When you read, how long does it take before the first distractions appear? For me, it’s less then a minute. We’ve forgotten how to be alone, and reading is a solitary activity. It requires time by yourself in silence. Author David Foster Wallace pointed out that people feel a sense of dread about having toContinue reading Do You Require Noise?
I love personality tests. I’m always curious to know which type of “human” I am. That’s why, when I came across The Four Types of Readers by Samuel Coleridge, my curiosity spiked. Coleridge was an 19th century English poet, critic, and philosopher which helped the Romantic Movement, and was a member of the Lake Poets,Continue reading The Four Types of Readers
I feel guilty when I read. My “dad-sense” kicks in, whispering that I should spend more time with my kids. Part of me thinks that one day, when everyone grows up, the guilty feelings will vanish and I’ll be able to sit in my reading chair without remorse. But I know that’s not true. MyContinue reading The UnSelfish Act of Reading
A few days ago, I spent the afternoon with my dentist getting a crown. I’ve since had headaches from the sensitivity of the tooth and haven’t wanted to read – at all. I’m feeling better now, but for a while, my life was sponsored by Tylenol and Ibuprofen. It’s hard to do anything when IContinue reading Feel Well, Then Read Well
I love to read, but getting started is always hard. My brain won’t turn off, and when I do manage to sit down with a book, I find myself getting up a few minutes later to check on something – anything. There’s a real resistance to focused work. This morning, when I started my book,Continue reading It’s hard to Focus and Read
Do you know anyone with a mental illness? I do. I know several people battling ADHD, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. It hurts me when they suffer, and yet I’ve noticed something that seems to be helping them. They’re reading. For the person wrestling with ADHD, a Stephen King novel (he loves The Shining) hasContinue reading Will Reading Fix Your Mental Illness?
There’s a different quality about Sunday. Compared to the other days of the week, it’s softer and less hurried. I hear the rhythmic tick of the clock and the occasional sounds of my home settling in for a quiet, winter day. My kids are still asleep as I scoop Earl Grey tea into an infuserContinue reading Reading on Sunday
I have a challenge for you. The goal is to read every day (with focus) for 60 minutes over an entire month. Can you do it? For the brave souls who want to tackle this project, I’ve just launched The 30-Day Focused Reader Challenge in my private community. If you dare to sign up (I’mContinue reading The 30-Day Focused Reader Challenge
Author Daniel Goleman (Emotional Intelligence, Focus, etc.) taught that the wealth of information at our disposal has led to a poverty of attention. You can research anything you want, distract yourself with the latest game, or scroll endlessly through YouTube. Access to unlimited information has made it almost impossible to think, let alone focus forContinue reading Attention Poverty (How to Focus)