Write like you code: How to Actually Use What You Read with Readwise

Write like you code: How to Actually Use What You Read with Readwise

Good writing is like good code. It is simple, efficient, and well-structured. On the other hand, bad writing is like bad code. It is unnecessarily complex, inefficient in utilizing the reader's memory, and structured in a confusing manner. The principle of "write like you code" emphasizes the importance of simplicity and clarity in writing. Just as good code can be understood by a junior engineer, good writing should be easily comprehensible by any reader.

When writing, it is crucial to consider the mental resources of the reader. Attention span and memory are the writer's equivalent of CPU cycles and RAM. To combat reader boredom and maintain engagement, good writing incorporates frequent humor or offers insightful moments. In fact, it is recommended to provide the reader with an epiphany every 250 words, as suggested by David Perell's "Raymond Chandler rule."

Incorporating a reading workflow, such as the one offered by Readwise, can greatly enhance the utilization of what you read. A reading workflow is an external system that transforms reading into meaningful action and lasting insight. It helps readers learn and understand new concepts effectively. Based on our observations, effective workflows typically consist of three key steps: Capture, Review, and Integrate.

The first step, Capture, involves noting down anything that may be meaningful to you in a reliable system outside your mind. This allows you to refer back to these notes later and make use of the information. There are no strict rules on what to highlight. The objective is simply to capture whatever stands out to you personally. Each reader will have their own unique perspective and preferences.

Once you have captured your notes, the next step is to Review them. Without reviewing, the act of capturing becomes meaningless. Readwise provides various methods to consistently review your highlights. One popular option is the Readwise email, which delivers a daily assortment of your best highlights. This regular review ensures that the information remains fresh in your mind and increases the chances of retaining it.

The final step in the reading workflow is Integrate. Integration can take on different forms, depending on your goals. It might involve enhancing retention through a lightweight form of spaced repetition, allowing you to better remember and comprehend new concepts. Integration can also lead to increased creativity by connecting seemingly unrelated ideas, sparking new insights and perspectives. Additionally, integration may inspire action based on something you've read, thanks to timely reminders during your daily review.

By following a reading workflow, you can make the most of what you read. It resurfaces the important points you captured while reading, providing repeated opportunities to actually utilize and apply that knowledge. Throughout history, great readers have relied on clever external systems to compensate for their forgetfulness. It is rare to encounter a dedicated reader who hasn't developed their own reading workflow.

In conclusion, writing like you code and using a reading workflow can greatly improve your writing and reading experiences. Simple, efficient, and well-structured writing ensures that your message is easily understood by readers. A reading workflow, such as the one provided by Readwise, helps transform reading into actionable insights and meaningful actions. To make the most of what you read, remember to capture important points, regularly review them, and find ways to integrate the knowledge into your life.

Actionable Advice:

1. Simplify your writing: Aim for clarity and simplicity in your writing. Avoid unnecessary complexity and convoluted sentence structures.
2. Develop a reading workflow: Find a system that works for you to capture, review, and integrate the knowledge you gain from reading. Experiment with different methods and tools until you find what suits your needs.
3. Act on what you read: Don't let the information you consume go to waste. Take action based on the insights you gain from your reading. Whether it's implementing new strategies, sharing knowledge with others, or applying concepts to your own life, make sure to put your reading into practice.