Sometimes our training just does not work. I already recognise such cases and simply ask: for how many hours did you read last week? If the answer is below 2 hours, there is very little chance that the person will learn speedreading. There is a huge value in simply stop thinking and start practicing. Practice focuses energy, builds motivation, generates personal insights, reduced procrastination. It is not enough to read a speedreading book. If you do not read varied and challenging material relevant to your everyday life – you will not be able to train your skills in action. Playing relevant games also does not generate sufficient result by itself. Reading skills are specific for language, sort of materials, medium (computer/book). It takes time to adapt to new reading scenario. By reading balanced portfolio of materials while learning speedreading methods we help balanced and correct skill development.
There are some additional reasons that so many people report they could not learn speedreading.
1. Some people are misinformed. There is no “magic trick” for speedreading. Speedreading is not a hoax and not a genetic mutation. Speedreading is expensive, in terms of the time and effort required to acquire the skill.
2. It is important to train brain to process huge amounts of information BEFORE training eyes to acquire the information very fast. Otherwise, the retention will drop below a reasonable level. If this happens, you will be forced to unlearn your training and relearn from zero, with emphasis on retention. Very frustrating.
3. Not only the reading method, but the whole approach to reading process needs to be modified. If there is no separation of reading stages, no pomodoro rests or no analysis after reading, it is very hard to maintain the reading speed for long texts.
4. Your brain will resist the changes. Very often it may trick you into thinking that a change happened well before it actually happens. Do not believe your inner intuition, and test anything with a timer in your hand.
Why are we sure that anyone can learn?
1. Brain plasticity. The brain regularly regenerates, build new skills, creates new relations.
2. Frequency. By persistent learning, say 1 hour a day, 5 times a week for 10 weeks, we generate new habit. And this new habit will have energy of its own to push you beyond your current limitation.
3. Intensity. High-speed visualization required for speedreading is mind-blowingly intense. Once you start using it, you will get positively addicted.
4. Shaping. Progressively building and personalizing the skill, you will ensure that it fits your capabilities and you have fun using it.
Just like you learn to go to a gym, until you cannot imagine your routine without it, you can get reading coaching. You can use our online community to share your progress. Alternatively you can schedule 1:1 with Anna, who is the best speedreading teacher and trainer alive. Write [email protected] to schedule.
