How to be a Power Reader

The terminology that ‘Knowledge is Power’ is now a customary one and also a popular phrase by motivational speakers. Maybe you are tired of hearing it, but let’s actually look at it objectively without pre-conceived notions.

What sets apart two individuals? One with limited capabilities and the other bubbling over. One with the power to mesmerize and the other to blabber and sap you. Knowledge is what separates the brilliant from the mediocre, the exquisite from the ordinary and the refined from the coarse.

Since we have now understood the significance of ‘Knowledge is Power’, lets discover the ways and means to acquire this leverage tool. Reading books is the primary source followed by collaborating and communicating with accomplished individuals who can be the architect in our quest to attain a similar status.

So, does this mean that reading any kind of book is beneficial?  Possibly a debatable statement.  In reality I would say that every book imparts knowledge.  Obviously some more than others, but it will be rather unfair to say that some books are worthless and don’t contribute.

The power of knowledge cannot be disputed and the more we read, the more we acquire. Some books leave a lasting effect on our minds and in our lives, inducing a further desire to read.

Another important aspect of reading is to absorb and retain what we read.  Sadly we don’t retain everything, unless it has impacted our mind.  How many of us remember everything we learned in school and college? Sadly almost all that we studied, is buried in some corner of our mind.

We allow our mind to filter and discard information based on assumptions that it will be of no use.  Incorrect is what I say, no knowledge deserves that treatment.

Reading helps us to develop and sharpen our cognitive abilities and the brain has the capacity to absorb lots of information. I once read about a theory mooted that we only use 2% of our brain capacity in one instance, and another stated that it is 10%. Though some renowned scientists claim that all this is a myth.

Many such theories are floated, but one thing I am absolutely sure about is that, when we are attempting to solve a complex problem, one side of our brain takes on the load to solve that particular task. Closely observe that, after numerous attempts, if you are unable to solve, the mind starts to feel fuzzy and overloaded. That is the indication for you to realise that the part of the brain being used is stressed out and needs rest. The easiest way out in such a scenario is to temporarily abandon that problem, and take up a completely opposite task. Immediately another part of the brain is activated, allowing the earlier part to rest and rejuvenate. After a while if you revert back to the original problem, lo and behold the solution will come to you easily.

I have a simple explanation to endorse this theory. Take a small package, not too heavy or too light either and hold it high above your head with one hand. After a certain period of time your hand will tire and feel the semi-light package as ten times heavy. So what do you do? You will transfer the package to the other hand and rest the tired one. After rest, the tired hand will be strong once again to hold up the package. The same goes for our brain too, we tend to use one side which tires and to switch sides we need to take up a diverse activity to allow the tired side to revitalize. I cannot explain or gauge the percentage of brain used in such cases, let the scientists decipher that.

Trust me I have practised this on numerous occasions and it has worked every time. Give it a shot if you have doubts.

Finally let’s make it a point to meet and interact with people who can captivate and fascinate us with their savoir faire. Their poise and sophistication will be a lifetime experience for mere mortals like us, and we can learn immensely from even a brief association.