Chapter 1: My Reading Journey

I must admit, my reading habit took a significant hit from 2017 to 2019, during which I managed to read only two books a year, if that. With a busy schedule filled with commuting, a 9-to-7 job, and other priorities, reading—once a cherished hobby—fell by the wayside.

However, as the pandemic began, I decided to rekindle my commitment to reading, setting an ambitious target of 100 business books. My focus was not merely on finishing them but on truly grasping the content, whether through physical books or audiobooks. My aims were to:

1. rediscover the joy of reading,
2. enhance my comprehension skills,
3. engage with varied material, and
4. explore genres beyond my usual preferences.

Read to Understand: Absorb vs. Synthesize

In today's world, we encounter an overwhelming amount of information daily—from social media to news outlets, and podcasts to radio shows. It can be challenging to filter through this noise and consciously engage with content that enlightens or motivates us.

My Approach:

Step 1: Set a Reading Schedule

Creating a consistent reading habit can be tough, especially for beginners. Start with a simple one-hour daily ritual and gradually increase your reading time. You may discover new opportunities to read—on public transport, while doing errands with audiobooks, or even in between meetings.

I also allocate specific hours in my calendar for content that I choose to consume. Additionally, I schedule “Brain Breaks,” times when I deliberately avoid any information intake, including music, allowing myself to reflect on what I’ve learned throughout the day while enjoying the outdoors.

Step 2: Build a Dashboard to Monitor Progress

I utilize Monday.com's free dashboard to maintain a list of the books I aim to read. For each book, I enter the title and author and assign it to myself for added accountability. Completing a book brings a sense of accomplishment as I can mark it as "Done," complete with a celebratory virtual confetti effect—an excellent motivator!

If you wish to jot down notes within the dashboard, simply click the thought bubble icon to highlight key insights for later reference. This method also enhances memory retention and understanding.

This two-step approach is versatile and can be applied to other goals, such as fitness or language learning. For a more streamlined option, consider apps like Basmo and BookBuddy, which help track your reading and allow you to scan physical pages for future reference while taking notes.

Final Thoughts: Achieving Alignment

Our reading journey is uniquely personal, shaped by our individual goals, persistence, and choices. As I dive back into reading, I refuse to pressure myself into finishing a book if it becomes:

1. challenging to understand, despite my efforts to clarify, or
2. detrimental to my focus or mental health.

A wise writing professor once told me, “It is just as courageous to set a book aside as it is to start one.” If a book doesn’t resonate with your thoughts, values, or objectives, feel free to replace it with another and keep moving forward in your reading journey.

This principle applies to the quantity of books you strive to read as well. Set ambitious yet realistic goals that align with your desired outcomes. You might aim to finish just five books per quarter. The key is to enjoy the journey, and that’s what truly matters.

Let’s Share Our Reading Strategies

What methods do you use to track your reading goals? I’d love to hear about the technology and accountability systems you implement in the comments below.

Chapter 2: Expanding Your Reading Horizons

The first video, "Achieve More by Doing Less - 10x Is Easier Than 2x" by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy, explores the concept of maximizing productivity through focused efforts rather than spreading oneself thin. It emphasizes the benefits of prioritizing impactful actions over busywork.

The second video, "10X Is Easier than 2X (Quick Summary!)" offers a concise overview of the principles behind achieving greater results with less effort, summarizing key takeaways that can transform your approach to reading and personal development.