Reading Hacks - part 3
After a few different posts (reading hacks and reading hacks, part 2), focusing on different tools to improve reading productivity (that I explored and, in the vast majority of cases, was also helpful for me to be able to read more - and being able to have more material to work on this blog!
In this last post, I want to focus on a few different tools that do not have a lot of connection between them but they have made a remarkable difference in my reading journey.
First and foremost, I have started incorporating long walks in my workout routines. During the week I tend to walk anywhere between 1 hour to 1 hour and a half, while on the weekends I might even go out for 8 to 10 hours. This allows me for a lot of time with headset on and a book in my pocket. This habit allowed me to listen to one or two books a week on top of what I normally do. Now, I usually have to select these books with care; I would not be able to read anything from The Wheel of Time or the Malazan Book of the Fallen while walking (there is just way too much happening, characters’ names are not so easy to understand, and if you get distracted for a second, you can easily lose a major plot point). So I tend to listen to thrillers or crime books as (i) I like these stories and (ii) I find them easier to follow when listening only.
The other aspect that marked the biggest change in my reading habits, allowing for a much more focused reading ability, is immersion reading. Essentially, this occurs when one reads at the book while listening to the story. As I said, I also take nots while reading, so I add an additional layer to connect with the book and retain the information even better than before; yet, immersion reading has been a game changer for me. It is not cheap, it is the least affordable option but I also find myself re-reading and exploring books I already know in order to soften the blow a little bit.
I also suggest another tool: finding friends (in real life or online) to help you pushing yourself to read more (or just to read with them and comment your favorite scene, talk about your favorite character or discuss why a certain magic system keeps you up at night.
While there are plenty of resources (and they different country by country, considering that one of the easiest and more consistent option would be to check with your local library to see if something is going on), I am a strong advocate of Goodreads. Yes, it is owned by Amazon so there are a few elements that are not ideal in the context of consolidation of market power and customer experience; yet, this has been a platform that has singled handedly helped me the most to connect with other fantasy readers. To this day, I know only one person who sporadically reads fantasy. So I find myself in need of other fantasy enthusiasts out there. There are plenty of virtual bookclubs in there and, if none really fits what you like and how you like to interact with people, then there is sufficient flexibility to start a new one!
Last but not least, there are a few YouTube videos that might be interesting to explore, with different and interesting suggestions. Some suggest to read slowly (and there is absolute value in this suggestion) some indicate that blocking time for reading will make a difference. So please explore to find what works for you. Other YouTubers focusing on productivity might be particularly useful to find inspiration and/or actionable suggestions:
Jared Henderson’s “how to read more” video
Jared Henderson’s “Don’t worry about reading more books. Focus on reading better” video
Murphy Napier’s “How to make time to read more (practical tips)” video
Robin Walden’s “How to build focus for reading - 3 quick tips” video
PeruseProject’s “How to read more books! (practial/easy tips!)” video
What are other suggestions you have in this field? What else would be important to try increasing focus and reading time?
Let me know if the comments down below!
