Reading Changes your Brain, let me explain.

Reading Changes your Brain, let me explain.

In a world where our attention spans are being constantly bombarded by short snippets of information, the act of reading a book seems almost revolutionary. While social media and news articles provide us with quick bursts of information, books are the polar opposite of this. The format forces you to dive beneath the surface, understanding the body of water that makes up the shimmering surface.

But reading is not just a way to pass the time or escape reality. It has profound effects on our brains and our ability to think. One of my worst nightmares is losing my ability to think as I age. I want to preserve my cognitive abilities for as long as possible, and reading is one of the best ways to do that.

According to a study, reading fiction allows us to delve into the emotional journey of a character. It helps us develop empathy and understand the feelings and beliefs of others. This is a crucial skill in today's diverse and interconnected world. By reading, we expand our perspectives and become more open-minded individuals.

In fact, the National Health Service has recognized the power of reading in improving mental health. They have implemented a scheme called Reading Well, which allows doctors to prescribe self-help books to patients struggling with depression. This highlights the therapeutic benefits of reading and how it can positively impact our well-being.

But the benefits of reading go beyond just our emotional well-being. Through imaging the brain, a study has shown that reading improves our ability to process visual and verbal information. Enhancing visual processing can enhance our creativity and imagination. We are able to visualize the scenes described in the book and bring them to life in our minds. This can be a powerful tool for enhancing our problem-solving skills and thinking outside the box.

Improving verbal processing, on the other hand, allows us to think and, subsequently, speak with more clarity. Reading exposes us to a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures, which in turn helps us develop our own communication skills. By reading, we are expanding our linguistic abilities and becoming better equipped to express ourselves effectively.

But here's the thing - reading is not just about accumulating knowledge or improving our brain functions. It's about the experience itself. Currently, I find myself enjoying the process of browsing and buying books more than actually reading them. And that's a problem.

I have realized that setting aside 30 minutes before bed to get through at least 10 pages has been a useful way to wind down. It's a practice that helps me detach from the digital world and immerse myself in a different reality. It allows me to escape the daily grind and enter a world of imagination and wonder. So, even if I may not finish a book in one sitting, I am still reaping the benefits of reading by incorporating it into my daily routine.

Now, let's shift our focus to another topic - the pricing of digital products. In the digital age, many products and services are offered for free or at incredibly low prices. But is this sustainable in the long run?

The Pricing Manifesto advocates for pricing products based on the value they create. Free forever plans may seem enticing, but they create bad incentives and are often not sustainable. Companies that offer free products end up selling customer data or shutting down when they can no longer sustain their operations. Neither of these outcomes is acceptable.

On the other hand, users on a free forever plan can be the most fickle and demanding, while getting the least value from the product. Their requests and feedback can dilute the product and ultimately hurt the people who use it the most. Higher prices, on the other hand, create higher expectations. When customers pay a premium, they expect a higher quality product and are more likely to be committed to using it.

It's important to price products for sustainability, rather than relying on future salvation from venture capitalists or acquisitions. Many productivity products have failed because they failed to make money, even though they grew their free user base rapidly. Building a business with the hope of future salvation creates bad incentives and often results in a sub-par product.

Sunsama, for example, charges a subscription instead of a one-time fee because it keeps customers committed to the product and ensures that the company is committed to maintaining it. By charging a subscription, the company's only incentive is to convince people to buy and continue using the product every day. This creates a long-term relationship with committed customers, allowing the company to focus on improving the product in meaningful ways instead of chasing new marketing fads.

It's also important to note that it's wrong to build a business off of people's forgetfulness. Companies should only ask for customers' money after they have fallen in love with the product. Sunsama, for instance, allows customers to cancel their subscription easily without going through support or dozens of screens. When customers decide to cancel, the company simply asks for feedback and provides a button to cancel the subscription immediately.

In conclusion, reading is not just a hobby or a way to pass the time. It has profound effects on our brains, our empathy, and our ability to think. Incorporating reading into our daily routine can help preserve our cognitive abilities and expand our perspectives. Similarly, pricing digital products based on the value they create is essential for sustainability and customer satisfaction. By charging a fair price, companies can ensure a higher quality product and build long-term relationships with committed customers.

Actionable advice:

1. Set aside dedicated time each day to read, even if it's just a few pages. This will help you reap the cognitive and emotional benefits of reading.
2. When considering purchasing a digital product or service, evaluate the value it will bring to your life. Don't be swayed by free offerings that may not provide the same level of quality or commitment.
3. Prioritize long-term relationships with products and services that align with your values and needs. Avoid constantly chasing the next big thing and instead focus on building meaningful connections with the tools that truly enrich your life.