Excess Access
I recently heard a TV executive say that between broadcast networks, cable, and streaming outlets there are over 400 scripted shows running in the U.S. right now. Over 400! How are we supposed to keep up with them? Every time I chat with friends a new show will surface in the conversation. “Have you seen….?” “No,” I’ll reply. “How about…..?” Again my inevitable answer is, “No.” How could I? There are over 400, and only so many hours in the day.
The frightening thing is that 400 represents a reasonable number when you compare it to the literal avalanche of interesting books (whether fiction or non-fiction), articles, blog posts, etc. etc. that are published daily, and scream for our attention. So how do we keep up? The answer is to be more discriminating before, during, and after you read.
Tips To Triage What You Read
- Before you commit to reading something, ask yourself about the purpose of doing so. “Why should I read this particular item right now?” The more specific you are when answering the question the better. Dig deep to determine whether reading it will help you with a current issue or challenge, or generally improve your life in some way. I know what you’re thinking – reading is its own reward. And that’s true – to a point. However, given the mountains of material we all need to get through in the run of a day it pays, and is ultimately more rewarding, to only read what holds potential value for you at the moment.
- If you’ve found something that passes the purpose test, be sure to keep that value in mind as you’re reading. In fact, you may want to actually write it on the first page to remind yourself why you’ve made this substantial investment. As you read, return to that statement of purpose frequently to put the material in context and ensure you’re getting as much out of the text as possible. Taking notes while reading will also pay extensive dividends in understanding and application.
- Apply what you’ve learned quickly. One of the best ways to do that is through a process Stephen Covey termed “Third Person Teaching.” Share what you read with others, conveying the key points and what you personally gained from them. If the reading is professional in nature, consider starting a book club or “lunch and learn” to discuss important topics and how they could be applied in your organization.
I hope you find these tips helpful. There is more I could say on the topic but I have to go…I just heard about a really good new TV show.
Paul Niven is a Global OKR Coach with OKRsTraining.com, and author of 6 books on strategy execution.