On Reading Books And Actually Applying What You Learn

I love to read.

It’s not odd for me to be juggling four or five books at the same time. But the problem is that it creates a gnawing sense of stress.

In the back of my mind, I’m thinking about how I rarely finish books. Or apply anything.

I like to read books about productivity. Am I productive? Not most of the time, actually.

I read books about worship, business, leadership, and new skills I want to develop, but what am I applying? Oftentimes, nothing. The subconscious information overload is stalling me.

Oftentimes I fall in love with the idea of reading more than actually reading.

The Problem With Reading

When I hear about people who read a book a week (or Rick Warren with his book a day method), and people who subscribe to hundreds of blogs, I wonder – is this boatload of information making a difference or simply stressing you out?

There’s a difference between reading about things and actually doing things. That’s the problem with reading. You can stay busy, but never do. You can keep hiding from the important work you were born to create.

While the world awaits your brilliance, you’re hiding behind book covers.

You were born to do big things, not just to think about big things. Not just to read about big things.

True influencers sustain a healthy rhythm of learning, thinking, and applying ideas (tweet that). It’s a constant dance.

Without learning, your creative output dries up fast. You need fuel to keep the fire burning.

Without execution, you become fat with ideas, releasing nothing that will actually change the world.

Ideas For Reading and Applying More

But still, some of you need to start reading. You’ve disqualified yourself long enough.

So allow me to relay some reading and applying tips. This isn’t necessarily step-by-step instructions, but some ideas to choose. Pick one or two and do them. That’s better than looking at all of them and not doing any of them.

1. For the Love…Read! – Reading isn’t meant to just a be way to learn or do something. Reading is fun. You knew this when you were 9 years old. You read books to get lost in stories. Let me encourage you to balance reading a fiction book with your non-fiction books. And particularly in the evening, stay away from non-fiction. it’s way too stimulating and you won’t sleep well. Fall asleep to a great story.

2. Use Kindle Samples As Your Must-Read List – When I hear a good book recommendation, I immediately get the sample version on Kindle. If I like the sample, I’ll purchase the book. Currently I have 8-10 sample books loaded on my Kindle that are potential reads. I consider it my “must-read” reminder list.

3. Read One Non-Fiction Book at a Time – I first heard Tim Ferris suggest this and I believe he’s right. Our minds can’t handle the constant shift of ideas. Focus on one book at a time. If it sucks, there’s no pressure to finish it. Just focus…one at a time.

4. Focus on Finishing – When was the last time you actually finished a book? If you can’t remember, here’s your challenge: finish a book whether you like it or not. I know I just told you it was OK to not finish a book. But that’s for those who read a lot. If you struggle to finish, find a short book and make it your goal to finish it. That small win will inspire you to read more. Trust me. Don’t worry about comprehension at this point. Just finish the dang thing.

5. Highlight & Review – On the first pass through a book, move as quickly as you can. The faster you finish a book the more likely you are to read more. As you read, highlight. My first pass through a book is a quick read with a lot of highlights. My second pass? Just the highlights.

6. Create Action – Upon finishing a book, there’s no need to write a book report. However, creating an action step or two from the book is great. I would add this note right into my task management app. For me, that’s Action Method. This moves non-fiction books from ideas to actions that make a difference.

I believe with all my heart that you can develop the skill of reading. Too many people disqualify themselves by saying, “I don’t like reading,” or “I’m not a reader-type.”

Well, why don’t you just tell yourself a different story and give it a try? This isn’t a fate you’re born with. It’s a skill worth developing.

Question: What are you currently reading? Also, do you have any habits that you’d like to add to this list? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

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