9 Ways Missionaries Can Read Better…and Become Better in the Process.
Get the most out of your missions reading.
When you read, you see words. Words don’t always make you better. Take these nine steps and the words will make you better.
Unfortunately, many feel validated for laying their eyes on the words.
Reading is a powerful shortcut, IF you turn on your brain.
Reasons people don’t:
- Thinking burns more calories than scanning.
- The quote, “If you get one idea from a book, it was worth the read.” Lazy excuse to tune out for 95% of the book.
- The feeling of FINISHING comes easier than DOING what it says.
I’m glad you’re here. Missions books can make you better with these nine steps.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Develop a deep, driving desire to master the principles in the book.
Flip the desire-for-mastery switch in your brain.
- Read the table of contents
- Read the book description
- Look for benefits
- Picture benefits in life/work
- Choose to chase mastery
Step 2: Read each chapter twice before going on.
Read a passage once. It won’t stick.
- First pass: lightly read or skim and your brain creates a framework
- Second pass: read at a normal pace and your brain sticks things on the framework
Step 3: As you read, stop often to ask yourself how you can apply each suggestion.
You may do this to some degree already.
But, when you reveal a valuable nugget, pause. Ask “how can I apply this?”
Step 4: Underscore each important idea.
Make the text yours.
In this step, you curate things that resonate. Bonus if you let them stand together and read them as a group.
Step 5: Review the book on a schedule.
Give it a Revisit Value.
Will you review it:
- Monthly?
- Quarterly?
- Yearly?
Step 6: Apply the principles.
Start small.
- Chose three principles
- Carry them on paper or your phone
- Look for how to apply them
- Choose three more
Step 7: Set out a consequence jar.
This is meant to be fun.
When you violate a principle add a dollar to the jar.
Find a charity you don’t agree with. Give the funds to them for extra points.
Step 8: Check in with yourself weekly.
Don’t be too hard on yourself but be honest.
Ask:
- What mistakes have I made?
- How am I better?
- What lessons have I learned?
Step 9: Keep notes on your progress.
Imagine how it will feel when you see the actions you took and who you’ve become.
- Chose a page in a journal or file on your phone.
- Write a sentence or more each time you review the book or check in with yourself.
Bonus: Give the book as a gift to someone you respect.
Someone you respect is more likely to read it than someone you think needs to read it.
Special thanks to Dale Carnegie for the inspiration of this list.
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