#2 - Speed Reading
When self help becomes ‘shelf help’.
The Why:
I would like to read more, and I find this to be one of the sticking points in my self-development plans.
You know, making the time, finding a book. Actually understanding the words (a term they call comprehension).
My problem is two-fold.
Self help becomes ‘shelf’ help. I love to buy books. And sit them on the shelf.
Comprehension.
If you resonate, then here here! Let’s commit to ending this nonsense.
The How:
For the task of speed reading, I purchased a course by Jim Kwik, who is a world expert in the utilisation of various learning methods to enhance memory and reading performance.
The reading challenge was over 30 days, and we had to select a fiction novel. The book selected for this task was Life of Pi by Yann Martel.
This book tells the story of a young Indian boy who is lost at sea with a Zebra, Orangutan, Hyena and a Tiger called Richard Parker. The book is a deep journey into metaphysical and existential understandings, making use of intense metaphors (probably still a bit beyond me).
Fun fact: When I was 16, I locked myself in a room in the middle of the Australian Outback with no TV, no phone, no internet, no electricity and no running water in an attempt to understand this book for a Year 11 assignment.
I mostly failed.
Here, it becomes apparent that I have unfinished business with this book, and increasing pressure in the ‘why’ department.
Various assignments and techniques were shared in the speed reading course to enhance performance. Some of the key skills include:
Learning to read with your finger as a pacer
Unlocking your peripherals
Subvocalization
Indentation
Comprehension
I have reached the latter stages of this course where I have been attempting to read for comprehension. This includes asking ourselves intelligent questions as we read the text in order for greater understanding.
For a more pleasant read, I also purchased Casino Royal by Ian Fleming, which is about a secret agent by the name of James Bond.
Lessons Learnt:
Most of us were taught to read incorrectly.
There are many tips and tricks to enhance this capability.
My comprehension isn’t very good. Asking better questions helps with this.
You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve in a short time.
Status:
JFK used to read 6 newspapers over a cup of coffee. This doesn’t have to be our goal.
Enhancing my ability to read with speed and comprehension is a nice personal goal.
To read daily is also another goal, and something I am working to achieve.