Improving Your Reading Experience

With a bit of extra time on our hands, it is fairly common for people to want to take up reading to pass the time. It can transport us to other places, allowing us to experience stories and tales that we could never have dreamed of. Unfortunately, this activity and goal can often be one that is short-lived due to inefficient practices of an inability to connect with the material.

If you are looking to improve your reading experience to better dive into critical pieces of literature, learn from another’s perspective or are looking to increase your reading speed, consider these strategies to improve your overall experience and in time you’ll be soaring through literature.

Goal Setting

Goal setting is an essential part of improving your reading capabilities. Often when we embrace a new goal, we envision ourselves thriving and going above and beyond what is reasonable. However, one of the most important conditions of becoming a better reader is setting personal and reasonable goals for reading.

By assessing where you are at and where you want to be, you can set goals that are reasonable for your circumstances and personal to you. While sharing your goals is admirable and having an accountability partner can be useful, you do not need to do this while improving your reading if you do not feel comfortable.

Choosing Content

The right content will allow your practice to move easily and smoothly through the text, as topics that interest you inherently will be easier to take in. Many of us have experienced readings that feel like drudgery, and even painful. If content is making you feel like you are holding your eyelids open, this may not be the place to start when you begin practicing. Choose something that catches your eye and intrigues you, and you will find yourself naturally drawn to your training.

Dedicated Time To Practice

Just like any other skill, it is important to take the time to practice your reading. Luckily, all this entails is doing it. Select a topic that interests you and read a bit every day. By designating a specific time to read where you can practice and reduce distractions, you are much more likely to enjoy the training of your mind and even give yourself a chance to be truly enveloped in the story.

The important part of practicing your reading consistently is the most important factor, so try not to worry about your speed. Take this moment to unwind, turn notifications off of your cellphone and other electronic devices and allow yourself to be fully involved in the reading material of your choice.

Learning Function

The functionality of reading can look very different in different key areas. When you are reading publications your approach should vary from when you are involved in a story. Discerning what form and function you apply to your reading can be useful steps. When you are diving into articles and magazines, the art of skimming may be a useful tactic to learn, so that you can focus on areas that require your full attention.

This is a skill that must be practiced, much like beta reading which is another approach to reading that must be learned over time and honed with practice. Not all readings should be digested in the same fashion, so teach yourself which approach works best for each style and you’ll be sailing through your readings.

Speed Reading

Many of us have not fully trained our brains and eyes to properly speed read. This will require an approach to our training to greatly increase visual processing speed to input the information in a way that gleans enough of the information at a rapid pace. Most adults must work up to this, and with time and effort, this can be done.

Whether you are looking to discern how to take in different types of information or if you are looking to better enjoy your texts, reading is an essential component of life. By investing time and energy into this skill, you can find yourself opening up doors to unbelievable and eye-opening worlds, stories and perspectives.