Written by: November 6, 2022
How to read 3x more books (with zero added time).
A System For
Tripling Your Reading Speed
Product
N/A
Price
Free
Principle-First
Today you’ll get a proven technique for tripling your reading speed.
Imagine if you went from reading 10 to 30 books a year!
That knowledge would be life-changing.
According to Forbes, top CEOs average a book a week.
SUPERHUMAN SCORING
In every edition of All Systems Go, I assess the featured product across four superhuman dimensions: impact, setup, maintenance, and aesthetics.
Unlike your typical product review, I focus on factors that influence personal growth. Get to know the evaluation system.
Impact (9.5/10)
Speed reading is an example of meta-learning.
That word means “learning how to learn.”
It's the best investment you'll ever make in your self-education.
Why?
It’s a skill that compounds to more knowledge and skills.
(Because the new you will read 3x more books.)
Of course, only applied knowledge is power.
So make sure you’re integrating what you’re learning, too!
Setup (7.0/10)
Here are the 5 secrets to speed reading:
1. Avoid Subvocalization
The untrained reader vocalizes each word in their head.
It’s a problem because you can read faster than you speak.
Most people speak 150-200 words per minute (wpm), while trained readers can push 700+ wpm.
Yes, you CAN read without subvocalizing…
Prove it to yourself:
Read the next few sentences while repeating “1, 2, 3, A, B, C.”
Notice how subvocalization is irrelevant to understanding.
It's only challenging because of bad habits. But it IS possible.
Keep practicing.
2. Read in Chunks
Avoid reading each word one by one.
Instead, read in chunks of 2-3 words. You'll go faster.
See the difference:
[Instead] [read] [in] [chunks] [of] [2-3] [words.]
Vs.
[Instead read] [in chunks of] [2-3 words.]
Like skipping rocks!
3. Eliminate Regression (conscious rereading)
30% of time reading is spent rereading.
The culprit is distraction & lack of focus.
Block out distractions, sit up straight, and learn like you mean it.
4. Avoid the Margins
Remember #2, read in chunks?
Every line has a first & last chunk. Read those chunks towards the center.
For example, focus on the words “text” and “peripheral” below:
[See text] [with your] [peripheral vision].
Fewer eye fixations/movement equals more speed.
5. Use a Visual Pacer
For physical books, trace your finger under word chunks as you read 'em.
With tracing, you'll center your focus and set your speed.
Have a strong bias towards the text's centerline (again, avoid the margins).
Don't backtrack. Keep the pace.
Maintenance (7.0/10)
If you want to go further with speed reading, here are some popular apps:
They’ll help you practice the principles covered here.
Aesthetics (8.0/10)
Both the additional tools have standout reviews in their respective app stores.
Outread helps you speed-read websites, ebooks, and documents (through chunking and pacing techniques).
While ReaderPro focuses on daily drills to build the skill.
BRINGING IT HOME
TL;DR of Speed Reading
- Avoid subvocalization
- Read in chunks
- Eliminate regression
- Avoid the margins
- Use a visual pacer
Today’s topic is like walking vs. running.
If you’re anything like me, you love a good leisurely stroll.
But it’s also nice to know you can always book it.
All systems go,
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Resources
- Newsletter Archive: Read past issues of All Systems Go
- Energy Dashboard: Get an under-the-hood look at my self-tracking metrics for energy management (updated weekly)
- [Quick Win] Phone Charger Challenge: Save 60 hours every year with this simple morning hack
