Reading can be started for a variety of reasons, such as a teacher’s recommendation, a friend’s recommendation, or self-improvement, and reading motivation can be categorized into “because” motivation, which is the reason you start reading, and “for” motivation, which is what you want to achieve through reading. These motivations can help form and sustain a reading habit.
There are many different motivations for reading, such as a teacher’s suggestion, a friend’s recommendation, or self-improvement. Reading motivation is defined as “the force that drives and sustains reading,” which includes two aspects: initiation and continuation. This can be explained by applying Schutz’s two types of reading motivation: “because motivation” and “for the sake of motivation”.
The “because motivation” of reading refers to the reason for the reading behavior. It corresponds to an event or experience that has already occurred at some point prior to the reading, as it is the trigger for the reading behavior. For example, you might be curious about a particular topic or have a desire to gain new knowledge. Motivations like these are important drivers to start reading. In addition, recommendations from friends or family, or assignments or requirements at school or work can also be “because” motivations for reading.
The “for” of reading refers to the purpose you hope to achieve through the act of reading. Because the goal is achieved as a result of the reading behavior, it is an expectation or prediction of a state of affairs at some point in the future, with the possibility that it will not be achieved. For example, if you read a book because a friend gave it to you as a gift, receiving the book as a gift is the “because” of this reading behavior. If you set a goal to read a book and have a conversation about it with a friend, that’s an “in order to” motivation. In addition, feeling fulfilled or moved by the act of reading, or not disappointing a friend by reading the book you received as a gift, are also expected outcomes of the act of reading, so they are also “for the sake of” motivations.
The “for the sake of” motivation for reading can be more than just satisfying intellectual needs; it can also include a desire for self-improvement, problem-solving, or achieving a specific goal. For example, reading to advance your career by gaining specialized knowledge or to earn a certification is a “for the sake of” motivation. This shows that the act of reading is more than just a hobby, but a powerful tool that can make a real difference in a person’s life.
This concept of motivation helps explain how reading habits are formed. The key to a successful reading experience is to experience pleasure and benefit from the act of reading, which leads to a desire to read more, which leads to new reading behaviors. The pleasure and benefit of reading is a “because motivation” in that it provides a reason for new reading behaviors. At the same time, the new reading behavior becomes a “for the sake of” motivation that makes you want to experience it again. Through this virtuous cycle, the reading experience is repeated and deepened, and a reading habit is naturally formed.
Therefore, to form a reading habit, it is important to start reading behavior based on the “because motivation” and “for the sake of motivation” and to continue reading behavior through successful reading experiences. A reading habit is more than just reading a lot of books, it is an important factor that can lead to positive changes in many aspects of your life. It’s about choosing the right books for you, reading consistently, and reflecting on what you read and applying it to your life. The knowledge and wisdom you gain from reading will help you grow and develop as an individual, which in turn is an important foundation for living a better life.
