I challenged myself to read just 19 books in 2019. This modest goal sparked a transformation that, six years later, has me devouring over 40 books by August. The secret wasn't setting ambitious targets or forcing myself through literary classics—it was giving myself permission to read whatever brought me joy, whether that's cozy murder mysteries like The Thursday Murder Club, memoirs like Ina Garten's, or light romance novels. Starting with just 10 minutes daily or eight pages at a time made the habit sustainable even during my busiest periods as a commercial litigation partner.

What began as a simple challenge has become one of the most enriching parts of my life, improving my creativity at work, providing genuine mental restoration, and replacing endless doom scrolling with something that feels both enjoyable and meaningful. The best part? Anyone can do this. If you haven't picked up a book for pleasure in years (or ever), try setting a small, achievable goal. Read for just 10 minutes before bed or listen to an audiobook during your commute. Choose books that genuinely interest you, not what you think you "should" read. Remember that building any meaningful habit takes time—it took me six years to become the reader I am today, and that journey has been as rewarding as the destination.

Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystedman/.