Upgrading 5400 Years Old Tech: Tools for Better Reading and Optimizing Your Schedule for Productivity

Upgrading 5400 Years Old Tech: Tools for Better Reading and Optimizing Your Schedule for Productivity

Reading, a skill invented 5400 years ago along with writing, has remained largely unchanged throughout history. Despite the technological advancements we've made, reading is still the most efficient way to absorb information. In fact, the average person reads at a rate of 250 words per minute (wpm). But how can we make the most out of this ancient skill?

Mortimer Adler, in his meta-book "How to Read a Book," introduced three different reading techniques: inspectional reading, analytical reading, and synoptical reading. Each technique serves a unique purpose and can help us better understand and retain the information we come across.

However, reading doesn't have to be a solitary act. The rise of social reading plugins has brought a new and interactive dimension to the reading experience. With the help of Glasp curators, we can now have our own filters to guide us through the vast sea of information available to us. Social reading is a trend that is here to stay, and it's only just getting started.

On the other hand, when it comes to productivity, our schedules play a crucial role. Farnam Street's article, "Maker vs. Manager: How Your Schedule Can Make or Break You," highlights the importance of understanding the difference between maker and manager schedules. Makers, who are focused on creating tangible value, require long periods of uninterrupted time to produce their best work. Managers, on the other hand, thrive in a fast-paced environment with constant decision-making.

To optimize productivity, it's essential to separate these two schedules and set clear boundaries. By doing so, we can ensure that makers have the time they need to delve deep into their work without interruptions. Additionally, providing employees with privacy, personal space, and control over their physical environments can significantly impact their performance. Top performers overwhelmingly work for companies that prioritize these factors.

Here are three actionable pieces of advice to upgrade your reading and productivity:

1. Embrace different reading techniques: Experiment with inspectional, analytical, and synoptical reading to enhance your understanding and retention of information.

2. Separate maker and manager schedules: Designate specific blocks of time for deep, uninterrupted work and make sure to communicate these boundaries to your colleagues.

3. Create an optimal work environment: Minimize interruptions and distractions, and give yourself control over your physical workspace to maximize your productivity.

In conclusion, reading may be an ancient skill, but it still holds immense value in our modern world. By embracing different reading techniques and incorporating social reading plugins, we can enhance our learning experiences. Moreover, understanding the distinction between maker and manager schedules and creating an optimal work environment can significantly impact our productivity. So, let's upgrade our reading skills and optimize our schedules to make the most out of our time. As Arnold Bennett wisely said, "You have to live on this 24 hours of time. Its right use...is a matter of the highest urgency."