Once you learn to read, you will forever be free – Frederick Douglass
In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to sit down and read a book can be challenging. However, increasing your reading habits doesn’t have to mean dedicating more hours to traditional reading. This may shock you, but as a writer, I wasn’t much of a reader. I had a God-given gift to create through written communication, but never took the time to hone my craft through learning. I would say things like, “This is digital generation. I can learn through YouTube Tech and Google University. I don’t need a college degree to be successful.”
These statements aren’t necessarily false. We live in a time where information is readily available within seconds, and you don’t need to go to college to succeed. My mistake was that I included actual learning in the equation, which led to me not reading a book for six years. You read that right; I did not complete a book for six years as a writer! Not for studying. Not for information on my craft. Not even for reading in the genre that I write in. I’m almost embarrassed to inform you that it just didn’t interest me. I thought I knew all I needed to know. Boy was I wrong.
Today, I can’t imagine not consuming books on a daily basis. I went from not reading at all to consuming at least six books per month. By doing this, I’ve been able to shape my world perspective (The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday), build good habits (Atomic Habits by James Clear), become a better leader (Legacy by James Clear), have a millionaire’s mindset (Plan Your Year Like a Millionaire by Rachel Rodgers), and grow spiritually (Divine Direction by Craig Groeschel) to name a few things.
But what changed? Why, all of a sudden, can I consume so many books? Why do I keep saying consume books instead of reading? By leveraging audiobooks, eBooks, and effective strategies, you can enhance you reading habits and your learning experience. This article explores how to maximize your reading habits with less traditional reading. It’s important to take notes on both synchronous and asynchronous material to improve comprehension and retention.
What Books Should You Consume?
The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. – Dr. Seuss
Start by consuming what you like. It’s that simple. Pick one book that you would like to start and finish. More often than not, that book will reference or suggest other books. Follow that rabbit hole. Once you find related books, add them to your wish list. Soon, your list will grow, and you’ll notice a pattern. Different authors’ ideas begin to overlap. When this happens, it’s an indicator that you should write that point down and put it into practice.
For example, James Clear and Michael Hyatt are in the same niche. They both write about developing good habits to be more efficient through productive systems. Now, I’m not giving them enough justice for what they did in that short summarization, but the point is, I wouldn’t have found Michael Hyatt if I hadn’t started with James Clear. Even though they write on similar topics, they both have unique perspectives that you can pull from. Understanding the main concepts from different authors can significantly improve your comprehension and retention of the material.
The Advantages of Audiobooks
“There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them.”—Joseph Brodsky
I am a notoriously slow reader. Finishing a book would take over a month; in the end, I couldn’t tell you what the book was about. It was because I would get distracted or bored while reading. Sometimes, I would think about something else while reading simultaneously. It was like highway hypnosis. I had no recollection of how I got to my destination, but I was at the end of the chapter with no knowledge gained. Then, someone introduced me to Audible, and I actually learned something.
Typing notes while listening to audiobooks can help in better retention and organization of information. I learned I could be even more distracted listening to someone read the book than reading it myself. I was a lost cause. But luckily for us, it doesn’t take much to spark the inspiration. It can be something you see or hear. For me, it was a simple suggestion. In an audiobook I was listening to, the author suggested that if you struggled to keep information or finish a book, you could buy the audiobook and eBook versions.
Multitasking with Audiobooks
Audiobooks offer a unique advantage by enabling multitasking. Whether you’re commuting to work, exercising, or doing household chores, you can listen to audiobooks and turn these activities into productive reading time. This way, you can integrate book consumption into your daily routine without needing extra time. Finding the method that works best for multitasking can significantly enhance your book consumption.
Enhancing Productivity
By turning downtime into reading time, audiobooks enhance productivity. Instead of passively waiting or doing repetitive tasks, you can actively learn and absorb new information. This approach not only makes better use of your time but also allows you to stay engaged and mentally stimulated throughout the day. Achieving full comprehension of the material is crucial for maximizing the benefits of audiobooks.
Benefits for Auditory Learners
Audiobooks are particularly beneficial for auditory learners and individuals with reading difficulties. Listening to books can improve comprehension and retention for those who find traditional reading challenging. The auditory experience can also make complex information more accessible and enjoyable. Taking lecture notes while listening to audiobooks can further improve comprehension and retention.
Some people may think it’s hard to focus or stay awake while listening to an audiobook, but that’s what the eBook is for. Not only did my focus increase, but I also read a lot faster. With paperbacks, you don’t have a definitive timeline of when you’ll finish. eBooks show you how much you’ve read in percentage. But with audiobooks, you have a set time when you know you’ll be done. If an audiobook is 3 hours and 46 minutes, you could designate times during your 168-hour week. Even if we account for work and sleep, you still have up to 60 hours to complete a 3-and-a-half-hour book.
Combining Audiobooks with eBooks
“Keep reading. It’s one of the most marvelous adventures that anyone can have.”—Lloyd Alexander
Some people may think it’s hard to focus or stay awake while listening to an audiobook, but that’s what the eBook is for. Not only did my focus increase, but I also read a lot faster.
With paperbacks, you don’t have a definitive timeline of when you’ll finish. eBooks show you how much you’ve read in percentage. But with audiobooks, you have a set time when you know you’ll be done. If an audiobook is 3 hours and 46 minutes, you could designate times during your 168-hour week. Even if we account for work and sleep, you still have up to 60 hours to complete a 3-and-a-half-hour book.
I admit consuming books this way can add up quickly, especially if you start burning through them once you get a rhythm. But I have a question for you. How much is investing in yourself worth? This isn’t just a one-buy, one-use transaction (more on this later). This is you developing different sectors of your life to become someone you’ve never been, the best version of yourself. Combining audiobooks with eBooks allows room for examples and detailed notes, enhancing the learning experience.
In The Richest Man in Babylon, a wealthy camel trader named Kalabab asks a group of men which they would choose: a bag of gold or a clay tablet inscribed with wisdom. Of course, everyone chooses the gold, but he tells them without wisdom, they’d waste the gold and be back at square one. The same could be applied today. Do you need six streaming services? Could you drop one or two and subscribe to a reading service? You’d be better off if you did. But let’s say you really are balling on a budget.
Here are some of the best options (including free) that can fit your lifestyle. Also, once you get acclimated to using audiobooks, you can listen anywhere (driving, working out, etc.); a trick I use is buying only the audiobook first. I listen, and if I like it, I’ll buy the eBook and reread it. This may seem redundant, but I promise there’s a method to the madness (more on this later).
Introduction to Whispersync
Services like Amazon’s Whispersync offer eBook-audiobook synchronization, allowing readers to switch seamlessly between reading and listening. This technology ensures that you never lose your place, no matter how you choose to consume the content. Switching between reading and listening can enhance comprehension and retention. For example, you can listen to a chapter during your commute and then read the next chapter during your lunch break. This flexibility helps reinforce the material and keeps you engaged with the book.
Effective Note-Taking Strategies
“I am a part of everything I have read.”—Theodore Roosevelt
It’s not enough to listen and read the books (yes, I know, there’s more). You must take notes. This caters to the type of learner. Studies show that you will likely retain the information if you write down what you learn. I know what you’re thinking, “I didn’t come here to do a homework assignment.” But this will be beneficial to you when it comes to referring back to the book. Have you ever been in a conversation like this:
Person A: I’m reading [insert book] right now.
You: Ah yeah, I read that book before. It’s pretty good.
That’s it. That’s the conversation about a book you read ages ago. Wouldn’t it be more interesting if you could converse about the concepts of the book? The author’s perspective. What you agree or don’t agree with. Or better yet, wouldn’t it be great if you could recommend other books? You can’t do these things if you don’t consume the book properly. I’m not saying summarize each chapter. I’m saying you should write a quick note about something the author says that resonates with you.
Using the Cornell Notes method, which includes sections for the date, essential question, topic, notes, questions, and a summary, can be very effective. Sometimes, I’ve consumed a book and only taken two notes, and that’s fine. Take that nugget and build on it.
Importance of Taking Notes
Taking notes is crucial for enhancing understanding and memory. Understanding the words and vocabulary used in the book is essential for effective notetaking. Whether you’re reading or listening, jotting down key points helps reinforce the material and ensures that important information is retained.
Note-Taking Methods for Audiobooks
When listening to audiobooks, you can use voice memos or note-taking apps to capture important ideas. Pausing the audiobook to take notes can also help consolidate your understanding and make it easier to review later. Taking notes on asynchronous material can further improve comprehension and retention.
Digital Tools for eBooks
Digital tools for highlighting and annotating eBooks make note-taking convenient and efficient. Most eBook platforms offer features that allow you to mark important sections and add comments, which can be reviewed at any time.
Gaining Outside Perspectives
“It is better to know one book intimately than a hundred superficially.”—Donna Tartt
You may be tempted to jump straight to this step because it’s quick and free. However, I highly advise against this because there are no shortcuts to developing yourself. Your results are contingent on the effort you put in. Once you’ve consumed the book via audiobook, eBook, or both and taken some notes, the next step is to compare your findings with credible sources (not reviews). You can easily do this by searching for the title of your book on YouTube and finding an abundance of videos breaking down the book.
Watch one or two videos and compare and contrast your notes. Try to do this right after you finish the book so the information is still fresh on your mind. You may pick up some new notes or discover that your interpretation of the book may differ from someone else’s. Either way, your brain is exercising, your worldview is changing, and your habits are changing. Comparing your notes with others can help you tackle books that initially defy comprehension.
Joining Book Clubs
Joining book clubs or discussion groups provides an opportunity to gain different viewpoints. Engaging with others who have read the same book can deepen your understanding and introduce new interpretations and insights.
Online Forums and Social Media
Online forums and social media platforms are excellent resources for book discussions. Participating in these communities allows you to share your thoughts, ask questions, and learn from others’ experiences.
Deepening Comprehension through Discussion
Discussing books with others can significantly deepen comprehension and enjoyment. Hearing diverse perspectives can challenge your thinking and enhance your overall reading experience. Discussing books with others is a powerful way to deepen comprehension and enhance the overall reading experience. Engaging in conversations about the material allows readers to explore different interpretations and viewpoints, which can reveal layers of meaning that might have been overlooked during solo reading.
Sharing insights and asking questions during discussions stimulate critical thinking and foster a deeper understanding of the text. Furthermore, hearing others’ perspectives can challenge one’s assumptions and encourage a broader appreciation of the themes and ideas presented in the book. This collaborative approach not only solidifies one’s grasp of the content but also makes the reading process more interactive and enjoyable.
Enhancing Full Comprehension and Research Skills
Enhancing full comprehension and research skills while reading books entails employing diverse strategies to deepen understanding and retention. Techniques such as summarizing chapters, visualizing content, and posing critical inquiries serve to reinforce the material and bolster recall. Supplementary resources like summaries and analyses offer added context, elucidating intricate concepts. Furthermore, conducting research on related topics and delving into historical contexts enriches the reading experience, fostering a more immersive understanding and honing critical thinking abilities. By integrating these methods, readers can effectively enhance their comprehension and research skills, enabling a richer engagement with the text and facilitating broader knowledge acquisition.
Exploring Diverse Genres
Encourage exploration of diverse genres and formats to broaden your knowledge. Reading a variety of fiction and non-fiction can provide a well-rounded perspective and stimulate intellectual curiosity.
Consuming both fiction and non-fiction offers unique benefits. Fiction enhances empathy and creativity, while non-fiction provides factual knowledge and critical thinking skills. A balanced reading diet can contribute to personal and professional growth.
Make an Annual List
I didn’t consider this until recently, but it makes sense. Those we consider experts in their industry read and reread the same books every year. As I alluded to earlier, this isn’t a one-time deal. You should reread your favorite books for two reasons.
We go through different seasons in life. How you interpret a book will depend on your mindset, life experiences, relationships, etc. For example, let’s say you’re reading a book about how to start a business this year. If you refer back to the same book the following year, once your business is in full swing, you might interpret some concepts differently because your experience has grown.
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The book will be a part of life forever because it helped mold who you become in this world. That $8 for a book or Audible subscription will be a drop in the bucket compared to being able to reference your favorite book when giving someone advice or knowing how to control your emotions in a difficult situation because you practice what you read.
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Rereading books clarifies who you are and what you want out of life. It builds on your philosophies, morals, and mantras and gives you the imagination to dream bigger for yourself.
Here’s my growing Annual List:
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The Bible (throughout the year)
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Atomic Habits by James Clear
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The Plot Whisperer by Martha Alderson
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The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday
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Plan Your Year Like A Millionaire by Rachel Rodgers
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Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt
Some of these titles I’ve consumed a couple of times already, but here’s the fun part. Once you’ve consumed the book, taken notes, and gotten outside perspectives, rereading the book is just a refresher. There may be chapters in the book that don’t apply to you; skip it! But remember that we’re always in different seasons of our lives, so just because you don’t need it today doesn’t mean you can’t refer to it tomorrow.
This is how I went from not reading at all to consuming up to 6 books a month. It takes time to get into a rhythm, so start slow. Learn how you like to consume material, whether that be eBook, audiobook, or both (my favorite). Pick a book that interests you. Take notes and get outside perspectives once you’re finished. Consider adding it to your annual list if it changes any part of your life. This is the first step to continuous growth.
What now?
At this point, you’ve figured out how you like to consume books, you have your wish list, you’ve taken notes, and you’ve gotten outside perspectives to compare your notes. Congratulations, you’ve properly consumed your first book. Now, take a moment to pat yourself on the back (but not for too long). I typically wait 24 hours before I consume another book, no more than two days. This will ensure you keep the momentum going and continuously learn something new daily.
Conclusion
The journey from neglecting reading to consuming multiple books monthly unveils the transformative power of strategic book consumption. By embracing audiobooks, eBooks, effective note-taking strategies, and gaining outside perspectives, individuals can revolutionize their learning experiences and personal growth trajectories. The amalgamation of various techniques discussed not only amplifies comprehension and retention but also fosters a lifelong commitment to continuous learning. As So, embark on your journey of strategic book consumption, and let the wisdom gleaned from each page illuminate your path to self-discovery and enlightenment.
I encourage you to integrate these methods into your routine for enhanced learning and personal development. Embrace the fusion of audiobooks and eBooks, engage in discussions, take meaningful notes, and explore diverse genres to maximize your book consumption and enrich your life. What books are you going to read this year? What book are you reading now? What methods do you have for consuming books? Let’s have a conversation in the comment section below.
Additional Resources
Suggested Platforms and Tools
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Audiobook Platforms: Audible, Libby, Google Play Books
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eBook Platforms: Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo
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Note-Taking Apps: Evernote, Notion, OneNote
Bonus Recommendation
If you made it this far, you’ve read/listened to roughly the equivalent of 7 pages of a book. Look at you; you’re already ahead of the game! There is one more suggestion I want to make separately. In late 2023, I was fully committed to producing the best version of myself. So, not only was I consuming more books, eating healthier, and exercising more, but I also decided to take it to the next level when it came to investing in myself.
That’s why, for Christmas, I bought myself a MasterClass subscription. MasterClass is an online education subscription platform where you can get lessons from experts in various fields. This isn’t me trying to sell you a product. I don’t have any affiliate links or sponsorship deals with them. I’m just telling you what I did personally. If you’re serious about elevating your life, check them out.
Once I took my first lesson, I never looked back. This is also an excellent place to find great reading material in your niche.
*Super Crazy dream I have…I will teach a MasterClass one day*