Speed Reading For Prosperity
We have to consume increasing amounts of information to gain an edge. In this final piece of the mind series, I would like to look at how we can prosper by becoming better at reading and comprehending copious amounts of information. Those who can read quickly and accurately excel more in their studies and careers.
The more successful you want to become in the information age, the more likely you will be exposed to a lot of information. Being able to read, understand and apply information is critical for success. Even being able to apply the messages from this blog calls for being able to read, comprehend in as little time as possible.
Time is a Finite Resource
We now find ourselves in a world with millions of interconnected information sources. At a few clicks of a button, we are able to get hundreds of volumes of knowledge bases. To be able to absorb as much as possible, in as little time as possible, we need to learn how to read faster and comprehend.
I have always struggled with speed reading. I am an average reader. If only I could read faster, I probably would go through more volumes of research material and be able to create successes that I can only now dream of. That is one reason why I have decided to learn to speed read, this year and to inspire you to join me on this journey. Speed reading saves time; a finite resource.
What is Prosperity?
Prosperity means success, good fortune and wealth. A prosperous person is one who is able to tap into opportunities as they arise, without being constrained by lack of capital or resources.
Prosperity can be gained through education amongst other ways. For the purpose of this blog post, we shall look at the kind of prosperity that is a result of a good education.
Doctors, Lawyers, Business men and women have to go through lots of information to be able to master their professions. They become more prosperous the more information they gain and apply. Being able to read and comprehend is directly proportional to the level of prosperity in many professions.
Success Vocabulary
To be able to succeed in any profession, one has to learn to speak the language. The words that come from the mouth of a pilot are different from those of a carpenter. The vocabulary of a doctor is different from that of a mechanic. You need to be able to understand the words that are used and how they are used. It is important to understand complex language constructs as used by the people in that profession.
For example, if you aspire to be a great investor, you need to be attuned to the words that investors use. For example you would need to learn and understand words such as Corporate bonds, investments, profit and loss statement etc.
What is Speed Reading?
Speed reading is a collection of reading methods which attempt to increase rates of reading without greatly reducing comprehension or retention. Methods include chunking and eliminating sub vocalization. It is the ability to read rapidly and with good understanding. It is a skill that can be acquired and employed to harness the power of the mind.
The Benefits of Speed Reading
- Increase memory
- Increase productivity
- Develop your potential
- Process and assimilate lots of information.
- Save time and manage time resources
- Improve writing and communication skills
- Improve concentration and attention span
- Improve visualization and imagination
- Get the power of perspectives, faster.
- Keep up to date with happenings and professional skills
- Help in specialization and intense focus of a subject matter
How to Learn Speed Reading
A host of companies now offer books, training sessions and even computer programs to increase reading speed, sometimes at a cost of hundreds of dollars. But why spend your money on those programs when you can start reading faster today by following these simple steps?
Speed Reading Greats
Howard Stephen Berg claims to be the fastest reader in the world reading at a rate of 25,000 words per minute. The figure was deduced from him reading different texts on over a dozen television shows, and being tested by over a dozen newspapers in various cities around the country. On Cleveland’s Morning Exchange, Howard completed an 1100 page book and scored a perfect score on recall. He was retested three years later on the same book using his recall from the previous show again with perfect recall. Dick Cavett had Berg memorize his autobiography in 90 seconds and he demonstrated perfect recall. On Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, Berg memorized a 200 page book, “Going to the Movies,” by Quentin Crisp, and scored 100% on the extensive test given by the author. (Wikipedia)
Other high profile speed readers are former US presidents Jimmy Carter and JF Kennedy.
Speed Reading Books from Amazon
In today’s fast-paced world, everyone wants to read faster–students, workers, and time-pressed people everywhere who want to increase their efficiency and productivity. Speed Reading For Dummies changes the way people read, showing them how to process information more quickly while improving comprehension, retention, and recall. Covering the latest speed-reading techniques and tips, this breakthrough guide will help people read quickly and successfully no matter what they read–books, newspapers, magazines, e-mails, or technical journals.
2. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Speed Reading
Most adults today are working with antiquated skills and ingrained beliefs about their reading abilities, or lack thereof. But with the tips and examples offered in The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Speed Reading, getting through a load of must-do reading doesn’t have to be an arduous or overwhelming chore. The strategies are surprisingly simple once revealed. With practice, readers will not only speed through and understand books, articles, and professional journals but will also build their personal reading confidence and competence.
• Written by a reading specialist
• Useful for students, business people, lawyers, doctors
• Includes how-to strategies as well as practice timed readings
• Tips for reading on paper and onscreen
Summary
Improving your reading speed can help you get more out of life. It is a valuable skill to have and would be well worth your time to aquire it. Imagine if you could double or triple your reading speed? How would that affect your success? Do you need more information or software on this very important success technique? Your answers may only be a few clicks away.
Comments
I’m curious about what others think about this topic. Do you speed read? Do you know anyone who does? What tips or resources can you share with us?
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.