| I think that what really makes us not take action after we read something is this notion of "I will get back to it later" that we get after highlighting or writing notes about it. You have to be deliberate. If you think something is worth exploring and applying, put it in you calendar or todo list to dive deeper into it in day you have time. Only write notes for things that a nice to have, for the crucial ones take action and write about your experience with it. Here is how I go about it:
I have a file named on-my-mind.md where I write a short sentence over something I was thinking or thought was interesting. I keep it short. I also have a current.md with something I'm focusing on now — I it read everyday. If I'm reading a book, I make sure to do the exercises before marking as complete and re-read each chapter after before going to the next. If what I'm learning can improve my work or life, I put it on-my-mind.md. I consult on-my-mind.md a lot during the day, it's like a state machine for me. If I thought something was interesting, but don't have the time budget to commit, I will put it on calendar for some day in the future so I can dive deep then. I basically send letters to my future self, and I have this contract of always acting on what I put on the calendar and/or todo list, so it has to be important before it goes there. |
I'm using the rule of "do it now or delete it." It's quite a harsh rule, but life is short and I can't do everything, so I'm focusing on the things that will bring me the most joy and satisfaction of having done something good for others.