Reserve quality time for reading; only with full attention can you make the shift from 'reading for information' to 'reading for knowledge'

In our modern world, we often receive a lot of information that is easy to understand but doesn’t really help us gain deeper knowledge. It’s tempting to view reading as something passive, like watching TV or YouTube videos, especially when we’re tired. But to truly benefit from the information, it’s important to consciously set aside time where we can fully concentrate on reading. This means avoiding distractions and focusing on understanding the text.

Quality time for reading means not only reading the words but also actively thinking about what they mean. This can be aided by taking notes, which enhances our attention and focus. By taking notes, we force ourselves to rephrase and better understand the text in our own words. This helps us remember and apply the information in different situations.

It’s important to find the right moments for this kind of reading. Instead of reading when we’re tired, it’s better to choose times when we are alert and open to new information. This might mean scheduling specific times for deep reading, away from hustle and distractions. By valuing these moments, we can improve our reading and move from superficial information processing to building valuable knowledge.

Jeroen Sangers @jeroensangers