How do you retain what you read? What does reading mean to you?
If you are reading this post, you are probably a book lover like me. We all read a lot.
I came across a post on Instagram recently by @alexandbooks who shared 10 excellent visuals to motivate people to read. One of the visuals got me thinking – do you read and read and read and read….. and that’s it? Is that all there is to reading?
Perhaps there is nothing more to it when reading for entertainment. But if you are reading for success, a more mindful approach is needed. The visual shared by @alexandbooks suggests that one should read –> learn –> reflect –> apply, and repeat the cycle.
I definitely agree. I have read many books, but once the book is back on the shelf, memory of the insightful learnings from the book starts to fade.
Since the beginning of this year, when reading self-help books I have been more conscious about highlighting key points and noteworthy quotes. I started a reading journal where I wrote down my notes and reflections. This was also why I started this blog – by putting my thoughts in writing, it motivates me to apply what I’ve learnt, and this makes my reading practice more deliberate and meaningful.
I invite you along this journey with me and let’s discover books together! By sharing our thoughts and discussing how we apply what we read, we make the learnings stick in our mind.
Rin Ranger 