
In the last 6 months I have changed the way I digest and take notes when reading books. I now use the acronym ACT – which stands for Apply, Change and Teach. (John Maxwell shared this last year as part of the Growth Faculty Event)
This is a good way to capture key takeaways while reading and is a simple process to start if you don’t typically take notes while reading. While you read the book you note down the areas as A1, A2, A3, C1, C2, C3, T1, T2, T3 and so on for areas that you are either going to apply, change from what you are currently doing or teach to others. When noting down these areas I write the page number of the book so I can refer back to the book as necessary along with the key information.
I read hard copy books (I haven’t been won over by a kindle yet….) and don’t like to mark my books with highlighter etc so that I can either gift them in the future or read them again and potentially find new take aways. I capture my notes in excel of my smartphone, by book and then use this as a calendar to ensure that I action the follow up items associated with ACT. I have found this a simple and effective way to consume books, retain information and have a document to refer back to overtime.
For those who want to go next level you could also note down quotes along with the page number of the book (I also do this) as well as principles or connections I make with other books and/or content from training programs, YouTube etc. For example – while reading ‘High Performance Habits’ by Brendan Burchard, I could make clear linkages to ‘The Compound Effect’ by Darren Hardy as well as content from Robin Sharma. I find this a great way to consider different angles on key principles and a way to enhance learning.
Our team in Melbourne has just started its first book club in advance of some upcoming training and will be using this method to work through Tony Hughes’ book – Combo Prospecting. As we will all use a similar methodology it gives as an excellent way to share notes, hold discussion and learn together. I’m excited for the journey ahead.
Extra Tips To Read More Books!
Most professionals I know would like to read more, or don’t read enough. Here are some quick tips to help you consume more books!
Time block and schedule growth into your daily routine. Find at least 30 minutes each day to invest in your growth and development. Or schedule to read a number of pages per day. Most people can find time to watch Netflix, find time to read a book. Build up to the 30 minutes if you need to.
Read in the morning. In line with the above I find the easiest time to read it first thing in the morning. This could be when you wake up, before/after your morning gym session, during your morning commute (if you are not driving) or anytime before you start work. The first thing most people do is check there phone/socials – scrap that and pick up a book!
Have a long list of books to read. I tend to buy books in bulk and often have 4-5 that I need to read, sat by the bed. It probably drives my wife crazy but gives me the motivation to read and get through the pile.
You don’t have to finish the book! This may sound counterintuitive but sometimes a book just doesn’t resonate with you or the timing is not right. Don’t force yourself. In my opinion you should enjoy the books you read. Put it back in your bookshelf and circle back to it at a later date. I don’t advocate this becoming a habit or doing this often but sometimes you just need to move on.
Find the format of book that works for you – do you prefer paperback (old school like me) or eBook.
Read a range of books – have books in your collection purely for enjoyment, there is nothing wrong with getting lost in a good story.
What are your tips to reading more books? How do you take notes and retain information? Share your tips below.

This article is originally published at www.matthewcossens.com/blog/
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