Since the pandemic and the discovery of the Libby App I have developed a book listening practice. This concept was first introduced to me by Seth Godin who talks about it on Tim Ferriss’ podcast. Godin primarily practices listening to Pema Chodron but he mentions Zig Zigler if you want to learn sales, or motivation. I like this osmosis approach; allowing the information to wash over me and absorb it over time.
When I read a nonfiction book I tend to read it incrementally taking in one concept at a time. I am depended on the processing power of my brain. While once concept at a time feels like a good approach and has value there is something lost from not gaining a broader perspective of the entire book as a whole. Individual trees are great but understanding hot he trees, together, make up the forrest holds a lot of value.
I find that I get the best of both worlds when I practice with audio books. But it can’t be done once. An audio book practice is just that, a practice. Consistency is key. Listening to the same book repeatedly brings familiarity and depth in understanding. The process is similar to an actor memorizing the script. Eventually a threshold is crossed where it’s hard to tell the difference between the actor and the character.
There is some information and knowledge valuable enough that we would benefit from having it part of us.
I supposed this probably a form of indoctrination, just led and chosen by person being indoctrinated.
Here are list of books that I have indoctrinated myself with:
- The 48 Laws of Power - Robert Green
- 33 Strategies of War - Robert Green
- Deep Work - Cal Newport
- Essentialism - Greg McKeown
- Ego Is The Enemy - Ryan Holiday
- How to Stay Motivated - Zig Ziglar
- Secrets of Closing the Sale - Zig Ziglar
- Tribes - Seth Godin
- Anything by Pema Chodron
The reason these books is because I own them on Audible so they are always available. That is not the case with Libby, and having to check books out.