Are you getting the most out of your business book reading, podcasts, and audible books?
Sure, absorbing information passively is beneficial, but what if you could elevate your career to a whole new level with just a few extra steps? What if you could turn your reading sessions into interactive, productive exercises that not only deepen your understanding but also enhance your practical application of the concepts you encounter?
Okay, for justa moment, think back to your grade school days. Remember those workbooks? While some memories may evoke a shiver down your spine, others probably bring a nostalgic smile to your face. Workbooks weren't just about filling in blanks or solving equations; they were about engagement, reflection, and hands-on learning. From drawing to problem-solving, each activity was designed to cement knowledge and apply it to real-life situations. Why should the learning process stop when we leave the classroom?
Sure, most business books don't come with a ready-made workbook, but that shouldn't stop you from making your own. Here are four simple yet powerful ideas to get you started:
- Mind Mapping: After finishing a chapter or a significant section, take a moment to create a mind map. Jot down the main topics covered and any "aha" moments you experienced. Visualizing connections between ideas can help solidify your understanding and provide a handy reference for later review. And, if a mind map is not your bag, then any sort of drawing about the chapter(s) will work.
- Questioning and Curiosity: Engage your curiosity by asking yourself questions about the material. What aspects intrigue you? What areas do you want to explore further? And maybe even, what do you think is absolute BS? Jot down these questions as they arise, and use them as prompts for future research or discussion.
- Personal Application: Reflect on how the concepts discussed in the book apply to your own life and work. Are there parallels between the author's examples and your experiences? Do some topics resonate, but you aren't sure how you could easily apply them? Jot these down.
- Action Planning: Don't let your newfound knowledge gather dust on the shelves of your mind. Identify actionable steps you can take based on what you've learned. Whether it's implementing a new strategy, changing a habit, or reaching out to a mentor for guidance, write down concrete actions and schedule them in your calendar for accountability.
Now, you might be thinking, "Isn't this reminiscent of what we did in school? I'm not a student anymore!" True, but consider this: just as investing time to study was key for your academic success, investing in continuous learning is essential for your professional growth. Your career is absolutely worth the same level of attention and dedication.
Moreover, investing in yourself is a non-negotiable. By taking proactive steps to deepen your understanding and apply new knowledge, you're not only enriching your professional life but also investing in your personal development and fulfillment.
The good news? You don't need hours of uninterrupted study time to reap the benefits. Even a short 10-minute activity weekly makes a difference. So, try these four simple workbook exercises for a week with your current reading material, whether it's a physical book, ebook, or audiobook, and see the difference it makes.
And if you're hungry for more practical tips to boost your professional outcomes, look no further than my latest book (and accompanying workbook), "Boost Your Bullsh*t Resilience At Work." As I write this, it's also currently sitting atop the charts as a #1 Bestseller on Amazon. Enjoy!
