Hi there,
I’d like to share my experience because I see a lot of new people with the same problems I had (and still have). Many of us are afraid of trying the system because there is no way to determine whether we achieved the same comprehension as if we were to read it normally.
Instead of having expectations of acquiring full comprehension, try thinking of PR as a two-step method.
The first step is gaining a very good idea about the structure of the book. This step is met through the system’s steps of preview, postview, photoreading, and the first few activation sessions.
Think of a book you read a long time ago. You basically know the book’s content; you only have to reread some parts to gain full recall. Think how much time it would take for you to recall the content of such a book on the same comprehension level you had when you finished reading it the first time.
When activating, try breaking your old habits by reading the introduction and first chapter, and then jump to the last one. Zigzag this way through chapters (use any pattern you feel is right), if you notice concepts that reappear throughout the book, jot them down in a mind map. Don’t restrict yourself to one. You may start a new one if you don’t see any connections to the main map. Create maps as much as you need. Treat them like Lego parts. They will eventually get together into one big map (I don’t bother writing it down. When I can do that, it means I know all I need).
From that point you need only to refine your knowledge. This is the second step, conducted by the steps of activation and rapid reading. You will know where to look (again – the feeling is like you’ve already read the book, you WILL know where to look).
Another important point worth mentioning - Rhythmic perusal is very important when dipping and rapid reading. When you read normally, the eyes stop until you understand the word or phrase you are reading. Swallow hole sentences with a quick glance. It helps extracting the MEANING instead of the WORDS. Do this when you are relaxed. As an experiment, you may try memorizing playing cards by laying them one on top of the other at a pace of one per second. If you are focused on memorizing the cards, you’ll probably fail. If your attention is given to the pace of the flipping, you will get the catch of it. The important thing is NOT thinking about the information you are trying to memorize, pay attention to something else. If you do it right, you should be able to recall 5 cards without any previous practice.
I divided the system into two steps in order to break the misconception of all the newcomers who are drooling over the idea of consuming all written knowledge they encounter instantly. Learning kung fu in ten seconds is impossible, nor is learning quantum physics, law books and reading novels (at least for now). This misconception usually leads to frustration. The system brings you to the point where you’ve “ALREADY READ THE BOOK”, but in much less time. Don’t underestimate it.
The PR system is a guideline. Playing with it means customizing it to your concepts and abilities. Bend yourself towards the system, trial and error are welcomed. Learning is describing it through your view.
And most important – SHARE!
