How To Become Better at Reading
There is no doubt that reading books is one particular activity that makes us better in a lot of different ways.
It makes our memory better because it stimulates our brain. It enriches our vocabulary and thus makes us think and speak clearer. It helps us be more concentrated and more focused.
I’m aiming to write a whole other blog on the benefits that reading gives us, but in this one, I’d like to concentrate on how to get most out of it. How to be a better reader.
1. Read some small amount of text every day
And I say small because the consistency here is more important than the volume. You need to get used to it, make it a part of your daily routine. For me, this is just ten pages. Usually, I read more, but 10 pages is the required minimum. Find a perfect time; it could be a lunch break or sometime before the sleep. I read in the morning, right after I awake because that’s what works the best for me.
2. Make a TODO list
Before you start a new book, write down the list of chapters on a paper and add a little square over each item. After you read each chapter add a little check in the corresponding square. This way you see your progress, and gives you that sweet sense of accomplishment that makes you continue with the book. A side effect of doing this is that you always have a high picture of what you’re going to learn in your mind.
3. Keep notes
You really can’t overemphasize this one. Notes are absolutely essential to better remember and understand deeply what you read. Writing is a whole different activity. It boost your brain to process the information on a whole different level, letting you understand and remember it much better.
Write down the points you think are interesting, or you feel are important. Write down you own thoughts as well. Write down some numbers and draw some charts. Let your brain work through the information. Don’t forget to re-read your notes from time to time. It will keep your memory fresh and
You can keep notes on the margins of the book or you can pick up a reading journal like this one. Personally I use Candl which is a web app for book readers.
4. Organize the information
I’d like to repeat that “divide and conquer” of learning is organize and repeat. Our brain works much better with organized information.
Ordered and bullet lists are your best friends; don’t feel afraid to use them in your notes. Charts and tables are also handy. Oh, and the arrows. Connect the points with arrows to emphasize how the logic of narrative goes. Make your outline clear and concise, and make sure you cover all the aspects.
5. Don’t feel sorry for unfinished books
You don’t have to worry about the books you left unfinished. Moreover, sometimes you should give up the book you feel is not interesting anymore, because it slows you down. There’s nothing wrong with it. Your aim is to read constantly giving exercise to your brain, and if anything prevents you from doing it, it should be eliminated. So get rid of it with an open heart and start a new one.
Those are the small rules that helped me improve my reading skills. I am pretty sure they can other people as well. If you also have some little tricks to share, feel free to do this!
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