How to Read 5 Books a Month | Cal Newport’s Method

[@jakealden2517]

I work long hours, but I'm able to read 2, 300-page books per month by reading 10 pages of one book in the morning and 10 pages in the evening. It's not much, but that's 24 books a year or 125 books in 5 years. The pace is slow enough that I can really absorb what I'm reading rather than trying to impress people with how many books I read.

[@surabhichavan9673]

The pace will eventually increase and some book demand slow pace while some are an easy lift, like 1-2 hour read. Stay consistent and that's all that matters and remember why you started this in first place :)

[@handshakes76]

if you only read 300 page books, which are extremely short.

[@ritobrataghosh3628]

I have been a STEM student, researcher, or Engineer all my life, and I don't have a lot of free time. I agree with what you say. And I have also reached at the number 25 as the optimal amount I can read in a year, and guess what? From 2017 to 2023, I have read 25-35 books each year. That's at least 175 books in 7 years. I have completed my college, Master's, and three years of full time job in this period.

[@jakealden2517]

@@ritobrataghosh3628 that's great...thanks for sharing...makes me feel like we're taking the right approach. I've also discovered that I need to read some books 2 or 3 times to really know the book and absorb the material, so each year I usually pick a few to re-read again.

[@arturodelfuturo]

20 pages a day for a month is 600 pages 2300 is almost 4 times more than what you have stated Since your thesis is contradictory I would assume it’s plausible that your statement is optimistic planning fallacy.

[@NickSiekierski]

"How to Read a Book" by Van Doren and Adler is a good starting point. A few things I learned: different types of books require different approaches to reading, scanning quickly through a book to start gives you an overview of what to expect, most books aren't worth reading in their entirety, don't feel guilty about not finishing a book if it's not interesting/useful/stimulating.

[@truthtriumphs5289]

Well said...the genere makes a huge difference

[@anthonymwanje8398]

I used to feel guilty for not completing reading a book

[@carlos.sierra]

That’s a great book. If I was a professor, that would be required reading.

[@katya5187]

I read it too! Good book

[@seanmatthewking]

Unless you have a useful way of remembering the content of books, perhaps its not even useful to read a lot of books. I've forgot almost 100% of what I read.

[@devakinandan23]

1.pick Interesting books 2.shedule reading time 3.build good rituals around reading or habit bundling 4. do a speed run at the end of the book. 5.make your phone boring so that reading becomes your default activity. the reading life is a deep life and the reading life is a good life, give it a try....

[@Donotforgetyourroots]

With respect to point 4, I'm currently on the verge of completing a memoir. But, I couldn't motivate myself to read it. How can I speed it up ?

[@adityak935]

​@@Donotforgetyourroots abandon the book if you feel it holds no value.Don't waste your time just because you need to finish the book. Maybe, sometime later in life if you're pulled towards the book, you can read it where you left off. But, if you feel the book is valuable, and you're still not able to get yourself to finish it, try reading in 20 minute sprints. The efficacy of doing a closing run is that it pushes your capacity, and gives you a nice feeling of satisfaction when you finish the book - which is a reward that will motivate you to finish your next book. But if doing a sprint for the last 100 pages feels difficult, 20 min sprints or 20 pages at a time (Small achievable goals) is your best bet.

[@trent797]

5:52 In addition to closing pushes, I think a starting push is also really important. I try to have a good 60 to 90 minutes available when starting a book. It definitely helps build momentum.

[@lisaonthemargins]

Yeah, getting into it!

[@ConnectingAnswers]

good idea

[@lethargic_cow]

Interesting 👌🏼

[@dimitrifyodorovickaramazov]

Starting push is almost always default for me. Especially if it is an interesting book. Starting a new book is an excitement in itself. 👍🏻

[@eo3637]

Wow, thank you.

[@lanaya001]

oh finally!, a short focused video with NO sponsor commercials ...in les than 10 min. PERFECT !

[@tombaryla]

Sure, nobody likes ads. However, creators spend a lot of time preparing the materials we enjoy watching. The brutal truth is that KZbin also needs to earn money; otherwise, we’d have to pay for everything, and nobody wants that. I've never thought I would stand up for ads, but it seems we have to face this unwanted reality.

[@hello_world_0]

I am already paying KZbin, it's called Premium

[@codeforyou__110]

@@hello_world_0 it's called ublock

[@nitin_puranik]

Might I add another suggestion - Drastically reduce or eliminate the time you spend reading newspapers and redirect that time toward reading books. I'm now old enough to look back upon all the years I spent reading the newspaper. When I think about what I got out of all that, I really have nothing to show for. After a while, once you've gotten old enough and have a good understanding of the world you live in, any further newspaper reading will add no additional value to your life anymore.

[@VideoGameAtlas]

I was consuming a lot of internet news and made this change toward books...I read about 3 books a month this way without effort

[@rid.h.tom.4296]

Absolutely

[@yagamilightooo]

definitely agree that books are more dense in information (and insights, if you will) than newspapers. However I don't think all your years reading newspaper were in vain: newspapers are a great tool for building a model of the world, understanding how attention works, and introducing some novel "surprises" into your system, that may lead to connections you never would have made otherwise.

[@PoojaYadav-yf2ui]

excellent suggestion

[@kshitizmishra5154]

exactly, told my much younger cousin brother few months ago, "nobody becomes wise by reading newspapers".

[@anthonymwanje8398]

Greetings from Uganda, East Africa . Thank you for the show. My biggest insights are two: scheduling reading sessions for each day of a week and getting off social media

[@sajash3074]

When the student is ready, the teacher appears, thanks a million for appearing in my life, Cal!

[@gallantry2190]

I really liked the idea of making "Reading " your default activity, I've always thought, alright now I would actually delete all interesting apps/social media, in my free time what would I do, so I end up relapsing in a few days/weeks, but this opened up a whole world, great idea Cal! *Note: I've deleted all interesting apps and social media, and also formatted my pc (it had bunch of games) for almost 2 weeks now :D

[@mohdabi6937]

Ik it has been 2 years since your comment.But are u still going with this schedule or did u relapse and ended up using social media again.

[@365tage9]

Yayy! Finished 4th book already in the first 10 days of this year. Those are all solid books, on self help, workouts and fiction. I am loving reading once more. I did not know that reading can be broken down into smaller tasks for each week and the idea of pushing hard when finishing is coming up actually helped me to finish some of those books. Thank you so much. Just now I deleted goodreads from my mobile phone too, as I found that I update status of my reading more often. Big big big thanks!

[@doansonlam.docsachungdung]

I am truly grateful for the valuable content of this video. Newport's approach to effective reading is not only straightforward but also emphasizes the value of reading for intellectual development and success in one's professional life. The suggestions on book selection, scheduling reading time, creating rituals, and curbing phone distractions provide practical strategies to make reading a more integral part of our lives. Newport's insights underscore the profound impact that reading can have on our cognitive abilities, and his emphasis on making the phone less enticing for leisure activities is a powerful reminder to prioritize meaningful pursuits over digital distractions. Overall, a highly insightful and actionable set of tips that I appreciate and am eager to incorporate into my reading habits.

[@TheMissingLinePodcast]

The power of reading is amazing. Compounded knowledge, compounded skills, changing attitudes and actionable ideas. All for free at public libraries too! Get reading!

[@R.DILENSCHNEIDER]

I. Regarding Point #2 Schedule reading like you schedule exercise. A typical book is between 300 to 350 pages. So, if you read 12 pages a day, you'll read about 360 pages in a month (12 x 30 = 360). Can easily be done in 30 minutes. Call it The Daily Dozen! Double The Daily Dozen and you've read two books and so on. II. Regarding Point #3: Put rituals around reading. Whenever you begin reading, reread the last one or two paragraphs of where you left off before beginning the next section or chapter to refresh your memory and establish momentum. III. Last, with books that have difficult or tricky names for people and places, make it a point to grasp their correct pronunciations at the beginning of a book so that when you later encounter those names and places in the book they are not frustrating momentum killers.

[@lethargic_cow]

The Daily Dozen, love this :)

[@nia_111]

Wow! That is a surprisingly helpful comment 😊 The Daily Dozen ❤

[@yellewwossenmoghes1643]

Doing minor chores while listening to Audio books help me go through half hour to forty-five minutes worth of Audio book without straining myself. I usually listen at about 1.5 x of normal speed. So it only takes 20 to 30 minutes to cover that amount of material. It took a lot of practice to get used to listening to 1.5X comfortably. I had to build up that skill before listening to audio books at that speed while performing light chores (prepping simple foods followed by clean up, for example). This practice combines daily sessions of listening to audio books with rituals for me.

[@thefocus24]

I actually started reading - reading your books. You are LOVE

[@anuharidas3039]

I have read, almost all books written by you. I am reading slow productivity right now. I should say. Digital minimalism is the key.. to all of this. To doing deep work, to become the A player so that nobody can ignore you. A digital minimalistic person will always be productive in a slow and enjoyable way. :) It is the key my friends. I was addicted to my phone and I switched to a flip phone recently. The peace I felt.. Good God!!

[@hypcro]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:55 📚 Reading is crucial for those in knowledge work, as it exercises the brain and provides a competitive advantage. 02:33 📖 To read more, choose a wide variety of interesting books, mix audio and written formats, and always have one in progress. 04:07 🗓️ Schedule dedicated reading sessions just like you schedule exercise to prioritize reading. 05:04 ☕ Create enjoyable rituals around reading, like having a drink or setting up a comfortable reading space. 06:43 📵 Remove distracting apps from your phone to make reading your default leisure activity, boosting your reading productivity. Made with HARPA AI

[@Canooboy]

He didn’t say point 2 actually and the so forgot another point idk man

[@JaradPetroske]

My top tip? Proper lighting. I swear I read much more having invested in a nice reading lamp.

[@tahirisaid2693]

Ryan Holidays book, “the obstacle is the way” got me through one of the hardest moments in my life. I would listen to it over and over on Audible for days. I recommend it. Hearing the quotes from stoic philosophers makes me feel strong and limitless. And it got me to realize that the secret to making a million is making better investment.

[@tahirisaid2693]

I started out with a financial advisor called *" Rochelle Dungca Schreiber ".* Her honest approach gives me complete ownership and control of my positions, and her rates are incredibly affordable given my ROI. However, do your due diligence before contacting a financial advisor.

[@georgestone0123]

Heard many good recommendations about Roch Dungca-Schreiber by some YT channels, Seminars and other platforms, how can i reach her?

[@tahirisaid2693]

You can glance her name up on the internet and verify her yourself. She has years of financial market experience

[@georgestone0123]

Thanks so much I was able to find her page and I already leave her a message.

[@tredfxman]

Only read the excerpt of "The Obstacle is the way" book on Play Books app by Google. But i can tell you i will definetly buy this one! The writing style is excellent! 👍

[@iparagonepersonalvlogs1061]

That first one is SOOOO important! I later found out the reason why I HATED reading in school is because I was forced to read certain books or genres from my teachers. I can understand that they have certain requirements to build other skills important to reading like concentration and long-term memory, but MANNN was it such a drag to read some awarded book that I could not understand, especially in elementary school. Now I find myself buying books that are just energizing me so much that I almost can't sit 😅

[@SpesMagisteriiGradus]

As an ex reader who is trying to get back on it with non fiction books "Schedule reading like exercise" is a great suggestion that I neededddd thank you!

[@oldschoolel]

Stumbled on this video and THANK YOU. I had taken most of these steps, including less screen time, several years ago, but I am truly glad someone said it - "take the interesting stuff off your phone". I found that that habit alone sucked much of my attention from one of my most favorite things. I was surprised you did not include this rule of thumb: If you don't like the book, put it down. Read something else. Some books are appealing when reading the jacket or first chapter, but later, you can't stay with it once committed. Put it down. I've been gifted the worst books.

[@dameanvil]

00:00 📚 Reading is crucial for intellectual work, akin to exercise for the brain. 01:00 📖 Reading helps in grappling with complex ideas, enhancing empathy, and understanding different perspectives. 02:50 🔄 Choose a variety of interesting books to maintain engagement and avoid getting stuck. 03:55 🗓 Schedule dedicated reading sessions in your daily routine, treating reading like exercise. 04:52 ☕ Establish rituals around reading to make it more enjoyable and habitual. 05:48 📚 Use "closing pushes" to maintain momentum and finish books efficiently. 06:46 📱 Minimize distractions by removing social media and other enticing apps from your phone. 08:58 💡 Spending time on reading instead of social media can significantly improve quality of life and productivity.

[@pilatesme73]

Thank you for suggesting to stop using social media. Books are great!

[@Foxygrandpa2131]

Closing pushes changed the game for me. I know that if I just stay consistent with books (usually to the halfway mark) I’ll feel the momentum and do a few pushes to finish early. Helps me align my reading habits with my brain’s strengths.

[@zubairmir9857]

I bought your book Deep work last month but haven't read it yet. I have no idea what that book is all about but honestly saying... I have seen that book in the top most influential self help books of all times. And I have been recommended Deep work by many people so far. Thank you Cal Newport for your concern and your efforts are always appreciated.

[@bonjour7325]

Thank you. You are helping me, staying away from my phone & social media.

[@GlimpseIntoTheirNatures]

I used to love reading on public transportation on my way to work. Movement made a nice contrast to my getting lost in pages. A 40 minute time slot there and back. Thought about getting on light rail to go to a place outside the city just to read. Reflect. Take notes. Then have a walk, lunch and return home before dinner. Reading adventure, literally.

[@brookamos5787]

Hey Cal, great post! Thanks for sharing. Two questions and a comment. Questions: first, what biography did you read on Daniel Boone, and second, what books that you've read, which have had the greatest impact on you, would you recommend? Comment: from my youth I always envisioned myself as a reader; however, reality for me was far different than was my imagination, I never lived up to the ideal. As I got older, I thought I'd push myself and become the reader I wanted to be, and even though I read a lot throughout the years, my actions still did not match my expectations. And the reason was simple, I had a life to live, raising five children and trying to keep a roof over their heads and food in their mouths. It was not easy and it took most of my time. Not until I fully retired ten years ago was I finally able to become the reader I always dreamed of being. Today, I follow several of your recommendations for achieving my goal of reading at least 60 books per year, and that is setting aside each night, from about 7 pm until 3 or 4 in the morning, reading a variety of things that interest me, all while enjoying a couple of fine cigars on my porch (I live south of Tampa, so I can do this virtually all year round). But the only reason I have been able to accomplish this is because I no longer have other obligations (no kids, no job) to distract me from what I enjoy most. And for that, I am grateful. I look forward to hearing from you.

[@EmmaSolomano]

I have three types of books on the go at any time. The only way I can be as productive as I want is audiobooks, and about two-thirds of the books I read are in this format. I have a paper book to read at bedtime, and then I've always got an ebook sitting on my phone ready if I have a couple of minutes of downtime, although I do usually get distracted by social media instead.

[@angelodeus8423]

I'm reading your book on how to become a straights-A student, in parallel to other books, but your books is so interesting I want to read your book more than the otherones

[@anthonymwanje8398]

Dear Cal, once again greetings from Uganda, East Africa. After watching this video I turned off all social media for two days (from 2023, August 5 to 6); I have completed a book " Shoe dog" memoir of creator of NIKE by Phil Knight. I bought it on 8th August ,2021, it's been 2 years & had read only 2 chapters ( 30 pages ).With your techniques I have read 370 pages in 2 days. Am inspired by his story. It has stirred up my spirit to NOW tackle things I have been procrastinating. Now i believe deep down me that i can read five books in a month. Now am taking on a bk " Power of Focus" by Jack Canfield, Victor Hànsen & Les Hewitt Thank u, Cal

[@joreadsbooks1]

I think closing pushes is something I really needed to hear. When I have 200 pages left in a book for some reason I really let it drag. Going to try just setting time aside to finish.. and deleting social media!

[@iku_1013]

Thanks for the vid. You raise an interesting point about social media, but here is something to consider: Some people make a living from creating and managing social media content, which requires them to read a lot and respond to notifications as part of their work. How can they quit social media if it is their source of income? Also, do you count KZbin as a social media platform? I think platforms like that can be beneficial for us, as we can access educational and informative content such as this one. Curious to get your take on this.

[@sandraelder1101]

I take a book everywhere I go. I can drive to a pretty spot and read or while waiting for a train, bridge, laundry, doctor, grocery line, etc.

[@JoanneKaravara]

I love reading and I would love to take it to the next level and also I want to help my students to add more value to their reading!

[@Californiansurfer]

I read two books at one time. I found it to work. I was reading three books at the same time,but they overlapped. I think two books at the same time is best. I read in morning..

[@jwyldeck]

The biggest point not addressed is remembering the contents. I would suggest reading maybe 2 books a month max with deep analysis if u want to remember the content. The steps to do this are outlined in 'how to read a book'. If you just go for fiction though then you can plough through books, although I suspect most of us (Cal's audience) are more focused on non-fiction.

[@rpearce25]

Watching Cal Newport on my phone feels like putting a "save the planet" sticker on my car; the two things are in conflict, but it feels good nonetheless.

[@stephaniehopkinsartist]

Great tips. My average read per month is 8 to 10 books. Love reading so much.

[@jakianam9554]

- [00:12](kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYOlnHyamMSJj7c) 📚 Cal Newport sets a goal to read five books a month and discusses them on his podcast for accountability. - [00:54](kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYOlnHyamMSJj7c) 🧠 Reading is crucial for intellectual work, serving as a workout for the brain and enhancing empathy and understanding. - [02:26](kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYOlnHyamMSJj7c) 📖 To read more, choose interesting books that are enjoyable and mix different formats and genres. - [04:00](kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYOlnHyamMSJj7c) ⏰ Schedule reading sessions like exercise to ensure time is allocated and respected. - [04:57](kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYOlnHyamMSJj7c) 🍷 Create reading rituals, such as enjoying a drink or a particular setting, to make the experience more enjoyable. - [05:49](kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYOlnHyamMSJj7c) 🏁 Use "closing pushes" to finish books by dedicating time to complete the last 100 pages. - [06:44](kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYOlnHyamMSJj7c) 📵 Remove distractions by making your phone less interesting, turning reading into the default activity during downtime. - [08:19](kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYOlnHyamMSJj7c) 🚀 By reducing phone use and focusing time on reading, the number of books read each month can significantly increase.

[@kirstendhammasukha]

This is very inspiring. I am able reach my other goals- meditate daily, exercise, but I struggle with making time for reading and also writing. I am interested in reading Buddhist sutras mainly but want to be some more and more knowledgeable and able to also write about the sutras. I will try out these tips! Thanks!

[@TahminaAkter-yq9ku]

What you said it’s actually true. When I find an interesting book I can even finish it with a day or in one study session!

[@Rakshika1]

i love this guy lol and how they zoomed in on him when he made the point 'take everything interesting off your phone' !!

[@adv3nturetim]

Practical and great advice, phone too easily steals my attention. Particularly when I always feel better when I finally start consuming a book. Another method I try to implement is strategically having books in places where I typically go for my phone. Lounge, bedside table, dining table etc This way a book is staring at me while I’m on my phone, helps fuel the guilt while aimlessly on the phone……much like I am now 😶

[@johannes_9078]

Solid tips, I just personally don't like the idea of having an arbitrary number of books in a timeframe as my goal, seeing as books differ significantly in length, and in "reading difficulty". So I simply have the goal of reading minimum 2h per day, a non-fiction book I feel curious about that day. Usually that means I'm reading around 10 books at once.

[@hannahmathew-richards9570]

I am the same. I have specific times of the day that I read (in the morning when I drink a coffee, and the 1-2h before bed). Sometimes I also read more in a day such as if I have a long commute, or a book simply grips me! Usually this means 1-2 books per week.

[@oldjeremyx]

​@@hannahmathew-richards9570books of how much pages?

[@Joe-o9j1z]

I liked the comparison of treating reading sessions like gym sessions - fitting them into your schedule for a set time, rather than just something to do when you feel like it.

[@AjayVerma86]

That last advice is so true! I just want to add, that it's not always necessary to quit social media, I allow myself checking the feeds from my laptop after the day. I am close to 200 titles since I "bricked" my phone. Another advice is to always listen books while commuting. I once even rented an office further from house just to have more time to listen audiobooks while driving there and back twice a day.

[@improvingISAAC]

I've been making improvements to my life slowly. I think I am going to try making my phone boring and see how that goes with my reading progress.

[@islammahmoud5232]

This video, is very very inspiring. Thank you so much

[@vincewhite5087]

Sometimes on hard copy books set a target amount of pages, but not to many ie 20 pages, and on ereader, it’s ‘ Distraction Free reading’

[@alexkalish8288]

I read about 3 a month. I put the books in the bathroom and read on the pot. Read another couple technical books a month as I'm doing stuff.

[@josephthecreator]

Excellent vid- I carve out my last 30-45 minutes of the evening to read and allow my brain to "slow down". Just received my copy of Deep Work by the way, can't wait to dive in! 📚

[@ajmiutube]

Thank you excellent points of advice ❤

[@runningonthestreets]

You are creating a lot of quality, useful content recently. Thank you

[@Rakshika1]

for years he has!

[@ChipWhitehouse]

NOW HOLD ON ONE MINUTE… I’m at number 5 & I’m yelling at my TV “CAL you crazy! There is no WAY I’m taking social media off my phone. Not happening & this is not realistic or advisable to anyone who likes to exist in the modern world.” And I agree with still, but the SCREEN TIME… you’re on to something. My screen time is INSANE & I spent way too much time on social media. If I could switch that to reading?! This is amazing. I feel like you just changed my life. I still need to dedicate time to social media (sorry I’m not a cave man & will have to use social media for my work as well) but getting into the habit of when I’m bored READING instead of opening my phone?! 🤯🤯🤯 SOLD!

[@ChipWhitehouse]

ALSO not you telling me to take KZbin off my phone as I’m watching you on KZbin?? 😭😭😭

[@rafhaelsilva4450]

Tenha um celular apenas para redes sociais, não ande com esse celular, assim como ele disse para programar sessões de tempo para ler, reserve blocos de tempo para ver redes sociais, um tempo especifico no dia, usar a mesma estratégia para youtube Tenha diversos perfis no chrome cada youtube com um tema especifico, isso faz com que o algoritmo seja educado por você eu tenho apenas um youtube para musica classica, se aparece algum vpideo que não tem haver com o contexto, eu clico para não recomendar mais.

[@ChipWhitehouse]

@@rafhaelsilva4450 Este é um ótimo conselho! Obrigado! 👏👏👏🙌💖💕

[@Murcatto-hu1ym]

Easiest way is to listen to audiobooks. I've gone from reading 10-15 books to listening to 80+ books in a year.

[@lindamorse313]

What I'm trying to figure out is what else can I give up to get more time? Between being a teacher, household chores, volunteer activities, exercise, my dog, etc. practically every moment is carved out already. I journal briefly in the a.m. before work, put exercise on my calendar already - I do read maybe 5 minutes before I fall asleep at night. I watch Newshour at night, make dinner, etc and maybe enjoy one show before going to bed at 9:15 a.m. Some nights have to work and don't get the show!! Great ideas and I will see if I can create 15 more minutes a day to read some of the great magazines I get even. I loved the ideas of having something to accompany the reading for enjoyment. How do you get chores done though?

[@H3XED_OwO]

I've heard If you read a really good book it's almost as if you are talking directly to the author. It's kind of a weird form of social media that way but a much better one than most digital social media.

[@yoyoyo5621]

this is true.... i used to have 3 hour commute so i read every day and that period of my life i achieved a lot of personal growth because i read so many books

[@davep6603]

When I do sit down to read, I put my phone on Do Not Disturb and also set a timer, and carve out 15 minutes to one hour of uninterrupted reading time.

[@weston.weston]

We appreciate you, Cal. Great tips, I have had great success with each tip!

[@RohitSharma-ux2mw]

Thank you Cal, i love you and may god bless you

[@wowkachun]

2:30 What trips people up getting stuck and giving up? Reading too many different books altogether? Choosing a wide variety of books?

[@careervest]

thank you so much for these steps of and advice means a lot to me.

[@Akaki1999]

Last tip is spot on, whenever I'm away from social media I start to read way more and use info that I get from books... Also yeah that "defaulting" is crucial. Simply changing your default activity from social media scrolling to high quality book or podcast that will reduce soc media time + you will be using that time way better

[@educatingengineer2278]

I use closing pushes and my phone is boring now. I really like having the phone show me how much I use it. Woke me up.

[@BlueFlyer83]

I'm giving you a huge thumbs up for not having social media.

[@mohitsingha210]

Thank you so much. I am going to follow your advice.

[@carlos.sierra]

I’m to the point where I believe I must write about what I read in order to get the most out of the book.

[@Omar1066]

Where do you write your book notes?

[@carlos.sierra]

@@Omar1066 I only do minimal underlining in my books. What I meant is that I retain information best when I write about it, specifically referring to my class work.

[@davidibiyemi1308]

Fantastic, thank you very much Sir for this enlightenment

[@Amol-D]

awesome video, working towards making the phone boring and increasing reading time... finished digital minimalism, so good they cannot ignore you, now on deep work

[@anilaytac]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 02:18 Choose *a variety of interesting books, including novels, non-fiction, and mix audio and written formats.* 04:21 Schedule *dedicated reading sessions in your calendar to prioritize and make time for reading, treating it like exercise.* 05:48 Create *enjoyable rituals around reading, such as having a drink or selecting a comfortable and scenic location.* 06:31 Implement *"closing pushes" when nearing the end of a book, dedicating focused time to finish it.* 08:08 Minimize *distractions by removing social media apps and interesting content from your phone, making reading your default leisure activity.* Made with HARPA AI

[@1985322]

Always take a book to the doctors and dentist. Use public transport to get to work and read in that time.

[@abcenglishtime]

Love you brother you are legend in 21st century

[@marinagrey9031]

Very practical and good advices, thank you Cal 🙏🌸

[@melamaze29]

When I have a spare moment as a working parent I do house chores. I need more than a few minutes to read a book.

[@adamdrake39]

Oh but the irony of watching this video on my phone on KZbin! 🤦

[@jamesehoey]

Great video! Thanks man

[@spitalhelles3380]

reading is diet, writing is exercise

[@lesliegraham8478]

Genius storyline!😁

[@ilmarinen79]

You can combine exercise, good nutrition with intellectual endeavors...And it's superior in the long run to focusing on just one. Your body and also with it your mind will deteriorate if you do harm to it with life habits that the human body is not intended for.

[@sa6ab]

I already do all that and I still finish a book a month at best. I feel it's more a video about how to start reading. Wish you talked more about how much and how fast you actually read

[@SPS_Tech]

Thanks a lot !!!! God bless you for your good work !!!!!!

[@MrImagin]

i know this is an old video, but does watching videos like this or listening to podcasts like yours perform the intellectual exercise that you mention as the reason why we should read 5 books a month?

[@peterbahi0227]

Love this!!!

[@fahadibrahim9435]

Thank you, Cal Newport, what great advice.

[@HariREALLY]

Please, please, please DON'T do closing pushes if you don't feel like it. It CAN drastically change the impact of the ending if read hastily, particularly if you're reading a series/long book. I usually make sure to read the final act (or the final act of the final act if the books are too long) in one go, ie, stopping at the right moment during the penultimate read.

[@huntsail3727]

Great content. Thanks

[@robertoleon4519]

First and only advuce to read more: find the book that fit the mood you are in this moment.

[@Jim-mn7yq]

I'd love to read 5 books a month. But if u choose really big books, is that a realistic goal? I recently (yesterday) finished Walter Isacson's bio on Musk. It must have taken me weeks to get through that book, but it was worth every moment. But I'd never be able to read 5 similar books a month. So to hit the 5 books a month for me would require thinner books.

[@jasinAmsterdam1976]

Do you read the books one after the other? Of simultaneously?

[@JoeKing69]

My solution is to cut out things like KZbin 6 days out of the week so that I have nothing to do but work, read and listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks. Rather than creating specific goals I simply design my environment in a way so that my desired result is a forgone conclusion.

[@PianoandCoffee]

Good advice! One question. How many books do you recommend it’s ok to read at the same time?

[@vincewhite5087]

On iPad type ereader, I cut it down to almost no info on it.

[@sudhanshupandey4536]

Great tips

[@al3xj]

Hi Cal - an idea I'm thinking on, different brain waves are associated with different states, could reading then be a great 'warm up' actrivity for different types of work? (and for different types of contextual work - eg setting up for a different context, we use this book, or type of reading)

[@StudyingMachine-yg4th]

Great tips!

[@brewsfoodtravel9761]

Bourbon and a good book! My man 🙂

[@David_10157]

Great recommendations. I plan on implementing these immediately.

[@ipdavid1043]

i read 1 book per 2 days...u are right