How many books did you read last year? 15? 30? Wow, that is a big number you must be smart. That narrative is broken. We need to re-frame the discussion to how many books did you read that had an impact. Do you remember the authors of the last 10 books you read? Do you remember what you thought about the book, not simply good/bad, but what impact did it have, what emotions did it stir up?  What actions did it inspire?

I started taking notes as I’m reading, because I forget most of the book within a few months. Sure, I remember the plot and overall themes, but I forget the impact and how I felt at that time. Having these notes help me understand why I think the way I do. It helps me answer questions, like where did that emotion come from or why do I feel this way. Most people have a few books they remember had a lasting impact on their lives, but what few people realize is that all the books you read have an impact. The tricky part is that the impact is subtle. This is why it is so important to document what you are reading in your own words. It doesn’t have to be while you’re reading the book, but then after each chapter, after each reading session, at the end of the book, whatever works. Now if you are dreading this exercise there is a good reason, but don’t worry because it’s not your fault.

We have been pre-programmed to dread this. Ever since the first book report we had to write for school. No one enjoys something being forced on a topic we do not enjoy or fully understand. This left a bad taste in our mouths, and we subconsciously have been deploying this on our own reading. We’ve carried this with us into adulthood, and think reading for pleasure means not writing about it, or not reflecting on what we’re reading. Without the reflection we do ourselves a disservice.

How many books have you read but not executed on the information? How many business books, lifestyle design, fitness, etc. It is easy to read them and then “know” how to do it. We get some pleasure out of the knowing part. This results in taking no action. We take no action on the principles, and we derive no value from anything we learned.

My challenge to you is to actively reflect on what we read, and get the full value out of our reading. I realize this means confronting your book report fears, but I promise the rewards will outweigh the initial discomfort 10-1. O, and none of the reports are graded.