Reading is Easy. Reflection is Hard.

I used to read books with the aim of just achieving my new year resolution or keeping pace with my friends who read a lot. But it took me nearly half a decade to realize that just reading books doesn’t help. Choosing the right topics, paying attention to the content, and reflecting the same in personal life is what truly matters. This gives the essence and true benefit of good reading.

Reading is just not about quantity, but about understanding, reflection and practical change.

Reflecting on What You Read!

A simple framework to enable you to truly reflect on what you read is structured as below:

1.      Pick one topic that genuinely excites you, keeps you engaged, or feels most important in your life at this moment.

2.      Take notes while reading, as it is one of the biggest boosters of understanding and reflection. It is literally picking the best of author's thoughts and keeping them in your diary, which can be used later in life when needed.

3.      Filter the notes and pick one idea that feels most valuable. Start practicing it in your daily life.

4.      Observe it. Reflect on it. Rewrite it multiple times. Make a poster and stick it in your room. Keep it as wallpaper on your mobile or laptop. Keep looking at it whenever you get the opportunity.

5.      Keep the book as a reference guide and go back to it whenever you face hurdles in reflecting on the chosen idea. This process will benefit you. It will change your mindset and improve your life.

One idea I am reflecting on now is from the book "The Richest Man in Babylon"

“Likewise, him whose purse is empty does gold avoid.”

It is a simple reminder to save money instead of making impulse purchases and emptying our pockets. I am consciously practicing this idea repeatedly until it slowly becomes part of my subconscious mindset and daily life – until I begin to think twice before spending money on things every time.

The Real Message:

What I truly wanted to convey through this blog is very simple: don’t just read books. Pick one that will benefit your life, observe it deeply, and reflect on it consistently in day-to-day life. This will give you a positive identity and growth.

The Math of Reading:

3 pages a day X 365 days = 1095 pages a year

1 idea per month X 12 months = 12 useful ideas for personal growth

Pick a Book. Observe It. Reflect on It. Repeat.

Srikarthik Vasudevan