This post I write for reading self-help and non-fiction books. This post could be not suitable for readers who read novels. 

This is the reason why I started to read books. As a university student, I struggle in articulating ideas without proper evidence, relying solely on personal experience. To display my opinions more effectively, I turned to books. 

Currently, after self-reflect, I asked myself: 

1. Have your problems truly been solved after reading books? 
2. After reading these books, how have these books transformed you? 

I realize my mistakes, leading my reading journey inefficiently. 

1. 1. Don't set a specific goal when reading a book

At times, I found myself adrift, unsure of the key takeaways or essential knowledge I sought. Without a defined objective, assessing a book’s efficiency became a challenge. 

Here are some recommendations: 

→ Selecting a book: Determine current issue that we want to solve. 

→ Before starting a book, I answer questions: 

1. What is my specific problem that you want to solve after reading this book?
2. What do I want to find in this book?

1. 2. Skip taking note from my reflection related a book

At the beginning, I just read and reflected while capturing books. But, it is not sufficient. I only remember a lesson or outstanding events, and experienced an A-ha moment in a short period of time when finishing a book. However, I skipped other beneficial lessons that I learned by myself. 

Suggestions: 

→ Taking notes after each chapter, rather than waiting until the book's conclusion.

I highlighted the benefits of jotting down these reflections:

→ Enhanced focus during the reading journey.

→ Clear expectations before, during, and after reading.

1. 3. Lack of action 

This is a step I often forget to read books. 

Normally, in the end of the book, authors write a summary, and main takeaways in their book. 

However, if we are not able to jot our lessons and thoughts down, summaries or takeaways in books, summaries or takeaways in books belong to authors or writers. 

This is because the last goal of reading books is to improve ourselves. 

Recommendation:

1. Review the questions posed before reading a book and assess the problems you can now solve.
2. Summarize your thoughts after completing the book.
3. Identify the aspects that captured your interest and determine the actionable steps you'll take post-reading.

After long-term I write it down on paper, and notebook, you will be satisfied with what you learn and experience while reading a book. 

You can read more the methods I use for reading: Link