9 replies to this topic

[vtrader]

So I have set up a simple goal to read a book a day. Starting of with simple stuff, you know introduction type books and 50 big ideas in subject x type books. I use to be able to do this several years ago, but now have trouble just getting past 10 pages.

 

The motivation is there but after reading a few pages I feel tired, my brain feels tired as well.

Have tried the usual supplement like racetams, caffiene variations, ciltep, the amino acid focus supplements.

But nothing works to keep that drive and focus.

 

I use to take it for granted of being able to get through a book in a day. Just finishing of a chapter feels like a struggle now.

 

Any ideas?

 

[jroseland]

First of all, its not a great goal. Even Tai Lopez admits that he doesn't actually read a book a day - he skims a book a day. Even speed reading I average only about 2-3 books a month.

If you're problem is focus try Dual N-Back brain training, it only takes 10 minutes a day and it really does improve your focus muscles better any other brain training exercise.

Read first thing in the morning as opposed to the end of the day.

Try Oxiracetam, it's a smart drug that's really excellent for focus and discipline.

Edited by jroseland, 25 December 2015 - 09:29 AM.

[PalmAnita]

Depends on what you call a 'book'. Nobody can read a real (200+ pages) book every day probably. Also depends on whether you're studying, working, having a family, etc...

 

But I think I know what you mean. Currently I'm unoccupied due to circumstances and health, and have too much time to spend.. on some days I'll read up about topics that interest me, mostly online because there's just so endless much recent information available, and on the best days I would be able to recollect a summary of the important things out of what I've read at any time later without efforts, it's just there. On other days, I fail to read a single page at once and my memory feels like it has been fried ...

 

Curiously enough the best 'nootropic' I know of for me personally are NMDA antagonists (they are known to induce cognitive and memory disturbances and to be psychotomimetic for the average person). On the right dose of e.g. ketamine I'm just feeling normal, in a positive way, much more sober than I could ever feel when 'sober'. Everything becomes easy, and the world full of endless possibilities ... the best way I can describe this is like being a child again, but with the brain of an adult.

 

Oh, NMDA antagonists + tobacco (maybe other cholinergics, but this can become dangerous and I suspect the MAOIs in tobacco to be crucial) are even better.

Edited by dopamimetiq, 26 December 2015 - 10:54 AM.

[vtrader]

It's more casual reading, I don't have a goal that I must finish the book in a day, maybe two days.

But I also have more study oriented books, would like to teach myself things like physics, astronomey. But no point if I am having trouble focusing  reading casual pop science intro books.

Trying to build a habit and general knowledge and background reading.

Next challange would be remembering the stuff.

 

 

[Bukujutsu]

Read about speed reading and retention. Especially for non-fiction, heavy reading, that isn't going to be a realistic goal. Don't feel bad, because most people are absolutely full of shit or at least have very skewed/biased/inaccurate perceptions of themselves, the amount they actually read, their comprehension, and retention.

[vader]

It's a noble goal, but i think focused one book a day reading is useless, unless it is a past-time (as in hobby) or a field of study. If you read wikipedia, news, reddit, etc. i think you read more than even a voracious reader read 100 years ago, so don't feel bad if you don't read a book on top of that. Todays society is very information heavy, but there is no conclusive proof that book smarts are actually even that valuable. 

[Bukujutsu]

^ I learned a lot by reading about a wide variety of things from many sources. Just googling anything that I was interested in and wanted to know about, any thought/idea that came into head, refining my skills. It was immensely valuable, as opposed to being a monomaniac like many people who focus on one subject. I think it was a combination of ADD-PI and Asperger's traits (OCD, introversion, systemizing) that predisposed me to this. Of course, it only goes so far, books are still invaluable for developing in depth knowledge, but due to the reality of scarcity, limited time and opportunity cost, learn to identify the best sources if you haven't already and go straight for them; the vast majority of books aren't worth reading, there are an absurd amount published each year.

[vtrader]

My reading time is on my journey to and from work and lunch time mostly. My job is soooooo mind numbing, that to read about different subjects and to develop a deeper understanding how the world, universe works is a welcome enlightenment.

Another reason wanting to read a lot in a short span of time, is a feeling of ignorance, i always get a feeling that I am the least knowlegeable and experienced person in the room.

I notice that if I read something interesting my depression lifts a little and there is a little confidence in my abilities. I also notice more intellectual connection when reading then I do with the people I am usually surronded by.

I'm not looking to just collect facts, I want to understand and at some point be able to create ideas.

 

[iseethelight]

One book a day is easier said than done. You would be spending most of your day reading, not the most productive way to live. How about just reading for 2-3 hours a day every day instead. Books are the best source of information. The internet is mostly inaccurate information because anybody can write an article on a subject and the rankings have nothing to do with accuracy and quality of the articles.

[Major Legend]

Did someone just mention that snake oil salesman Tai? Anyways - I have read tons of books and have always like reading, what you find though is when you read enough - alot of things are just duplicates of things written before, or just very useless information to pad the book out, therefore:

 

1) Read Table of Contents - It will give you an idea if there is anything interesting in the book you want to learn sepcifically. If there isn't anything interesting there, its doubtful you will find anything interesting inside the actual book.

 

2) If it's interesting, but looks times consuming then just google for a book summary, which will usually tell you everything you will learn from the book in a page or two

 

3) If it's really up your alleyway then start reading, but to really absorb a book you have to make notes - keep a small A5 notebook and just bullet point important or interesting concepts. It's useful for reference later and helps you actually memorise what you read, even it doesn't feel like it makes a difference - it does - you just don't know it yet until you try recalling what you've read. If you want to make notes later you can buy those bookmark tab sticker things

 

4) For practical skills always pick books with tutorials or online interactive courses over reading. Short stories are often better than novels.

 

5) Diversify your subjects so ideas can cross pollinate in your head, avoid self help books if you can most of them are just rubbish - you are better off just googling for self help from the hundreds of I will make you rich guys online who write a lot of free stuff.

 

6) Just go at your own pace, you will either love reading like I do, or just find it annoying like having to work out. The most important thing is just to realise that learning anything is better than nothing, people who don't learn new things fall behind and miss out on opportunities. Instead of reading a book a day, try adopting an lifelong learning mindset.