4 Useful Tips For Reading 2 Hours a Day

Summary

In this video, Armani talks about how to read for two hours a day, offering practical advice for those looking to increase their reading habits. While acknowledging that two hours may not be necessary for everyone, he provides valuable tips for the dedicated outlier. Key advice includes using both paperback and Kindle formats to avoid monotony, sticking to a consistent reading schedule but adjusting when needed, reading both fiction and non-fiction to balance the mind, and tackling challenging books first to keep motivation high. These strategies are meant to make reading a productive, enjoyable habit.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reading for two hours a day isn't necessary for most people, but it can be beneficial for those looking to level up their skills.
• 😀 For the average person, 15-30 minutes of reading daily is sufficient, but outliers like entrepreneurs may want to dedicate more time to reading.
• 😀 Having different reading formats (paperback and Kindle) helps prevent boredom and keeps your reading experience fresh.
• 😀 Kindle can provide a standardized, convenient format for reading, but it may lose the tangible experience of reading paperbacks.
• 😀 If you’re finding yourself bored with one format, don’t hesitate to switch back to the other to keep the reading experience enjoyable.
• 😀 Pin down a consistent reading time, but adjust it if you notice you’re procrastinating or feeling emotionally drained during your regular reading hours.
• 😀 Stick to your chosen reading time slot for a while, but be open to shifting it if you notice a pattern of procrastination or lack of motivation.
• 😀 Reading both fiction and non-fiction stimulates both your creative and logical brain, improving your overall cognitive abilities.
• 😀 Fiction can make it easier to digest non-fiction by providing a creative outlet that balances the logical side of your brain.
• 😀 When reading both fiction and non-fiction, tackle the more effortful book first, so you can enjoy the second one with less resistance.
• 😀 Reading two hours a day is a skill that compounds over time, so consistency and proper planning will yield the best results in the long run.

Q & A

Why does the speaker suggest that reading for two hours a day may not be necessary for everyone?

The speaker suggests that reading for two hours a day is overkill for most people because they have other responsibilities, like work, family, and other hobbies. For most people, 15 to 30 minutes of reading a day is sufficient.

Who might benefit from reading for two hours a day according to the speaker?

The speaker mentions 'outliers,' such as entrepreneurs or people with flexible schedules who have more time available and want to enhance their cognitive skills. These individuals may want to increase their reading time to two hours a day.

What does the speaker recommend about having different reading formats?

The speaker advises having multiple formats for reading, such as paperbacks and Kindle. This allows the reader to switch between formats depending on personal preferences and helps avoid fatigue from using one format exclusively.

How did the speaker's experience with paperback and Kindle reading change over time?

The speaker initially enjoyed reading paperback books but faced challenges with space and discomfort from poorly formatted texts. After switching to Kindle, the speaker loved the convenience but eventually felt the digital format lacked the satisfaction of reading a physical book, leading to a return to paperbacks.

What advice does the speaker offer regarding reading time slots?

The speaker recommends choosing a consistent reading time slot and sticking with it until the reader feels emotionally drained or tired of the current timing. At that point, the reader should consider adjusting the time, but only after consistently feeling off for several days.

Why does the speaker suggest reading both fiction and non-fiction?

The speaker believes that reading both fiction and non-fiction balances the brain's logic and creativity, helping improve understanding and retention of information in non-fiction. Fiction helps stimulate the brain's creative side, which in turn supports better comprehension of factual material.

What is the reasoning behind reading the more difficult book first?

The speaker suggests reading the more effortful or boring book first because it provides the motivation of knowing that once it's completed, the reader can enjoy the second book, which they find more enjoyable. This strategy helps manage energy and keeps the reading experience engaging.

What is the 'emotional compass' mentioned in the advice about reading time slots?

The 'emotional compass' refers to the reader's internal sense of when they are no longer enjoying their scheduled reading time. The speaker suggests adjusting reading time only when the reader consistently feels resistance or dissatisfaction with their current schedule.

What does the speaker mean by the term 'outlier' in the context of reading?

In this context, an 'outlier' refers to someone who is not typical, such as an entrepreneur or content creator, who might have more free time and is actively seeking to expand their reading time beyond the usual 15 to 30 minutes a day.

What are the main cognitive benefits the speaker mentions for reading more?

The speaker highlights several cognitive benefits of reading, including improved memory, sharper critical thinking skills, and better concentration.