Read something that really, truly interests you. If you don’t read normally (i.e. your spare time is filled with TV and games) it will be harder to tackle “important” but more mentally straining books. Instead, start with the books that really grab your attention.

For me this is often pulling a book from the bestseller list that has some sort of a self-improvement angle. The 4-Hour Workweek was a great example.

I often use these kind of books to recharge between more difficult volumes.

-Scott

I think it’s important to differentiate between high-idea and high-information. Strictly absorbing a lot of information isn’t helpful. It’s only when that information is a high quality that it doesn’t bog you down. Reading useless magazines, too many emails and following unimportant news stories isn’t the point.

I don’t think the “read less” manifesto really has much behind it. Most of the successful people I’ve talked to read far more books than the average person, not less.

-Scott

Here are some quotes that I like and that fit with the article:

“Opportunities multiply as they are seized”
- Sun Tzu

“Next to knowing when to seize an opportunity, the most important thing in life is to know when to forego an opportunity”
- Benjamin Disraeli

“The essence of genius is to know what to overlook”
- William James

I’ve got like 30+ audio books and programs on my Ipod that Im listening to at all times.

I find even when i re-listen to a CD I’ve already heard.. i find myself getting something new out of it, each time.

Currently added the 4 hour work week to the IPOD, hoping I can gain one or two new insights.

If you get 2 really good inspiring ideas from a book or audio program, its well worth the money and time.

Thanks,
Matt

Recording ideas has been very helpful. I can tell that I have more energy and that I’m more creative. I hadn’t thought about the fact that only the best ideas get used, but of course that is the case.

Thanks again for this article!