How to Read Effectively Like a CEO: Unleash Your Inner Power Reader!

Ever feel like there just aren't enough hours in the day to conquer your reading list? We get it. Between the constant social media scroll (two hours a day, on average!) and the ever-growing pile of unread books, becoming a CEO of your own knowledge domain can feel like a pipe dream. But fear not, fellow bibliophile! In this guide, we'll unveil the secrets to reading effectively like a CEO, transforming you from a passive page-turner into an information-gobbling powerhouse.

Before You Buy: Be a Discerning Investor

Think of yourself as a venture capitalist, meticulously evaluating potential investments. Here's how to pick the perfect books to supercharge your knowledge:

1. Have an Agenda: What do you want to achieve? Sharpen your leadership skills? Boost your creativity? Identifying your goals ensures you're picking books that offer a clear ROI (Return on Investment...in knowledge, of course!).
2. Research Like a Pro: Leverage the power of the Internet! Scour online reviews, bestseller lists, and author interviews to find the best fit for your needs. Platforms like TED Talks, 99U, and RSA often feature authors distilling their book's essence into bite-sized presentations – a fantastic way to test-drive the content before committing.
3. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity:  Instead of a toppling TBR (To Be Read) pile, curate a select group of 2-3 high-impact books. Remember, quality trumps quantity.
4. Listen Up!: Supplement your reading with author talks or video summaries. This pre-game prep primes your mind for deeper comprehension and can even spark your enthusiasm for the full experience.
5. Preview, Don't Just Pre-Order: Most online retailers offer "Look Inside" features. Utilise them! Skim through the table of contents, read a few introductory pages, and even sample a couple of stories from different sections. This sneak peek ensures the book aligns with both your interests and learning style.

Post-Purchase: Become an Active Reader

Now that you've selected your power picks, it's time to dive in and become an active reader:

1. Read with Purpose: You don't need to read every page. Instead, read until you've gathered the necessary knowledge for your agenda.
2. Extract the Essence:  Focus on gleaning the key takeaways from each section. What's the central message? How can you apply it to your life or work?
3. Underline and Mark for Retention: Use highlighters, notes, or flags to mark essential points. These markings help reinforce and retain crucial concepts.
4. DO NOT touch your phone:  Put your phone on silent or tuck it away entirely. Social media notifications are the enemies of focused reading.
5. Embrace the Power of One Hour:  Carve out at least an hour each day for dedicated reading. Consistency is key to building the habit (and reaping the rewards!)

Remember, information is power, and effective reading is your superpower! So, put down the phone, grab your book, and embark on your journey to becoming a CEO of knowledge. Happy Reading!