A short guide to getting the most from Non-Fiction books

How do you gain value from a book you're currently reading?

There's a good deal of non-fictions books, but they're only as good as our application of them. In order to apply, we need to understand. To understand, one needs to have conscious efforts. In the end it'll be worth it as results speak for themselves.

Unfortunately, most people read these books but take no action.

Why do we not take action?

While reading, we do not equip ourselves to gain the most from books

• Reading the wrong book

• Passive Reading

• Not Revisiting Concepts

• Lack of Notes

By eliminating these mistakes and putting in conscious efforts, you can see a massive jump in your reading experience and takeaway.

Here's how you can do it.

Step 1: Read books you want to!

If you're reading a book purely because it's popular, you've already lost.

I read a lot of non-fiction but I pick the books that interest me. I don't check best seller lists or what's trending. I follow recommendations of writers I already read, and pick the ones that interest me.

“′Classic′ - a book which people praise and don't read.” ― Mark Twain

Step 2: Take Notes! and revisit them.

I learned this from Tim Ferris.

In a notebook, I write the date and name of the book I'm reading and expand on the lines which struck me. After a week or so, I revisit those notes and reflect on them.

People assume they'll remember what they read (and forget). By taking notes, you actively participate in your reading.

Step 3: Expand on the concepts you've noted

Based on the notes you've taken, look for more content - books, podcasts, articles or videos.

By following this hierarchy of steps, you start from a seed of the idea to branches of information. The further you explore, the finer your interests. The more interested you are, the better your application.

“There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them.” ― Joseph Brodsky