How to Read 2x Faster and still remember everything

Since I started my degree and delved into self-discovery, I’ve become a dedicated reader. I went from reading just one book a year to nearly 40 this year alone. Reading has become a relaxing activity for me, and I understand why it has been a practice for thousands of years. It feels like I’m tapping into someone else’s thoughts. However, I’m more interested in learning than just accumulating books. For instance, reading numerous weight loss books won’t help if I continue to eat fast food every night. I want to make real, lasting changes in my life through reading, and I’m going to share the strategies that have worked for me.

First, let’s talk about practical reading habits. My first tip is to read while sitting upright in a chair or on a couch, rather than lying down in bed. This is because our bodies are conditioned to get sleepy when we lie down. Reading while horizontal can either make you drowsy or mess up your sleep routine. Additionally, holding a book up in this position risks dropping it on your face. I suggest creating a specific, well-lit reading spot that’s comfortable and dedicated to reading.

Second, schedule your reading time. Without a set schedule, it’s easy to get distracted by other tasks or temptations. To build a reading habit, put it in your calendar. I use an app called KRON to set a daily 20-minute reading task, which often leads to longer sessions. Starting with just 20 minutes a day can make a big difference over time.

Third, use your finger to keep track of your place while reading. Our eyes tend to jump around, which can cause us to lose our spot and reread lines. Holding up your finger and following it can help keep your eyes focused and improve your reading flow.

Fourth, avoid reading every word in your head. Initially, we learn to read by pronouncing words aloud, but as we improve, we can understand words visually without vocalizing them. Breaking this habit can speed up your reading once you get the hang of it.

Moving on to emotional reading skills, treat reading like dating. Books evoke emotions and can be more engaging if you’re interested in them. If you don’t enjoy a book, set it aside and find one that resonates with you. You don’t need to force yourself to finish a book just because someone else recommended it.

Don’t feel obligated to read every word, especially in non-fiction. Often, books are repetitive, with a few main ideas elaborated upon. If you grasp the main points, feel free to skip the rest to maintain your interest.

Follow your curiosity and read books that align with your current interests and life stage. A book you weren’t interested in before might become relevant later on.

Consider reading multiple books simultaneously. This variety keeps your reading experience fresh and engaging. If one book becomes less interesting, you can switch to another.

Lastly, focus on applying what you learn from reading. Immediately use new knowledge to reinforce and remember it. Simply reading and not applying what you learn can lead to forgetting much of it. Writing summaries, taking notes, or discussing ideas with others can help consolidate and apply the information effectively.

By using these strategies, you can ensure that your reading not only adds to your knowledge but also leads to meaningful changes in your life.