The nature of my work requires that I do a good amount of reading.  My students often ask me “How do you find time to read?”  The reality is I don’t find the time I make the time to read.  In this post I will share with you some principles that have helped me increase my reading effectiveness.

Make reading a priority

It’s been said that reading is the fuel that gives leaders ideas.  Harry Truman said it well, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”  Leaders have a responsibility to be well informed to effectively lead their people.  Therefore, I make reading a priority – all of us have 24 hours a day.  By choosing to invest time reading you must cut out other areas, for me that is television.  You must decide where you will make time for reading – time flies and it’s up to you to be the navigator.

Have a plan

Developing an intentional reading plan can be a great help to keep you on track.  My goal is to read a book a week.  Due to the demands of work some weeks are better than others.  I often take a book with me to appointments or if I’m shopping with Jeanne.  When Jeanne wants to visit a fabric store I have a book with me and I tell her, “Take your time, I’m all set!”  I’ve noticed that some sewing stores have even built a “man cave” for the beleaguered husbands.

Have a strategy

Not all books are created equal; therefore our reading speed should match our content.  I basically have three speeds that I use:

            Fast – I use this for popular level books, magazines, newspapers (which I seldom read), and blogs.  A speed reading course may help you develop some techniques that will increase your reading speed as well as your comprehension.

            Medium – Textbooks and some technical books fall into this category.  You want to take time and review, recite, and perhaps take notes on what you’ve read.

            Slow – I use this primarily in reading the Scriptures or a favorite devotional such as “My Utmost for His Highest, or “The Imitation of Christ”.  A form of contemplative reading follows this pattern:  Pray, Read, Reflect, Respond. Lectio Divina or sacred reading is another way to slow down your reading and help you gain insight; this is the pattern I follow:  Silencing, Reading, Meditation, Response, Contemplation, Incarnation.  

Have a purpose

Thomas a Kempis said, “Never be entirely idle; but either be reading, or writing, or praying, or meditating, or endeavoring something for the public good.”   Jesus also demonstrated a sense of urgency as He said, “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4).  A helpful resource that may give you some beneficial insights and increase your reading effectiveness is “How to Read a Book” by Mortimer Adler.  Realize that “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body” (Richard Steele).  May you have a great work out!