Do you do anything out of what you read?

Have you ever finished a book, just to get to the next one on your shelf and realize you have no idea what you just read?

Do you ever read a book and think it was really good, but don’t do anything with what you learned?

Do you read to learn or read to have read?

I have fallen prey to all of those. I love reading and so I always have multiple books going at the same time with other lined up ready to go at a moments notice (or impulse). Reading in and of itself is a good thing. It’s got to be better than aimlessly surfing the web or watching TV. But, reading with intent on learning is even better. Here are a few ways to get more out of your reading

1. Underline, highlight memorable passages
2. Take notes in the margins
3. If you don’t agree with something, make note of it
4. If you get an idea of how to implement something you’ve just read, write it down immediately.
5. When you finish the book, go back and type a summary of the book chapter by chapter using your notes and highlighted material to help you remember the main ideas and what you need to implement. This last one has been huge for me as I’ve been able to “reread” numerous books over the years in a few minutes and jogging my memory of important information.

Get more out of your reading.