Have you ever found yourself staring at a page in a book, feeling your mind drift off as you struggle to focus? You’re not alone. For many, reading can feel like a slow, painful process—especially when faced with a mountain of text to get through. But what if I told you there’s a skill that could completely transform your reading habits and boost your efficiency, without requiring you to pour endless hours into one book at a time?
Introducing: Parallel Reading.
If you’ve never heard of this technique, don’t worry—you’re about to discover a game-changing way to read that will help you absorb more information, broaden your knowledge, and most importantly, make reading fun again. As someone who’s struggled with ADHD and finding time to read amidst a busy schedule, this approach has been a lifesaver. But it’s not just for people with ADHD—whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone eager to read more, parallel reading could be your secret weapon.
What Exactly Is Parallel Reading?
Simply put, parallel reading means reading more than one book at a time, but not just for the sake of reading. It’s about strategically dividing your attention between different subjects, genres, or types of material, allowing you to engage with a range of ideas simultaneously.
Imagine this: You’re reading a self-help book, a biography, and a novel, all at once. At first glance, this might sound like chaos, but the key to success in parallel reading is how you manage and connect those diverse ideas. The goal isn’t to bounce back and forth aimlessly but to have a clear plan for each book, knowing what to focus on and how it fits into the bigger picture.
Why Should You Bother with Parallel Reading?
You might be thinking, “Why not just focus on one book? Isn’t it better to dive deep into a single subject?” Well, the truth is, being an effective reader isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about expanding your horizons and exploring ideas from various perspectives. Parallel reading opens up a world of diverse knowledge—simultaneously—and allows your brain to make connections you wouldn’t otherwise make.
Think of it like this: When you limit yourself to one book at a time, you’re restricting your learning. But by reading books in parallel, you expose yourself to multiple points of view, broadening your understanding and sharpening your thinking.
Tips to Master Parallel Reading
Ready to give it a try? Here are some actionable tips to help you get started with parallel reading:
- Start Small: Begin with just two books. This keeps things manageable while you figure out how to balance them effectively. Gradually add more books as you get comfortable with the process.
- Choose Different Genres: Pick books that are distinct from each other—maybe one fiction, one non-fiction, and one on a topic you’re curious about. This helps prevent any confusion between texts.
- Set Clear Goals: Determine how much you’ll read from each book in one sitting. For example, read a chapter or a set number of pages from each book, so you stay on track and make progress in all your books.
- Leverage Your Best Time of Day: I’ve found that I read most effectively in the morning, right after my workout, when my energy is at its peak. If you’re a night owl, try reading in the evening. The key is to find the time that works best for you.
- Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or notebook to summarize what you’ve learned. This not only helps you remember the key points from each book but also keeps you motivated as you see your knowledge grow.
How Parallel Reading Helped Me Overcome ADHD
For years, reading was a struggle for me. I have ADHD, and focusing on a single book was often a challenge. I’d lose interest after a few chapters, and my mind would wander. But parallel reading has completely changed the way I approach books. By juggling multiple books at once, I found that I was more engaged and able to retain information much more effectively.
One of the biggest misconceptions about reading is that you need to finish every book you start or read every page. The truth is, there’s no right way to read. Reading should be enjoyable, and the goal is to absorb as much as you can, not necessarily to follow arbitrary standards. Parallel reading has made reading an exciting and dynamic experience for me, and I believe it can do the same for you.
Overcoming the Pain Points of Reading
If you’ve ever found reading physically and mentally draining, you know how difficult it can be to stay focused. Parallel reading addresses this by keeping your mind engaged with a variety of content, rather than forcing you to push through the exhaustion of reading a single book. Plus, by switching between topics, your brain stays alert and fresh, making it easier to absorb information and stay motivated.
In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions are everywhere, this skill can help you break free from the “one-book-at-a-time” trap and read more efficiently. Whether you’re a busy student, professional, or someone with ADHD, parallel reading allows you to get more out of your reading sessions without feeling overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts
Parallel reading isn’t for everyone, but if you’re struggling to make reading a habit, it’s definitely worth trying. It’s a method that’s helped me overcome many of the challenges I’ve faced as a reader and has allowed me to engage with a wider range of topics and ideas.
Remember: The goal isn’t to read more books but to read more efficiently and gain valuable insights from each one. So, if you’re ready to push past the limitations that have held you back from being an effective reader, give parallel reading a shot.