The Secret Power of ‘Read It Later’ Apps and Why You Should Learn in Public

The Secret Power of ‘Read It Later’ Apps and Why You Should Learn in Public

Reading is a powerful tool that allows us to explore different perspectives and expand our thinking. It requires concentration and focus, but it is a skill that is becoming increasingly valuable in today's world. The ability to sit quietly and direct our attention for sustained periods of time is becoming scarce, making those who can do it stand out from the crowd.

In a world of constant distractions and information overload, it's no wonder that our attention spans are dwindling. Google found that increasing the number of results per page from 10 to 30 caused 20% of people to drop off. Our minds are constantly bombarded with tasks and unfinished projects, leaving little room for clarity and focus. Uncompleted tasks take up mental space and limit our ability to concentrate.

This is where 'Read It Later' apps come in handy. These apps, such as Pocket, allow us to save articles, blog posts, and other long-form content for later consumption. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the task of reading an entire article or book, these apps give us the option to save it for a time when we can fully engage with the material.

Procrastination is a powerful force that often prevents us from starting or completing tasks. The fear of not being able to finish a long article or book can be paralyzing. By using a 'Read It Later' app, we can overcome this fear by creating a pool of options to choose from. We can make decisions from a higher perspective, where our choices are aligned with what truly matters to us.

But it's not just about consuming more content. 'Read It Later' apps also help with better filtering. With the abundance of information available online, it's important to be able to discern what is valuable and relevant to us. By saving articles and blog posts for later, we can take the time to evaluate whether they are worth our attention. We can make informed decisions about what we want to consume based on our own interests and priorities.

Learning in public is another powerful tool that can help us grow and expand our knowledge. When we share what we learn, whether through social media, blogging, or video content, we open ourselves up to feedback and the knowledge of others. It is a way to connect with like-minded individuals who can offer insights and perspectives that we may not have considered.

Sharing what we learn also has the potential to help others. By posting about what we have learned on platforms like Twitter or Medium, we have the opportunity to provide value to others. Even if just one person finds our content valuable, it is worth the effort. Learning in public is not only a way to build our network, but also a way to contribute to the knowledge base of others.

So, how can we incorporate these ideas into our own lives? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Use a 'Read It Later' app: Whether it's Pocket, Evernote, or another similar app, find one that works for you and start saving articles and long-form content for later consumption. This will allow you to engage with the material when you have the time and focus to fully absorb it.

2. Share what you learn: Whether it's through social media, blogging, or video content, take the opportunity to share what you learn. Not only will you receive feedback and insights from others, but you may also provide value to someone else who is seeking knowledge on the same topic.

3. Embrace the network effect: Ideas are powerful, but they become even more powerful when they are arranged in highly cross-referenced networks. By learning in public and engaging with others, you have the opportunity to build a network of like-minded individuals who can offer unique insights and perspectives. Embrace the power of collective knowledge.

In conclusion, 'Read It Later' apps and learning in public are two powerful tools that can help us navigate the overwhelming amount of information available to us. By using these tools, we can increase our consumption of long-form content, better filter what we choose to engage with, and build a network of individuals who can help us expand our knowledge. So, start saving those articles, share what you learn, and embrace the power of collective knowledge.