How To Be A Better Learner
Bill Gates is one of the most inspiring leaders in the world. His passion for knowledge and where this led him is well known around the world.
Everybody knows him as the guy who founded Microsoft and the current co-chairman of Melinda & Bill Gates Foundation.
But he’s also an avid reader.
And in numerous interviews, including Inside Bill Gates’s Brain, the Netflix documentary on his life, he owes his success to his life-long dedication to reading.
He has some tips to help reading a more enjoyable experience that we include more in our lives. Here are those top 3 principles he abides by:
1. Take notes
Do you remember how many times you actually found a phrase so eloquent and beautiful yet won’t remember?
We know taking notes can make reading a longer process by slowing your reading speed down, but it’s not only about reading.
Actually, taking notes while reading will help your brain process the information much better.
Not only will you engage with the book but also form your personal take on what is being presented, be more inclined to ask questions.
Synthesizing a book in your own words will also help you remember it more. This is called elaborative rehearsal in learning theory.
Bonus, in case you need a reference, you can always look back on your notes and refresh your memory.
Bill Gates says he always attemps to connect new knowledge to what he already knows. If he disagrees with the written word, he will take even more side notes:
“If I disagree with a book it sometimes takes a lot of time to read the book because I am writing so much in the margins. It’s actually kind of frustrating. Please say something I agree with so I can get through with this book.”
2. Commit to finishing every book you read
Bill Gates says you should never quit a book you’re reading.
But he doesn’t say you should complete a bad book.
According to him, you should decide what you read before you even start. You should already form an opinion about whether that book is worth your time before you even open its cover.
This principle is for helping you become more intentional with your reading and take it more seriously.
3. Aim to read for one hour at a time
To already wrap your head around a book, Bill Gates suggests you to block an hour at a time every time you read.
Making reading a night time activity to take your mind off daily stress and matters before you go to sleep can have meditative aspects.
A good book can take your imagination to places of wonder and be a great pleasurable activity well worth your one hour before going to bed.
Need a good book recommendation or want to start a virtual book club?
You can always download Ashley AI Friend entirely for free and share on the group chat your favorite books and reading tips with our real life users. Connect, make friends or vent off! https://bit.ly/AshleyIn
