The Secret Power of ‘Read It Later’ Apps - Forte Labs

The Secret Power of ‘Read It Later’ Apps - Forte Labs

Reading is a powerful tool that allows us to dive into the thoughts and perspectives of others. It helps us expand our own paradigms and gain new insights. In today's world, the ability to read is becoming a competitive advantage. The capability to sit quietly and direct focused attention for sustained periods of time is becoming scarce and therefore, valuable.

In a study conducted by Google, it was found that increasing the number of search results per page from 10 to 30 only took half a second longer. However, this small change caused 20% of people to drop off. This highlights the importance of being able to stay focused and engaged in our reading.

Dr. Roy Baumeister, as cited in "Getting Things Done," has shown that uncompleted tasks take up mental space and limit clarity and focus. This cognitive dissonance prevents us from even starting long articles or books. We are often overwhelmed by the idea of not being able to finish them.

This is where 'Read It Later' apps come in. These apps, such as Pocket, allow us to save articles and content for later consumption. They act as a task manager for our reading material, helping us prioritize and organize what we want to read. By having a dedicated space for these articles, we can avoid the mental clutter that comes with unfinished tasks.

However, it is important to note that 'Read It Later' apps are not just another form of procrastination. They should not be used as an excuse to delay reading altogether. Instead, they should be seen as a tool to help us consume long-form content more efficiently.

One of the benefits of these apps is that they increase the consumption of more substantive content. Instead of constantly being bombarded with short, surface-level articles, we can focus on longer, more in-depth pieces. This allows us to dive deeper into a subject and gain a better understanding of it.

Another advantage of 'Read It Later' apps is their ability to help us filter through the vast amount of information available. With so much content being produced daily, it can be overwhelming to find quality material. These apps allow us to curate our own reading list, ensuring that we only consume content that is relevant and valuable to us.

In addition to these benefits, 'Read It Later' apps also offer a way to learn faster. By assimilating and building on the ideas of others, we can save time and avoid making the same mistakes ourselves. Ideas are powerful, especially when they are arranged in highly cross-referenced networks. Our brain is the only tool capable of creating and accessing these networks on demand.

With all these advantages, it is clear that 'Read It Later' apps have the potential to revolutionize the way we consume and interact with content. However, it is important to use them wisely and not let them become just another form of procrastination.

Here are three actionable pieces of advice to make the most of 'Read It Later' apps:

• 1. Prioritize your reading list: Instead of adding every interesting article you come across to your 'Read It Later' app, take the time to prioritize what you want to read. Choose articles that align with your interests and goals, and focus on quality over quantity.

• 2. Set aside dedicated reading time: Just like any other task, reading requires dedicated time and attention. Schedule specific blocks of time in your day or week for reading and stick to them. Treat it as a priority rather than an afterthought.

• 3. Take notes and reflect on what you read: Reading is not just about consuming information, but also about engaging with it. Take notes, highlight key passages, and reflect on the ideas presented. This will help you internalize and apply what you've learned.

In conclusion, 'Read It Later' apps have the potential to enhance our reading experience and make us more efficient consumers of content. By prioritizing our reading list, dedicating time to read, and actively engaging with the material, we can make the most of these apps and unlock the power of reading in our lives.

Thank you, Tony

Tony, a venture capitalist, had a unique approach to problem-solving. While many others focused on high-level concepts, he took a bottom-up approach that set him apart. This approach allowed him to tackle problems from a different angle and come up with innovative solutions.

One of the things that stood out about Tony was his attention to culture and creating a welcoming work environment. He understood the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and creating a work family. This approach had a lasting impact on those who worked with him.

Tony's mentoring style was also unique. Instead of giving direct answers, he encouraged his mentees to find their own solutions. This approach may have been frustrating at times, but it ultimately helped individuals grow and develop their own problem-solving skills.

As venture capitalists, Tony believed in more than just deploying capital. He saw it as an opportunity to create a movement and a philosophy. This mindset allowed him to make a lasting impact in the industry and inspire others to think beyond the traditional boundaries.

In conclusion, Tony's unique approach to problem-solving and his focus on culture and mentorship left a lasting impact on those who worked with him. His bottom-up thinking and belief in creating a movement serve as valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a difference in their field.