Deep reading or full engagement in a book is good for mind and spirit, and it is also a competitive advantage in today’s knowledge-based economy. Here are seven principles for developing a nonfiction deep reading habit.
Use a hardcopy book
- When you read physical pages there are no distractions, which e-reading and audiobooks inherently invite.
- The brain retains information better when it’s associated with tactile experiences.
Have no digital devices in the room
Even if your phone is facedown on silent or your laptop is closed and asleep, the mere sight of these devices and everything they represent is a huge distraction. Keep them in a separate room.
Think of deep reading as a muscle: You’ve got to train it
- The ability to pay full attention and get absorbed in a book is built over time.
- It may be hard at first (especially if you are rusty), but it gets easier. Eventually, it becomes enjoyable.
Read with a pen or highlighter
There is a big difference between passive reading (being read to) and active reading (being in conversation with). The latter promotes further absorption in the material and more associative thinking and subsequent creative insight.
Read as much as you can
There is no better place to get a rich distillation of insights and wisdom. From Bill Gates to Barack Obama to Oprah Winfrey to Ruth Bader Ginsberg, the individuals whom people tend to deem wise and discerning all read a heck of a lot.
Keep a notebook nearby
- Even if you are fully engaged in what you are reading, random thoughts will pop into your mind: emails to write, groceries to get, conversations to have, ideas for your next big project, etc.
- Jot these thoughts down so you do not lose them but can offload your brain from trying to hang on to them.
Read for at least 30 minutes
There is nothing wrong with reading in the nooks and crannies of your day or listening to an audiobook while walking your dog or doing household chores, but this is not the same thing as deep reading. It’s similar to exercise.
