My morning started off less than stellar. I had to read a 30-page business contract (stressful), redline it for changes (boring), and then send it back to attorneys for an update. My brain is fried and it’s only 9:30 in the morning (shocker). Reading deeply was not in the cards.
Normally I would start my day with a book, but life doesn’t always play fair. There’s usually some emotional baggage as I reach for my highlighters, and today was no different. I could feel that contract squeezing my brain.
So, I closed my eyes and made the decision that I was going to read well. Then I breathed in for four seconds and out for four seconds. After a few rounds of oxygen, my heart rate slowed and the tension from the contract eased up a bit. I’m not going to say all my distractions disappeared, but I did feel better.
I think I’ll add that little routine to my reading sessions. It put me in the right frame of mind and made my study session a deliberate practice.
Give it a try and let me know if it helps you as well.
Until tomorrow, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.
-Eddy
