Smart Reading Ways and Skill Uptake

There's a saying: "A smart person learns from their mistakes. A wise person learns from the mistakes of others." Business books offer a unique opportunity to glean wisdom from the experiences of successful entrepreneurs, leaders, and thinkers, giving you a competitive edge. However, in today's fast-paced world, finding the time to read can be a challenge.

 

Here's how to read business books faster and better. Take it from someone who has been reading for a long time!

 

Before You Start

 

1. Know Your "Why"

Before opening a book, ask yourself why you're reading it. Are you looking to improve your leadership skills, understand financial models, or get inspired? Having a clear purpose helps you focus on what's most relevant to you, allowing you to skim past less important sections.

 

2. Read the Table of Contents and Introduction

Scan the table of contents to get a high-level overview of the book's structure and the main arguments the author will make. Then, read the introduction. Authors often lay out their central thesis and a roadmap for the book in the introduction. This gives you a mental framework to hang all the information on as you read.

 

While You Read

 

1. Don't Read Every Word

This is the most crucial tip for reading faster. You don't need to read every single word to understand the core message. Skim paragraphs, looking for key sentences—usually the first or last sentence of a paragraph—that contain the main idea. This is often all you need.

 

2. Look for Key Concepts and Vocabulary

Most business books are structured around a few key ideas. As you read, actively look for these concepts and the specific vocabulary the author uses to describe them. Once you've grasped the main points, you can move on without getting bogged down in repetitive examples or anecdotes.

 

3. Take Smart Notes

Taking notes helps you retain information. However, instead of transcribing what's on the page, write down your own thoughts, questions, and action items. What did you learn? How can you apply this to your own life or business? This transforms reading from a passive activity into an active learning experience.

 

4. Talk It Out

Reading is often a solitary activity, but it doesn't have to be. Discussing a book with a colleague or friend forces you to articulate the main ideas in your own words. This not only deepens your understanding but also helps you remember the information for longer.

After You Finish

 

1. Write a Short Summary

After you finish a book, write a short summary (a few paragraphs or even just a few bullet points). This exercise forces you to synthesize the key takeaways and helps cement the information in your memory. You can save these summaries for future reference.

 

2. Apply What You Learned

Reading a book is useless if you don't apply the knowledge. Identify one or two key lessons from the book and find a way to implement them in your work or life. This could be anything from changing your morning routine to restructuring a team meeting. The true value of a business book is in its application.

 

By incorporating these habits, you'll be able to read more books in less time while retaining the most valuable information. So go ahead, find a book, and start your journey to becoming a "wise person." So what’s your choice - Wise or Otherwise?

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