1/ The fundamentals

• Old behavior: Do NOT read long-form when I feel tired after a work day.

• New behavior: Open the article and HIGHLIGHT one sentence that touches you.

The old behavior is hard; the new behavior follows the 2-minute rule which makes it easier.

The 2-minute rule recognizes that digital reading is challenging.

Modern readers have to constantly navigate a toxic bath when they are online, against Messenger, Twitter, and Slack,...

Plus, the world is depleting every ounce of us by the end of the day.

If we only have 2 minutes to read, how could we even get started if we are not allowed to be shallow?

Here's how I use highlighting to make reading affordable in even 5-minute blocks:

1/ Highlights as bookmarks

Incremental reading has been around for a long time.

In the 16th century, readers welcomed the invention of the book wheel. It allowed them to read many books at a time by turning the wheel.

Highlights help you remarks where you left off online.

If I find a passage or cluster of ideas resonating, I will highlight one or two sentences so I know where to come back.

This would be done quickly so it won't interfere with my flow.

2/ Highlights as the minimum viable product (MVP) of active reading

I force my hands to work in tandem with my thinking brain. So it won't accidentally sleep or read too fast.

It only needs a highlight per paper to close a loop in my brain.

3/ Highlights to learn writing

I often highlight beautiful expressions when I read.

I tended to like to read an author more if they have a subtle way of describing the same thing I have already known.

TL;DR:

- Highlighting = 2-minute rule for digital reading.

- Use highlight as a bookmark

- Use highlight as an MVP of active reading

- Use highlight as a remark of sensational writing

That’s my 2 cents for today!

What’re your tips for reading more online?

#ship30for30day6