Transforming Your Reading Habits: The Power of Re-Reading
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The Importance of Re-Reading
True learning often comes from revisiting and reflecting on significant ideas.
There's an undeniable thrill when I stumble upon a book that captures my attention. Is it the allure of uncovering transformative ideas or acquiring a new habit? Perhaps it's the prospect of igniting my creativity with fresh writing inspiration? More often than not, however, this excitement is fleeting, lasting only through a few chapters before adding yet another half-finished book to my Kindle library.
Even with the books that I manage to finish, I find a pattern: while I feel invigorated and driven during the read, those insights tend to slip away swiftly. Then, it's time to move on to the next title. As David Perell highlights in his piece "Against 3x Speed," this pattern of rapid consumption creates a false sense of knowledge, particularly when done hurriedly. Genuine learning necessitates thoughtful reflection, action, and a commitment to revisit significant concepts.
Shane Parrish, the founder of Farnam Street, succinctly sums it up: it’s not about the quantity of books you read, but the value you derive from them. A single book that you engage with deeply can influence your life more profoundly than skimming through hundreds without grasping the essential ideas or applying them to real-life challenges. Clearly, a shift in my reading approach is needed.
This year, I aim to focus on two strategies: 1) revisiting the books that have resonated with me, and 2) acquiring fewer new titles.
This isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Our innate desire for novelty makes the act of revisiting familiar ideas feel like a chore. I often experience a tangible resistance to the idea of re-reading—a sentiment that it’s dull and a misuse of valuable learning time.
To combat that feeling, I challenge myself with this question: "Can you articulate what you learned from the last five books you read? Go."
The silence that follows speaks volumes.
So, how do I determine which books deserve a second reading?
The criteria I use is simple: "Do I find myself recalling insights from this book while engaging with other material or navigating daily life?" If the answer is affirmative, then the book has made a lasting impression, and there's still much to uncover.
Here are the first five selections on my Re-Read Menu:
The Brain by David Eagleman
If you had shown this article to my high school science teachers, they would have found it amusing. I was hardly their most engaged or talented student. However, people evolve. My journey into psychology and self-development has sparked a curiosity about how my nervous system operates.
Reading "The Brain" by David Eagleman has profoundly altered my self-perception and understanding of those around me. For instance, I had never truly considered the brain as an entity that influences my every action, reaction, mood, and thought.
In this book, David delves into 'The Story of You.' What constitutes reality? How do we make decisions? Why is social interaction crucial for our brains? How might technology redefine our humanity?
One thought-provoking excerpt resonates with me:
"What if I told you that the world around you, with its vibrant colors, textures, sounds, and scents, is merely an illusion crafted by your brain? If you could perceive reality as it genuinely is, you would be astounded by its colorless, odorless, tasteless silence. Beyond your brain lies only energy and matter. Over eons of evolution, the human brain has become adept at transforming this energy and matter into a rich sensory experience of existence."
We often consider color to be an inherent quality of our surroundings. Yet, in the external world, color is nonexistent. Similarly, sound is just the compression and expansion of air, interpreted by our ears as electrical signals.
Even though we feel as if we are experiencing the world firsthand, our reality is ultimately constructed in the darkness of our skulls through an intricate language of electrochemical signals.
We don't perceive objects as they are; rather, we perceive them through our unique lens. Thus, my reality differs from yours. Our distinct neural circuitry means that our perspectives are inherently different.
Contemplating this concept has heightened my awareness of the mental illusions I experience, leading to a deeper understanding of my tendencies to misjudge scenarios and their emotional responses.
The first video titled "5 life-changing books you must read in 2024" dives into transformative reads that can significantly impact your life.
Principles by Ray Dalio
I didn’t start reading this book because I aspire to become a hedge fund billionaire like Ray Dalio. My interest was sparked when I encountered a LinkedIn post from Ray reflecting on the loss of his son just 13 days prior. I was captivated by his perspective on 'hyperrealism' amidst such profound pain.
Ray emphasizes the importance of systems and automation. Throughout his career, he documented solutions to recurring challenges, ultimately compiling them into "Principles." These principles serve as foundational truths that guide behaviors leading to desired outcomes.
One principle that resonates deeply with me is Radical Acceptance.
Avoid the trap of wishing for different circumstances. Don’t dwell on how things ought to be. Refrain from wasting energy lamenting your situation. Instead, acknowledge your reality and confront it. This doesn’t mean you have to embrace your current situation; it simply entails recognizing that some things are beyond your control, and your best course of action is to creatively navigate forward.
As Ray articulates:
"My point is simple: Regardless of the circumstances life throws at you, you’re more likely to find success and happiness when you take responsibility for your choices instead of lamenting what you can’t change."
How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams
"Goals are for losers; systems are for winners."
Written by the creator of the satirical comic Dilbert, I anticipated a straightforward read. However, I was surprised by the wealth of life lessons I gained.
Scott shares his journey, detailing what he learned about maintaining motivation, health, and happiness while navigating failures that ultimately led to his success.
The recurring theme I find valuable is the focus on systems over goals.
Scott defines a goal as a specific, measurable target that you either achieve or fail to achieve. Conversely, a system is an ongoing practice that enhances your likelihood of happiness and success over time, akin to a routine.
When we prioritize goals, we often feel trapped in a cycle of near-constant failure, which can be exhausting and demotivating. Even if we achieve a goal, that temporary triumph can quickly dissipate as we lose the sense of direction it provided, risking a return to old habits.
In contrast, with systems, every application of the system is a victory. This fosters a sense of accomplishment, boosting confidence and encouraging persistence.
Examples include:
- Cut out carbs and sugar (System) > Lose 5 kg (Goal)
- Go for a run three times a week (System) > Run a marathon (Goal)
- Write every morning (System) > Reach 5k Medium followers (Goal)
Effortless by Greg McKeown
Complexity is often mistaken for achievement.
Throughout our lives, we’ve been conditioned to believe that success requires immense effort, leading us to complicate our lives unnecessarily.
When I feel overwhelmed, it’s usually not due to the situation itself but rather my tendency to overthink, anticipating potential problems.
This book challenges us to reconsider our approach to work and life.
What if the most significant barrier to accomplishing what truly matters is the mistaken belief that it must be difficult? What if we could find easier paths to our goals?
One of the most practical concepts in the book is Effortless Inversion. Inspired by German mathematician Carl Jacobi's principle of inversion, this approach encourages us to reframe problems from a more relaxed and clear-minded perspective.
By stepping back from a challenge and asking, "What would this look like if it were easy?" we can often find solutions that feel liberating. This mindset shift helps reduce stress and encourages a more playful approach to challenges.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Yes, I’m aware that I’m one of countless people discussing this book, but adhering to my self-imposed criteria for the Re-Read Menu mandates its inclusion.
"Atomic Habits" has fundamentally reshaped my understanding of the impact of small, consistent changes.
Previously, whenever I embarked on a new endeavor—be it a workout routine or a healthy eating plan—I set impossibly high expectations that I ultimately couldn’t maintain. Despite knowing this, excitement would often lead me to believe I could succeed this time.
When I inevitably gave up, I attributed it to a lack of discipline.
"Atomic Habits" introduced me to the concept of the compound effect. While I was familiar with compound interest in finance, I hadn’t considered how this principle applies universally to our lives.
The key to developing new skills or habits is to start small. Make it easy to stick with, remain patient, and stay consistent. A 15-minute jog or reading five pages daily might seem insignificant, but over time, their cumulative effect becomes evident.
It’s only upon reflection—after two, five, or even ten years—that the value of good habits and the repercussions of bad ones become strikingly clear.
This is the hallmark of any compounding process: the most significant outcomes often take time to materialize. The essential requirement is to endure long enough to witness the results.
The second video titled "My 5 Favorite Books I Read in 2023" offers insights into impactful reads that shaped the past year.
Thank you for engaging with this content! Have you had the chance to explore any of these titles? While I’d love to hear about your Re-Read list, perhaps it’s best if I remain unaware—it’s simply too tempting!
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