TLDR;
This video explores the challenges of reading books in the modern era and provides actionable strategies to read more. It covers the unique benefits of reading, reasons why people struggle to read consistently, and practical tips to overcome these obstacles.
- Reading offers unique benefits like deep focus, knowledge retention, and mental stimulation.
- Modern distractions and the nature of reading itself make it challenging to prioritize books.
- Practical strategies such as managing phone usage, finding engaging books, and altering reading approaches can help increase reading habits.
Intro [0:00]
The video starts with the acknowledgment that many people wish they read more books, despite book sales being up. The author points out the paradox of having access to countless books through technology, yet struggling to engage with them. The video aims to understand why reading books is difficult and to find ways to make it easier.
Why Even Read Books? [0:39]
The author lists several reasons why reading books is valuable. Firstly, a captivating book provides unparalleled entertainment. Secondly, reading is relaxing because it requires focus and shuts out distractions, promoting single-tasking. Thirdly, reading disrupts negative cycles and strengthens resilience against constant stimulation. Fourthly, books offer deeper, more memorable knowledge compared to summaries or articles, as they allow you to follow the author's thought process. Lastly, reading can make you appear more intelligent.
Why Don't We Read as Much? [3:23]
The author discusses why people struggle to read as much as they would like. Reading is personal, internal, and intentional, requiring self-motivation without external pressures or deadlines. Unlike other media, books lack autoplay ads and constant marketing. Reading requires active engagement, unlike passively watching TV or playing video games with reward systems. Additionally, people might avoid reading due to reading words all day at work. Reading can feel isolating compared to communal experiences like watching movies or live streams. Books often demand a significant commitment with no guarantee of enjoyment, and re-engaging after interruptions requires effort.
How to Definitively Read More Books! [7:06]
The author provides a list of strategies to read more books. Manage phone usage by deleting social media apps, using "do not disturb" mode, and placing book apps within easy reach. Find good books through online communities, bookstores, or recommendations from friends. Change your reading approach by quitting uninteresting books, skipping boring chapters, speedreading, or opting for short stories. Utilize the free resources of libraries. Reduce friction by carrying books everywhere, keeping them in convenient locations, and reading multiple books simultaneously. Create a challenge by setting reading goals, exploring specific genres, or seeking answers to questions through books.
Outro [14:00]
The author concludes by encouraging viewers to try again if previous attempts to read more have failed, noting that personal preferences and perspectives change over time. The video is sponsored by Rocket Money, a personal finance app that helps manage subscriptions, create budgets, and save money. The author shares a personal anecdote about how Rocket Money negotiated a lower rate for a service and helped identify unnecessary subscriptions.
