Reading for Self Improvement

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Reading can be a real drag. Reading for self improvement, on the other hand, can be very uplifting.

I love fiction. I can get lost in the story, pretending to be one of the characters or just be there watching the action take place.

By using one or two tips on this page, reading a dictionary might almost become as exciting and enjoyable as reading your favorite novel. I did say "almost".

One of the tips is illustrated in the photo on the right.

The good news is that nothing on this site is like a dictionary. Instead, there are stories, guides and good old fashion advice that has been laid out for easy reading.

If you are having some trouble concentrating on reading or sticking to a reading plan, then try some or all of these tips. Try one, try them all. Once you find one that suits you, stick with it. Remember, it is all about reading for self improvement. What you learn stays with you for life.

Reading for self improvement is made up of 4 parts - RAGS.

• Reader - You!
• Article - What you're reading.
• Goal - Why you're reading.
• Strategy - How you're reading.

Know why you are going to read something and how you plan to read it. Knowing the benefits you will get from reading something helps to keep you focused. Knowing how to read effectively will help save you time.

Reading Tips

Quickly skim through the titles and read those that sound interesting to you. The G in RAGS (Goal) is to find one technique that improves your reading speed and effectiveness. Practice that technique until you are good at it then come back and look for another one so that you keep improving.

Tip # 1 - How to read less and get more out of it # 1
This is not speed reading. Rather it is a neat way of skimming through a large article while still getting the main ideas. As it takes less time, you may find yourself enjoying the reading experience and wanting to learn more.

• Scan the text quickly.
• Read only the headlines, dot points and words in bold print.
• Slow down when you find something interesting and read that section.
• Once you've read that section, go back to scanning mode.

Tip # 2 - How to read less and get more out of it # 2
For those who might like more structure. This is similar to tip # 1.

• Read the first and last paragraph.
• Read the first sentence of all other paragraphs (from the 2nd paragraph to the 2nd last).
• Take a note of the paragraphs that interest you the most.
• If there are diagrams, read the captions and quickly scan the diagrams.
• When you have finished the whole article, go back and read the sections you noted.

Tip # 3 - Set the mood and scene that you find appealing
Where we are and what is around us can impact on how effectively we read. So take charge! When you choose to improve an area of your life, you may find it valuable to set yourself up for the success you deserve.

• Read while sitting up, with good lighting, at a desk or table. Reading while in bed might suit some people but for most it just leads to feeling sleepy and poor reading habits.
• If something is distracting you, move it or move yourself away.
• Keep a pen and paper handy to write down any new ideas that inspire you or that spring into your mind. Reading can often trigger thoughts about how we can link what we are reading with how we can put it into practice in our lives.

Tip # 4 - Stay positive - you can do it
No one is dumb. Rather, it just means they haven't learned a certain way of doing something. Take the time and put in the effort and you will increase your learning and level of success. If you are reading for self improvement then you certainly are not dumb!

Tip # 5 - Know the best time of day to read
Try reading at different times of the day. Some people are most active just after the sun rises. Others read better well after the sun has set. Experiment and work out your peak reading times. Then set up a schedule to do most of your reading during those times.

Tip # 6 - If you're happy and you know it - clap your hands
Likewise ...

• If you're hungry - eat.
• If you're thirsty - drink.
• If you're tired - sleep.
• Once you're done with all the above - READ.

Tip # 7 - Study with a buddy
Reading something with a friend can help motivate both of you. You can compare notes, learn from each other, discuss what you are reading and how it is helping you improve your life. You don't even have to be in the same room. Keep in touch by email or instant messenger.

Tip # 8 - Prioritize
If you have something more important to do. Stop reading and go do it. Once you're done, then come back and read. Reading when your mind is distracted with other things is usually unproductive time. Likewise, if you are reading and you suddenly remember something that needs doing, write it down to do later and then get back to reading.

Better still, get someone else to do that high priority job for you. Explain that by letting you get on with your reading, both of you will be better off.

Tip # 9 - The "what's in it for me" motivator
Know how you will personally benefit from reading and applying a new idea. It could be that you will be a better investor, write better job applications or just be a better person. Keep the benefit in mind while reading. This will not only help with motivation levels, your mind will be actively seeking out the little gems in the article that help you become that better person. Think of it as like reading with a goal in mind.

Tip # 10 - Do not read aloud (to yourself)
Reading aloud to yourself slows you down. Practice keeping your lips still. After a little while you'll be surprised how much faster you are reading.

Tip # 11 - Teach someone else what you have learned
After you have built up your reading skills a little, try teaching someone else what you have learned. Tell them about it. Explain how you have developed your own knowledge and skills. You will remember more, learn more and be better at your new skill by sharing it with someone else. A side benefit is that you will have helped another person with their self improvement. Do them another favor and email them the link to this "Reading for Self Improvement" page.

Tip # 12 - A time, a place, a purpose
Reading requires a time, a place and a purpose. Set aside the time that you need to finish the task, set up a comfortable place with no distractions and, most importantly, know what you are going to get out of the time you spend reading. Some people find it valuable to set up a reading nook or corner, away from distractions.

If you have found another effective reading hint that is not listed on this page, please let me know. Send it in using the contact page. Let me know if you want your name (first name only) listed.

If your hint is unique and has helped you succeed it will most likely get published on the Reading for Self Improvement page.

Please include the following with your hint:
Name: Just your first name is fine
Subject: "Reading for self improvement hint"
Message: Within the message, please include ...

Your hint and how it helps you be a better reader
Town and/or Country
Whether or not you want your first name published