What It Takes to Be a Speed Reader

As Peter was learning his new skill, he realized he could now read more books and magazines in less time than it previously took. He knew he was getting better and he wanted to become a better reader, but he also had other interests that occupied his time. He had friends and family he enjoyed spending time with and he liked to watch television. He also was active in sports. He would continue reading his speed reading book and felt empowered every time he learned something new or practiced a drill. He continued taking notes.

Speed reading study notes

• Reduce fixations. Look at the word and move on, don't fixate on each word.
• Look at two or three words at a time. Better yet, look at phrases or thoughts.
• Read with a purpose. If your mind knows the reason you are reading, it will detect and recognize the words and meaning much better.

Peter enjoyed reading biographies, especially of people who were successful at something. He would look for reasons why they were successful and try to apply them to his own life. He would search out these secrets of success and apply them to his speed reading.

He learned early on about the power of setting goals and having a clearly defined purpose and goal for achieving something. He learned that it was not only important to have a plan, but it was equally important to put that plan into action. He realized that his ambitions were not just for the here and now, like a star athlete in school who only has cherished memories for the rest of his life, but he was developing skills that would only get better with time and truly help add value to his life in many different areas.

Some of the traits or success secrets that Peter learned about and would apply to his speed reading endeavors were desire, faith, focus, and practice. He knew he had the desire, but he learned that the people who become the very best in their respective fields had a burning desire to be the ultimate best they can be in their chosen field. With desire comes the decision to do what it takes to become the best. He had faith and believed he would be able to increase his current reading speed and comprehension. Even though he was busy in other areas of his life, he would focus on his pursuit to be a speed reader.

He set goals and would read them daily, and this would reinforce his desire and his faith. He made the decision to practice every day. Soon his practice would become a labor of love. He learned that reading fast or just speed reading was not practicing. From reading his speed reading book he learned certain drills and exercises to do. He would take notes and keep track of his progress and write down his words per minute (WPM). The more he improved, the more enjoyment he got out of his newfound skill. He was not only able to read more books, magazines and newspapers, but he also had a high confidence level. This higher confidence level and the results he was seeing would fuel his desire, faith and focus even more.