Undoubtedly, reading is one of the most powerful skills that brought humanity to this level of advancement. This post will discuss different reading techniques to progress effectively and exercise our brains.
There are three main types:
- Standard methods📔
- Speed reading⚡
- Extreme fun👽
Standard strategies are useful for a person who is a long-time reader, and the main goal is to comprehend the information for academic or work-related purposes. Bill Gates, one of the most genius entrepreneurs of all time, pays special attention to reading. He takes solo ‘think weeks’ in a cabin in the woods yearly away from technology and society. During these two weeks, he takes his favorite books for that period and spends most of his time reading. To absorb information carefully, his first technique is:
Note-taking in the margins of a book📝
It is advantageous, especially when reading non-fiction, and I have been using this strategy for almost the last three years. So, why is it important?
Our brains love repetition like ants building paths. It is called maintenance rehearsal. Proficient lawyers, doctors, engineers, and all other professionals do their jobs even automatically. Because the way they go now is not full of terrains, rocks, and swamps. It is smooth. However, there is a better benefit during note taking which is an elaborative rehearsal. During note-taking, you ask unconsciously or consciously yourself, how can I apply this note to my life? Awesome, you built a relationship with that information and yourself internally.
I don’t let myself start a book that I’m not gonna finish.
Bill Gates
Be picky📚→📘
Choosing books is like investing. Because you actually invest your time, money, and energy in those. Looking at your life, current problems, interests, studies, or work can help categorize what you want to read. You can also check comments and reviews on Goodreads, which can support making decisions.
It happens. Sometimes we make wrong decisions, then what to do?
There are two types of people:
- Quit readers
- Speed readers
I am in the second group, which is somehow intuitional. If I picked that book, there could still be some benefits in my choice till the end. Maybe I will write another post on reading and discuss the speed reading techniques, but there are mainly used two:
Skimming: If a book is boring, I read lines rapidly to get general information. If I find something interesting, I slow down.
Scanning: If a book is dull, I look through pages from top to bottom to discover interesting stat, infographic tables, or graphs.
Another method for not being bored is reading across, which means reading multiple sources together. For some people, it can be challenging to follow many books simultaneously. I also thought it was not for me, but after trying, I enjoyed it, and there are some real benefits.
Based on your mood, you can switch books. For instance, reading Dostoevski might be difficult after a long working day because you should finish it. But, in that case, you have other options. Additionally, reading in this way will help you spend time more efficiently in your free time, like reducing phone scrolling and unnecessary tech use, because of your favorite books are waiting for you.
All these reading strategies may seem simple but effective. However, there are more extreme at the same time enjoyable techniques too. I do not suggest them to new readers. Nevertheless, if you want to make a fantasy, you can try these:
Reading a book backward◀️
That technique is complex but very interesting, reading fiction books this way makes it very fun. Even some authors choose this technique for writing. Going back from chapter to chapter is a good point to start. But remember, it is fine to do it adequately.
5 mins + 5 mins😯
We talked about reading across, but what about some sports? Reading two or even three different texts every five minutes for each is a beneficial and sometimes a bit tiring exercise for the brain. Audiobooks are also a good choice here. This style of reading may give inspiration and stimulate creativity.
Read and write✍️
In a fiction book, you can try to read half or even 90 percent of the book, but after that reader starts to write till the end in their own way. After doing so, they can read the original storyline and discuss it with their friends. Even they can do this activity together with various people and see different endings.
Yeah, all these were reading techniques I have prepared for you. I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any other strategies, you are very welcome to share them.😊
References:
www.theblogsmith.com/bill-gates-think-week-reading-vacation/