MIND TEMPER TANTRUMS

Is your purpose for reading: TO GET ‘ER DONE? Do you count how many pages are left, grumble that you’re bored, or think reading is pointless? The problem may be your lack of purpose, not your mind. When you look at reading as a task to cross off the “To Do List” instead of an opportunity to learn, you are creating a prime environment for a mind temper tantrum.

Your mind is not a responsible adult, it’s more like a two year old child; naturally curious and always asking, “Why?” If you begin to read without setting a purpose, the child inside your mind throws a temper tantrum. It goes something like this; “Why do I have to read? I don’t want to read! I want to text my friends, surf the Internet, and watch TV. I don’t care about reading. I never remember the information anyway. THIS IS WASTING MY TIME! AAAHHHHH!”

The best way to avoid a temper tantrum is to be proactive by deciding why you are reading. Your purpose will change depending on whether you are reading: for entertainment, to learn, or to evaluate.

If you are reading for entertainment, you are reading for fun. Since the reading material matches your interests, it’s easy to read. As a result, your mind is able to multi-task (do two things at once) such as; listen to music or watch TV, without effecting comprehension. Entertainment sources include; text messages, magazines, and novels.

If you are reading to learn, you are reading to be informed. Since the reading material is new, it’s harder to read. As a result, you will have to read slower and stop more often. Informational sources include; textbooks, professional journals, technical manuals and reference materials.

If you are reading to evaluate, you must read with a critical eye. Not everything written down is true. Pay attention to the author’s word choice. If the author makes a statement about a belief that should be held, a judgment that should be shared, or an action that should be taken, the author is trying to influence your feelings, thoughts and behavior. Persuasive sources include; editorials, movie/book reviews, advertisements, and letters to the editor.

Finally, remember to always respect your inner child. The instant you feel a temper tantrum begin, give your mind a time out. Walk away from the text and allow your mind time to process the new information.

When you communicate a clear, specific purpose for reading, your mind pays attention to the text. Set a purpose and lose the temper tantrum. It’s that simple.