I love to read books. I also love to listen to audio books. But which is a better method for consuming content, reading or listening?
I read in the early mornings as soon as I wake up to get my mind rolling prior to sitting down and writing for the blog. I listen to audio books while I’m marathon training and working out or cleaning up around the house. I do my very best to read and listen to something that will have a positive impact on my brain for 30 minutes, making up a collective 60 minutes of ‘education’ each day.
Physically reading a book makes us slow down life and concentrate solely on the task at hand if we wish to retain anything. It can be a great way to warm up in the morning or cool down at night after work or before bed. On the other hand, listening to content allows us to free our hands and eyes to do other menial tasks like jogging or scrubbing the dishes. Tasks that require some more depth of thought, like writing or working on a computer will distract the mind too much and nothing will be kept in. Depending on what is needed in our lives, both practices can be applied. This allows me to get through multiple books in the same time I would normally read one.
But do we really retain all the knowledge by listening versus reading?
There are articles and arguments for both sides, but my personal experience is that as long as I’m present when listening/reading I can fully retain using both. I have found that I comprehend books that I listen to just as well as reading them as long as I can get a second run through. With audible.com there is a Speed button that allows the user to speed up the recording to 1.25 or 1.5 times the normal speed to get a second run through the book. This second run through allows me to catch the little snippets I may not have the first time and allows me to re-think all the ideas that were provoked originally.
How should I determine what to listen to versus what to read?
Good question, I’m still figuring this one out for myself! When it comes to length, I can’t tell there’s a difference. However, when it comes to content be sure to only listen to books that will not require interaction like workbooks or very in-depth note taking for specifics. The reason we listen to audio is to free our hands up, so it’s counter-productive to write things out while listening. And lastly, experiment with it! I have typically only listened to business books, but my next book on audio will be Anthony Kiedis‘ biography to change things up a bit.
The bottom line is whatever method is preferred, do it now and do it often! Those of us that are investing in our knowledge are surpassing those around us and setting ourselves up for long-term success! The more we read/listen the more we have to connect with potential clients or employers, the more opportunity we have to make connections and “see between the lines,” the more we are pushing ourselves when our competition is standing still!
Leave me a comment regarding what you are reading and/or listening to right now, I love to get suggestions and I’d love to hear what you prefer for your method of consumption.
My recent list is below:
- Team of Rivals – Goodwin (currently reading)
- The Accidental Creative – Henry (currently listening)
- The Power of Habit – Duhigg (previously listened)
- The Year Without Pants – Berkun (previously read)
