My journey with books has been one of enlightenment and self-discovery. Books like "Thinking Fast and Slow", "Nudge", "Skin in the Game", "Predictably Irrational", "Hooked", and "Range" have left a profound impact on me. These books, grounded in research and data, have:
Provided a framework to interpret events in my life and work.
Helped me understand myself better.
Given me a sense of learnedness that I can share with my colleagues.
However, my reading habit is not about quantity but quality. I often read a few pages of a chapter, then pause to reflect on the messaging from those pages. Sometimes, I put the book aside and start writing my thoughts, drawing from my experiences and perceptions.
My journey towards reading books started with the weekend reading of select newsletters and articles on the web. This habit was further nurtured during my time as a Ph.D. student and an Academic Associate, where I s
pent considerable time reading academic books, course content, and research papers.
When it comes to choosing a book, I have a few preferences:
I prefer non-fiction that is backed by research and data.
I read to gain knowledge, not merely for leisure.
I tend to avoid popular self-help boo
ks and lean towards serious, knowledge-rich content.
One book that transformed my decision-making process is "Thinking Fast and Slow". It made me aware of my irrationalities and impulses, leading to a transformation in my decision-making process.
Reading has enriched my life in many ways. It has:
Given me an opinion on various subjec
ts.
Helped me build multiple perspectives.
Improved my writing.
Enhanced my decision-making abilities.
But I am not a regular reader. I take my time with b
ooks, sometimes taking months to finish one. Reading, for me, is not about setting records but about matching the pace of my reading to my ability to retain and reuse knowledge.
For anyone looking to develop a reading habit, I would advise:
Ask yourself why you want to read. Is it for personal recreation, or to overcome FOMO?
Once you have your answer, choose your genre - fiction or non-fiction.
If you're a beginner, start by subscribing to newsletters in your field of interest. Avoid news and focus on detailed articles.
Develop a habit of journaling and blogging. When you write and struggle to write well, you'll naturally be inclined to pick up good books and content to read.
Remember, reading is a journey, not a race. Take your time, reflect, and enjoy the process.