Here’s seven tips on getting more out of your reading time by, oh good grief, I can’t believe I’m linking to this, Rick Warren, author of the The Purpose-Driven Life. I have no one to blame but myself. Anyway, it’s valuable advice for anyone reading something they consider important. Good advice for someone who, like me, tries to read even fiction of life and death importance.
Analyze Your Reading Habits
I sort of do this on the fly, making stacks of books to read and then ignoring them, worrying that I read like an old man, obsessing over the fiction to non-fiction ratio in my recently read pile. Warren wants you to be intentional about your reading. I do too. I like to pretend I’m a little crazy about it but it’s all very healthy.
Schedule Time For Reading
Warren points out that setting aside 15 minutes a day for reading knocks 24 books a year off your reading list. That’s 15 minutes a day. Don’t have 15 minutes? You could do what my father does and read during TV commercials.
Balance Your Reading
Warren’s idea of balance means branching out. Read something you’re not used to reading or would normally never read in a million years (The Purpose-Driven Life?). I recently started doing this myself whenever I find myself in waiting rooms. Instead of reading backwards through Maclean’s and Time I’ll read sports, business, and even equestrian magazines. At the very least it’ll make you less boring.
Don’t Just Read A Book Respond To It
Underline a sentence in the book you’re reading currently. Just try it. You can even use a pencil if you want. Or if you’re a little shy maybe just dog ear a page with a moving passage. C’mon, you can do it. Our sons and daughters will thank you. And, guess what, you’ll be making a connection with that book, the author and yourself. That doesn’t sound so bad does it?
Know What Not To Read
Warren points out that, “many Christian books are not worth reading.” The same goes for any genre of book. Do yourself a favor, read only the good stuff. Shoot for noble, not vulgar.
Make A Monthly Trip To The Library
Or, if you’re like me – I hate the Library – the used bookstore.
Build Your Own Library
Now we’re talking. This is something I’ve been doing for years. Look up at the preceding advice. Take it to heart when you’re out there buying your books and you’ll have a nice little wall of paper friends in your house one day.
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