The Best Way to Find More Time to Read: How Putting Yourself in the User's Shoes Changes the Way You See Your Product

The Best Way to Find More Time to Read: How Putting Yourself in the User's Shoes Changes the Way You See Your Product

Finding time to read is a challenge that many of us face. With busy schedules and endless distractions, it can be difficult to prioritize reading. However, there is no secret to finding more time to read. It simply comes down to how you choose to allocate your time. This is where the concept of dogfooding comes into play.

Dogfooding, or using your own product, can provide valuable insights and help you see your product from the user's perspective. By immersing yourself in the user experience, you can uncover blind spots and gain a better understanding of any issues that may arise. This same principle can be applied to finding more time to read.

When reading, it is important to fully engage with the material. Taking notes, underlining key points, and synthesizing information can enhance your comprehension and retention. This active reading approach allows you to fully immerse yourself in the content and make connections to other concepts you have encountered.

In order to make time for reading, it is essential to evaluate how you currently spend your time. Consider the hours spent watching TV, commuting, or shopping. By reallocating some of this time towards reading, you can easily carve out dedicated reading time. In fact, if you assume the average person spends 3-4 hours a day watching TV, an hour or more commuting, and another 2-3 hours a week shopping, that adds up to a significant amount of time that could be spent reading.

But reading shouldn't be confined to designated reading time only. It can be incorporated into your daily life. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media while waiting in line at the grocery store, take out a book and engage with its contents. Use those spare moments to think about what you have read and reflect on how it applies to your life. By making reading a constant presence, you can maximize its benefits.

The purpose of reading goes beyond mere entertainment. It is a means to increase knowledge, find meaning, and gain a better understanding of oneself and others. As Nassim Taleb, author of Antifragile, points out, someone, somewhere, has probably thought about your problem and put it into a book. By reading, you gain access to the wisdom and insights of those who have come before you. As Machiavelli wrote in The Prince, "A wise man ought always to follow the paths beaten by great men, and to imitate those who have been supreme, so that if his ability does not equal theirs, at least it will savor of it."

Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, both successful individuals in their respective fields, are avid readers. Munger once stated, "In my whole life, I have known no wise people...who didn't read all the time." This highlights the importance of reading for personal and professional growth. It is an investment in oneself that can lead to increased intelligence, better ideas, and a deeper understanding of oneself and others.

So, how can you find more time to read? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Evaluate your daily activities and identify time-consuming tasks that can be reduced or eliminated. Consider reallocating that time towards reading.

2. Incorporate reading into your daily routine. Use spare moments, such as waiting in line or during your commute, to engage with a book. Make reading a constant presence in your life.

3. Stay curious and open-minded. Seek out books and topics that are outside of your comfort zone. This will broaden your perspectives and allow you to gain insights from a diverse range of sources.

In conclusion, finding more time to read is a matter of choice and prioritization. By incorporating dogfooding principles, such as active engagement and constant presence, you can make reading a regular part of your life. The benefits of reading are numerous, including increased knowledge, better ideas, and a deeper understanding of oneself and others. So, make the choice to allocate your time towards reading and unlock the doors to a world of knowledge and growth.