Ok, so I first was given this book by my dad when I was a 17 or so. If only I hadn't read the cover of the book at that point, I would have saved myself tons of heartache over the years. Instead, I read the title, and thought to myself, "I don't want any part in a book that teaches you how to manipulate people into being your friend, and doing stuff for you." I really have to tell you now, that this is a terrible title, because inside is life-changing advice for how to live and interact with people, and it has nothign .
What brought me back to this book, and decide to pick it up? The Alt-MBA program, which I credit with so many great learnings over the last 3 months. Our discussion of How to Win Friends and Influence People was led by the incredible Megan Elizabeth Morris (aka World Megan). Rather than try to summarize the points, I must let you see Megan's incredible videos explaining the principles.
For someone like me who is incredibly busy knowledge worker, I can think of no better productivity tool that to read faster. I must confess I took my first encounter with speed reading was in high school in a class devoted to study skills. I actually learned quite a bit in that class including the importance of taking a break. One more time where a teacher had a fundamental impact in my development. The next time I came across speed reading was during my second semester in college at Appalachian State University. Again I improved my speed greatly. That was over 15 years ago, so I was due for a checkup.
Well that's where the first book in the Alt-MBA curriculum has really made a big difference. 10 Days to Faster Reading by Abby Marks-Beale is the perfect checkup book for someone who has taken speed-reading courses in the past. One of the biggest tips for those of you like me who have strayed in your ways is to remember to keep your eyes moving fast to the point that its a little uncomfortable. You'll know that you're reading too slow when your mind wanders, so speed up! I mean it; this sentence should not be slowing you down at all!
This book is also great for those of you that haven't taken any speed reading courses. I don't say that from personal experience, but rather that of my colleagues over at Alt-MBA, who enjoyed some remarkable improvements in their reading speeds. The leader for the first week's book review was the amazing Roxy Allen, who secured an interview with the very gracious Abby Marks-Beale. Check out the great video interview right below for more great tips!
'74 Classic ---
After a nice childhood spent in Raleigh, NC. I meander a bit through college ultimately ending up back in Raleigh for a degree in Mechanical Engineering from NC State. Go Wolfpack!
I spent my first 7 years out of school working for a global consulting company, focusing on the sell side contracts of large pharmaceutical companies. I now live in San Francisco and work for a microcap software company serving that same industry. When I'm not busy working (which happens very rarely) I enjoy reading, watching sports, playing poker, disc golf and engaging in activities that will lead to embarassing stories that I will tell ad nauseum...
You can email me at prpetten@gmail.com, or chat below in my new meebo widget
