Lecture Notes: Developing a Love for Reading

Introduction

• Reading is a powerful, proven life hack.
• Many struggle with building a consistent reading habit.
• Presenter shares personal journey from disliking reading to loving it and writing a book.
• Five methods to fall in love with reading are discussed.

Why People Struggle with Reading

• Over half of Americans read fewer than four books a year.
• ADHD and school experiences can make reading difficult.
• Personal anecdote about a supportive father who encouraged reading for pleasure.

Rule 1: Read for Pleasure

• Read what you love to rekindle joy in reading.
• Reading should be a pleasurable activity, not a chore.
• Example: Enjoying comic books or graphic novels.

Rule 2: Read on Purpose

• Books offer immense value and knowledge from experts.
• To choose what to read, ask what is most alive for you right now.
• Example: Reading about blood sugar issues to solve personal health challenges.

Rule 3: Read and Write

• Write about what you read to enhance memory and understanding.
• Distinction between note-taking (facts) and note-making (ideas and inquiries).
• Example: Understanding glucose's effect on sleep through note-making.
• Using a bullet journal for organizing notes.

Rule 4: Read Ruthlessly

• Avoid reading books out of a sense of obligation.
• If a book doesn’t resonate, stop reading it.
• Tips for selecting books:
  • 50-page test for physical books.
  • Sampling on e-readers or audiobooks.

Rule 5: Read Regularly

• Schedule time for reading to combat a noisy, distracted world.
• Create reading rituals to make it enjoyable (e.g., coffee, park visits).
• Technology should make reading more convenient than digital distractions.

Bonus Rule: Read Twice for Transformation

• Read impactful books more than once.
• First read for inspiration, second for integration and deeper comprehension.

Conclusion

• Sign up for the presenter's newsletter on mindful productivity and writing a better life.
• Encouragement to integrate reading into daily life for personal growth.