The etymology of the word “productive” is rooted in the idea of “serving to produce.” Originating from the French in the 17th century, it describes an action that generates meaningful results. Often, we equate productivity with being busy, but that’s bananas. How many times have you been busy without actually producing anything valuable?
To become an effective reader, you need to approach your book in a way that truly serves to produce. Consider this: will you gain more from listening to an audiobook while you prepare for work, make your daughter’s lunch, and scratch out your final notes for a big presentation this afternoon? Or will you benefit more from spending ten quiet minutes reading slowly without distraction and taking notes?
Which reading style will genuinely produce more value for you today?
Call me crazy, but I’ll opt for the ten minutes of slow, focused reading daily.
Until tomorrow, read slowly – take notes – apply the idea.
-Eddy
