Reading For A Transformed Life, Not Just Information
If you’re reading this article, then my guess is that you’re focused on growth and transformation. You like reading to be challenged, to strengthen your faith, and to learn something important! Me too!!!
But I recently had to address an inconsistency. I was reading a lot (4+ books per month), but I had nothing to show for it. The information was not sticking with me past the moment I put the book down.
What a waste! It was frustrating and embarrassing. I needed to figure out what my deal was. Yes, sometimes the fault lies with the book. But often it has more to do with us.
When I dug into this I found a few root issues at play for me. And if you’re having trouble retaining what you read then they might be true for you too.
3 Root Issues That Hurt Our Ability to Transform Through Reading
- Reading for the wrong reasons: Reading is a worthy habit, but everything can be taken too far. That was partly the case for me. I love seeing other people’s reading lists and hearing how many books they read last year. So it became a competition, which led to a desire to rush through books just to check them off the list.
- Filling our minds with too many other voices: Sometimes we aren’t able to meditate on what we’ve read because there is not a minute of the day when we’re actually able to sit undistracted by something. Also true for me. I had too many voices (podcasts, newsletters, books, even friends) planting seeds in my mind that there was no time for freethought.
- Not reading what the Spirit is leading you to: This one is the outcome of the previous two. When we read for the wrong reasons and listen to too many other people, we’re not letting the Lord guide us. He can and will use powerful authors to communicate. Take a week or two to ask the Lord to lead you to the next book or topic He’d like you to dig into.
Okay, now let’s assume you have those basement-level factors settled but you’re still not seeing the transformation from the books you’re reading. What then? Well, that is also something I have explored.
Practical Tips For Reading For Transformation
Here is my process of reading with a focus on transformation:
1. Underline and write in your books: Unless it’s a library book or borrowed from a friend, I’m writing in it. And unless you have unlimited time and discipline to copy the exact passage down in another notebook, I suggest you start writing in your books, too. Authors write for a living and it is hard to recreate the exact feeling and understanding that their carefully crafted words make in our hearts. You’ll want to be able to revisit that and it’ll make our next method of retention easier…
2. Do a chapter summary: I use these long-lined sticky notes to summarize the key points or quotes from EACH CHAPTER. Don’t wait until the end of the book to go back and do this. Do it as you go. I usually read 3-4 chapters, then I’ll pause and go back to recap those chapters on those sticky notes.
3. Summarize the whole book into 5-7 sentences: Once you’re done with the book, you should have it packed full of sticky notes and markups. Now it’s time to see if you can boil those 10-15 sticky notes down to 2 MAIN STICKY NOTES worth of info. Just take all the chapter summary notes and translate that into the info you want to take from this book. Stick those on the inside front cover.
4. Keep a “commonplace” notebook: The purpose of this notebook is to record whatever seeps into you so deeply that it must be revisited. I copy thoughts or direct passages from my book notes and sticky notes into this notebook for the safest keeping. I’m on my 2nd commonplace notebook now and they’re such a treasure of the most meaningful tidbits I’ve learned through reading.
And A Few More Tips For Good Measure…
- Tell a friend what you’re reading and ask them to ask you about it.
- Better yet, read along with someone else. It can be hard to line up but there is so much value in being able to discuss it as you go.
- Immerse yourself in other info about that subject at the same time (through podcasts, other sermons, etc).
- Just slow down! Answer any reflection questions at the end of the chapter. Pause when the Holy Spirit pricks you with something.
- Try to read early in the day, even if it’s just a few pages. Then you’ll have the whole day to think about it versus reading at night when you’ll just fall straight asleep. I carry a book around in the house rather than my phone to sneak in a few paragraphs whenever the kids are quiet.
- Cull down your list of podcasts, newsletters, social media accounts, etc. to a manageable level. Don’t invite so many people to speak into your life that you can’t hear from God and the trusted counsel of real-life friends that He has given you.
- Start a list of topics, gaps, weaknesses, and passions that YOU want to pursue and that the Lord is calling you to. Unless they fit into those categories a book stays off your list and out of your cart.
Yes, it is time-consuming but I came across a quote that confirmed why this approach is best:
“A student will find that his mental constitution is more affected by one book thoroughly mastered than by twenty books he has merely skimmed. Little learning and much pride comes from hasty reading. In reading, let your motto be ‘much, not many’.”
Charles Spurgeon
Happy reading for transformation, friends!
About The Author
Amanda is an NC native currently living in Murrells Inlet, SC with her husband and two kids. They moved there in 2021 to help launch Coastway Church. Since arriving she founded a site helping Myrtle Beach moms feel more connected to one another and resourced to explore the area. Check out Moms of Myrtle to keep up with her adventures (and find the hidden gems of the Grand Strand)!
