constancy, notes and a bag of books

Bill Gates, in addition to being known for being one of the most influential technological magnates of the last four decades, so it is because they are An avid reader. Researchers at the University of Emory de Atlanta They demonstrated that reading is a habit that exercises the ability to concentrate and cognitive development.

Microsoft’s founder has shared Some of his tricks to begin to adopt this healthy habit and read the 50 books that Gates read on each year. In addition to being an excellent way to acquire knowledgeread also contributes to Reduce stress levels by up to 68%.

1- Take notes on the margins

Gates considers that take notes while reading It is essential to ensure a deep understanding of the material. As explained by the millionaire, this is especially relevant when it comes to non -fiction books.

This habit helps you concentrate already connect the new information with previous knowledge. Gates explained that, when he disagrees with the content he is reading, he spends a lot of time writing his ideas on the margins. “He is actually frustrating and I think: ‘Oh, please, say something I agree with to end this book'” joked the millionaire.

Gates recognizes that taking notes on the margins of the books can slow down his reading, but allows him brain related to Memory and learning concepts.

2- Do not start anything you are not going to end

Bill Gates has a strict rule: a book does not start unless you are sure to finish it. This approach helps you maintain the Commitment to your reading and avoid leaving half books.

However, this rule sometimes raises dilemmas when choosing what books read. For example, he mentions his indecision about whether to start or not ‘The infinite joke’ by David Foster Wallace.

Gates was interested in the author after watching the movie “The End of the Tour“In which the interview of a reporter from Rolling Stone magazine is told to the author of the book, just after the publication of that book. Although the film loved it, the extension of the book (about 1,200 pages) and its complexity They made him doubt if he could fulfill his rule to finish it. “If the book had two hundred or three hundred pages I would not hesitate. But it is quite long and complicated and I don’t want to make any exception, “said the technological tycoon.

3- On paper or ebooks, but always with you

Despite being the founder of one of the world’s main technology companies, Gates admitted that prefer paper books About electronic. This preference for Gates became known in the Docuserie “Bill Gates: Under the magnifying glass“From Netflix, in which his assistant prepared a bag carries full of books that accompanies him everywhere and on his trips. Reading is an excellent way to kill the time while you fly, you rest from work or relax your way to the way home.

Gates describes this preference as “bulky and outdated”, but feels comfortable with a paper book in the hands than with An electronic bookalthough he admits that over time probably It will make the change.

4- Book an hour a day to read

The practice and constancy are the keys to consolidate habits so, reserve an hour a day In your calendar to read, it helps to integrate that habit by dedicating uninterrupted time. Gates says that this advice is especially useful when you have a especially long book or a complicated theme.

While it is true that establishing Short reading sessions Of five or ten minutes it is effective to start in the habit of reading, the millionaire argues that it is not effective for complex books, since it is lost time remembering the context. Therefore, Gates Book more than an hour every night To read. This daily habit allows you to constantly advance in your reading rate.

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Image | Gates Notes