I’m at a work conference in Boston, and I just learned something about the art of reading deeply. Before I tell you what it is, I need to provide some context.
I come to this conference every year. It’s a technology conference with the best and brightest all trying to grow their businesses. I’ve always brought a laptop to take notes in my breakout sessions.
Well, I visited Walden Pond a few days ago and remembered that Thoreau would paddle his boat to the center of the pond, pull the oars in, and then lie down until the boat was eventually floated ashore. Walden is large, which means he would be out there for several hours.
Here’s why that’s genius. Thoreau purposefully created an environment where nothing could get to him and he could be free to think.
Now for the reading deeply tip. Yesterday, as I was packing to go to the conference, I realized that I’m in charge of my digital life. I blame the world for all the digital distractions, but really, I’m at fault here. I’m the one choosing to surround myself with all the devices. So, like Thoreau, I pulled the oars in and left my laptop at home. I took nothing but a pen and my notebook.
I wasn’t as efficient in my note-taking, but I did take better notes. I learned way more than I usually do. Often, I find myself distracted in the classes and will start surfing the internet, checking my email, etc. But I didn’t have that yesterday. The only thing I could do was listen, so I did.
And that’s when it hit me. I’m an adult, and I need to act like one. I should stop blaming the world for my distractions and should start taking ownership of my attention. It’s mine to control. Yes, everyone wants a piece of it, but I’m the one who chooses to give it away.
Today is day two of the conference. I’m writing this post on the laptop and then I’m leaving it in the hotel room again. I’m excited to see what the pen and paper process will teach me today.
Until tomorrow, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.
-Eddy Hood
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