How to Read 2x Faster and still remember everything

Summary

The speaker shares their journey from reading one book a year to almost 40, emphasizing the importance of reading for self-discovery and personal growth. They offer practical tips for effective reading, such as sitting upright, scheduling reading time, using a finger to track text, and reading silently. Additionally, they discuss the emotional aspect of reading, suggesting to stop reading books that don't resonate, skimming for key ideas, and following one's curiosity. Finally, they stress the importance of consolidation, recommending writing about what is read and applying knowledge immediately to enhance retention and impact on life.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker has transformed into an avid reader since starting YouTube and self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of reading for personal growth.
• 🛋️ Reading should be done in an upright position to avoid drowsiness and maintain focus, as lying down can condition the body to feel sleepy.
• ⏰ Scheduling dedicated reading time is crucial for consistency and forming a reading habit.
• 👀 Using a finger to track text while reading can help maintain focus and prevent losing one's place.
• 🤯 Reading without subvocalizing words can increase reading speed and efficiency, as the brain can recognize words without needing to say them aloud.
• 💔 It's okay to stop reading a book if it doesn't resonate with you, just as one would end a date that isn't going well.
• 📘 Non-fiction books often contain repetitive information, so skimming and skipping sections can be beneficial to grasp the main ideas without getting bored.
• 🌱 Reading should follow one's current interests and curiosities, as the relevance of a book can change with personal growth and life stages.
• 📚 Reading multiple books at once can keep the experience fresh and engaging, allowing for a variety of perspectives and ideas.
• 📝 Writing about what you read in your own words helps consolidate the information and encourages deeper understanding and reflection.
• 🛠️ Applying what you read immediately, such as starting a business while reading about entrepreneurship, reinforces learning and practical skill development.

Q & A

What transformation did the speaker experience in their reading habits since starting YouTube and self-discovery?

The speaker transformed from reading one book a year to almost 40 books in a single year, becoming a voracious reader.

Why does the speaker describe reading as 'downloading a piece of someone's brain'?

The speaker likens reading to downloading a piece of someone's brain because it allows them to access and absorb the thoughts and knowledge of the author.

What is the speaker's view on the purpose of reading multiple books on a single topic?

The speaker believes that the point of reading isn't to read many books on a topic, but to make lasting changes in life through the strategies learned.

What is the first technical tip the speaker gives for improving reading efficiency?

The first tip is to read sitting upright in a chair or on a couch, rather than lying flat in bed, to avoid inducing sleepiness and to maintain good posture.

Why is it recommended to schedule reading time?

Scheduling reading time helps to establish consistency and ensures that there is a dedicated, uninterrupted period for reading each day.

What is the purpose of reading with your finger according to the script?

Reading with your finger helps to track the text more smoothly, preventing the eyes from losing their place and improving the reading flow.

Why should one avoid speaking the words in their head while reading?

Speaking words in your head slows down reading speed as it requires associating each word with its pronunciation, which is unnecessary once reading becomes instinctual.

What is the speaker's advice on dealing with a book that one does not enjoy?

The speaker advises to stop reading a book if it is not enjoyable, just as one would not continue pursuing a date that did not go well.

What is the rationale behind not reading every single word in a non-fiction book?

Most books are repetitive and redundant, often presenting one to two main ideas with many examples. Understanding the main ideas allows for skipping redundant parts and staying engaged.

Why does the speaker suggest following one's reading curiosity?

Following one's reading curiosity ensures that the material being read is relevant and interesting at the current stage of life, enhancing the emotional connection and learning experience.

What is the significance of reading multiple books at once according to the script?

Reading multiple books at once adds variety and ensures there is always something engaging to read. It also allows for books to become more attractive at different stages of life.

Why are consolidation reading skills important according to the speaker?

Consolidation reading skills are important to ensure that the information read is not only understood but also applied and remembered, making a real difference in one's life.

What is the speaker's method for consolidating what they read?

The speaker consolidates what they read by writing about it in their own words, synthesizing ideas into a weekly newsletter called Mood and Mind.

How does the speaker utilize digital tools to aid in the consolidation of reading material?

The speaker uses apps like Kindle and Notion to export and sync highlights directly into their database, allowing for easy citation and reference while creating content.

What is the speaker's view on the relationship between reading and building skills in real life?

The speaker views reading as a way to acquire skill manuals for life, emphasizing the importance of applying what is read to build and improve upon one's skills in various areas.

What are some ways the speaker suggests to engage with what you read beyond just reading?

The speaker suggests discussing what you read with friends, joining a book club, or applying the knowledge in real-life situations as ways to engage with and consolidate the material.