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How do you read a new self improvement book?

by Abigail Beal
9 replies
Hello

For Christmas I treated myself to a couple of self improvement/success-oriented titles (yes I buy myself a gift every year! lol). Now I'm reading Free Mind Free Body, about harnessing the power of their mind.

I was wondering how people read a self improvement or success type of book? For this book I read it and folded down pages I found intriguing. Then I went back through the book with a skinny highlighter and highlighted things that I really want to sink in. I've been using this technique for awhile -- but would love some other tips to absorb material. What techniques do you use to read a self improvement book full of ideas to put into your life -- so that you act on them in your life? I've also used notecards in the past, but they seem to float around.

I am enjoying this Free Mind book and already am using some of techniques to change my thinking. It has a wonderful section on the power of setting intentions and it explains the mind science behind exactly how intentions work, which is just fascinating! I think now I'm totally ADDICTED to setting intentions!

Any ideas/suggestions?

Abby
#book #improvement #read
  • Profile picture of the author Stephen McPherson
    Hi Abby,

    I love personal/self development books as well. Speaking of Intentions...have you read any of Deepak Chopra's or Wayne Dyer's books ? If not, I can recommend them.

    Other ideas for recalling info from the books you're reading. I personally keep a journal esp. for books that I read. And, when I find something that I find interesting I write it in. I try to re-read my journal weekly to re-absorb the info. But, you're idea of highlight is just as good!

    Cheers.
    Stephen
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  • Profile picture of the author Abigail Beal
    Hi Stephen,

    Oh I LOVE Wayne Dyer's books. Have you seen his specials on Public Television? They are just excellent!

    I've read some of Deepak Chopra's books. I liked the How to Know God, I think that is the title? Very interesting book!

    I also like Rick Jarrow, I just got his Advanced Manifestation CD set. Have you heard of him? He wrote the Anti Career book which is just great. I've found this Advanced Manifestation CD set to be excellent!

    I really should try keeping a journal, I could put in information that I want to absorb. I guess I'm just wondering if it could be a lot of information? I'll have to think about that.......but its a good idea. Thanks!

    Abby
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    • Profile picture of the author Stephen McPherson
      Abby,

      No we don't get anything on TV about Wayne here in Oz. Not that I know of anyway.

      I haven't heard of Rick Jarrow...I'll check his books out.

      Hey, did you see Deepak on "The Love Guru" That was funny!

      Regards,
      Stephen
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe1204
    Normally I would review the content and prioritise them.
    Go for the chapters that appeal to your immediate needs.
    Make notes and highlight key points as you read.
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    • Profile picture of the author naruq
      I read a self improvement book the first time without a highlighter. The second time I read a self improvement book with a highlighter and a notebook. In addition, If it is a really good self improvement book I will read it at least once per year.
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  • Profile picture of the author Woody C
    I use pens. I underline sentences that I want to come back to when scanning the books later. If there is a sentence or concept that is really important or groundbreaking to me I circle it. Then I jot down and notes and thoughts on the outer edge. That way I can flip through the book and scan, pick out important points, and see any notes I thought of. It works better than a highlighter for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author robertstr
    I always use a little notebook and a pen when I read a new self improvement book.
    Firstly, I read the self improvement book quickly
    The second, I read it again and focus on the important points or keyword then highlight it in book
    Lastly, when I finish any chapter and try to remember or review what happens or key points and I write into my notebook
    I'd prefer read any good self improvement book before going to bed.
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  • Profile picture of the author Suzanne Morgan
    I absolutely detest self-improvement books. You spend lots of money on them thinking they are going to change your life when in fact no amount of highlighting and note taking makes much difference. May be one or two points may be useful, but most of the stuff written makes no difference. What i have realised is that the only way to self-improve is to be aware. Aware of your thoughts, actions and deeds and how they affect you and those around you. Don't waste your money or your time on these books that make other people rich. Live your life with awareness and joy and make yourself rich. Hope this helps.
    Suzanne
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    • Profile picture of the author kenmorgan
      I've just started doing it recently. A great way to absorb books is to create a FreeMind mindmap. It gives a fantastic overview of a topic in one page.
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