I stopped reading everything the same way

I have been busy with my work lately. I am usually exhausted at the end of the day. I have piles of books I want to read, and a big list of "read it later" articles. I wish I could read faster.

But reading faster isn't the solution. High-yield reading isn't about reading faster.
I need a way to filter what's worth reading, what's worth my time.

I recalled something I learned while reading Mortimer Adler's How to Read a Book.

Adler identified four distinct levels of reading: Elementary Reading, Inspectional Reading, Analytical Reading, and Syntopical Reading. Most people jump straight from decoding basic text (Elementary Reading) to heavy, line-by-line breakdown (Analytical Reading).

I noticed if I treat every article or book with maximum commitment from line one, I am building cognitive debt.

Here's what I do by borrowing Adler's Inspectional Reading concept.

• Evaluate the Architecture. I map the terrain of my reading first by reading the title, preface, table of contents and publisher summaries.
• Scan Key Structural Nodes. I read the introduction, pivotal chapter intros, and summary sections.
• Answer the Core Questions. I ask, "What is this text about as a whole?" and "Does it solve a problem I am actively working on right now?"

If the text is weak, redundant, or irrelevant to my current focus, I drop it immediately. That doesn't mean the article of book isn't worth reading. It just isn't worth it right now.

Filtering aggressively at the entrance helps me to eliminate 80% of readings that aren't the best fit at the time. That's how I eliminate my reading debt and keep my daily routine straightforward and effective.

Until next time,
Gav