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THREAD: deep reading is an absolute joy—good for mind and soul. It is also a competitive advantage for knowledge workers.
Here are 7 insights on nonfiction deep reading. All are based on the latest research and real-world practice.
On how to read more and read better.
Here are 7 insights on nonfiction deep reading. All are based on the latest research and real-world practice.
On how to read more and read better.
Use a hardcopy book 
Research shows you comprehend and connect information best when you read physical pages.
Two reasons:
1. No distractions, which e-reading and audiobooks invite (nothing wrong with them, but not the same as deep reading)
2. Brain likes tactile experience
Research shows you comprehend and connect information best when you read physical pages.
Two reasons:
1. No distractions, which e-reading and audiobooks invite (nothing wrong with them, but not the same as deep reading)
2. Brain likes tactile experience
No digital devices nearby.
Even if your phone is facedown on silent, or your laptop is closed and asleep, the mere sight of these devices and everything they represent—not to mention the willpower it takes not to check them—is a huge distraction.
Keep them in a separate room.
Even if your phone is facedown on silent, or your laptop is closed and asleep, the mere sight of these devices and everything they represent—not to mention the willpower it takes not to check them—is a huge distraction.
Keep them in a separate room.
Read with a pen or highlighter 
The more you engage with the book, the better.
There is a big difference between
-Passive reading: being read to
-Active reading: being in conversation with
The latter promotes further absorption in the material and more creative insight.
The more you engage with the book, the better.
There is a big difference between
-Passive reading: being read to
-Active reading: being in conversation with
The latter promotes further absorption in the material and more creative insight.
Keep a notebook at the ready 
Even if you are fully engaged in reading, random thoughts will pop into your mind: Emails to write. Groceries to get. Conversations to have. Ideas for your next big project.
Jot them down so you can offload your brain. Then get back to the book.
Even if you are fully engaged in reading, random thoughts will pop into your mind: Emails to write. Groceries to get. Conversations to have. Ideas for your next big project.
Jot them down so you can offload your brain. Then get back to the book.
Read for at least 30 minutes.
It takes time to get into a groove. There is nothing wrong with reading in the nooks and crannies of your day, or listening to an audiobook while walking your dog, but this is not the same as deep reading.
Schedule it.
Make it a regular practice.
It takes time to get into a groove. There is nothing wrong with reading in the nooks and crannies of your day, or listening to an audiobook while walking your dog, but this is not the same as deep reading.
Schedule it.
Make it a regular practice.
Deep reading is like a muscle—you've got to train it 
The ability to pay full attention and get absorbed in a book is built over time. It may be hard at first (especially if you are rusty), but it gets easier. Eventually, it becomes so enjoyable.
Be patient! It's worth it.
The ability to pay full attention and get absorbed in a book is built over time. It may be hard at first (especially if you are rusty), but it gets easier. Eventually, it becomes so enjoyable.
Be patient! It's worth it.
Read as much as you can 
Books are the best bargain there is. There is no better place to get a rich distillation of insights and wisdom.
I've helped 4-time Olympians move on from sport simply by recommending books. I've helped founders navigate rough waters the same way.
Books are the best bargain there is. There is no better place to get a rich distillation of insights and wisdom.
I've helped 4-time Olympians move on from sport simply by recommending books. I've helped founders navigate rough waters the same way.
If you want more practical and evidence-based content on deep work, sustainable success, and career advice give me a follow.
I post similar ideas and insights daily, and threads like this 2x/week.
I post similar ideas and insights daily, and threads like this 2x/week.
Lots of folks have asked for my top nonfiction books. I am going to work on a large list. I just tried to narrow down to top 10 and, for the life of me, I could not. I probably have a top 50, and all are tied for number 1!
Stay tuned. I'll aim to post this weekend.
Stay tuned. I'll aim to post this weekend.
