I am a slow reader and it is ok!

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Dear Readers,

Thank you for coming here!

 

I read very slowly. 

Despite several trainings, I still read every word (pronounce it silently) and I still keep going back to re-read the paragraph I just finished.

It used to bother me a lot.

Time is scarce and there are too much to read. Why cannot I read more effectively?

But when I consciously increased my reading speed, I felt tired and I did not feel that I had read and understood the book.

After a few tries, I gave up and settled with my current speed.

But from time to time, I am still angry with myself for not being able to read faster.

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Recently I got to know that a senior who I admire a lot also reads slowly.

That gives me much comfort, not only because he shares the same problem, but also because of his 3 attitudes towards reading.

1. Reading should not cause anxiety. If we read slowly, so be it. Do not feel the anxiety or need to read faster. We should feel peace while reading.
2. Reading should be continuous. The key is to keep reading. We need to get into a habit of reading — find good books, read at our own paces and keep at it. Even if we only read a few pages per day, we will experience the benefits.
3. Reading should involve thinking. This is not only about extracting the content of the book, e.g. by making a mind map. We have to connect the content of the book to our reality. Only when the book deals a blow to our perspectives and beliefs, do we get connected with the book and author. This is how we learn and improve.

This applies not only to books, but also to blogs, magazines, research papers etc.

To us all readers!

 

Till next time!

Money — A Long Game

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Dear Readers,

Thank you for coming here!

It is easy to forget it is a long game for most people.

Income -> savings -> investment -> financial freedom

It is a journey and it is a long game.

We need to increase our income. No one can save if they can only get their ends met.

We need to increase our savings % against income. Here we can have some control. Once we meet our basic needs, we can decide to spend less and save more.

We need to put our savings into investment. Here is where uncertainties kick in and they could be overwhelming. I know people who made big bucks in investment and I know people who only expect to beat inflation by investing (They have fat pay-checks enough to get them where they want to be, without the need for investment returns). I of course know people who has lost big in investment, a.k.a ME!

But financial freedom can be quite certain with time if we just keep at it and stay vigilant.

Photo by Daniel K Cheung on Unsplash

However, it is easy to forget it is a long game.

That is why we feel confused and frustrated, we give up and change course, ad we suffer loss and delay the achievement of our financial freedom.

To me, reading is a good reminder.

There are tons of books on this and some are really basic and anyone can understand and follow.

Quickly glancing through them wont take much time, but serves as a great reminder.

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

And a long game requires a different approach to do well from a short game.

It requires much more consistency, persistence and patience. 

Sometimes, doing nothing is the best strategy.

Good thing is that anyone can do it if they really believe in it and want it.

That is good news for commoners like us!

So no excuse if we cannot do it for ourselves. 

Till next time!