There’s a clear distinction between just reading and reading smartly.

The key lies in the habits you adopt. Great readers don’t just read, they immerse themselves in the content, make it part of their lives, and use it to fuel their intelligence.

Being an intelligent reader isn’t just about the number of books you devour, but rather the way you approach them. And trust me, there are certain habits that smart readers always follow.

Let me reveal some of these habits to help you elevate your reading game.

Let’s get started. 

1) Immersion is key

Smart readers don’t just skim through pages, they dive deep into the material they’re reading.

The process of full immersion allows them to understand the content at a much deeper level. They take their time, soak up every detail, and relate it back to their own experiences or knowledge.

Think about it. When you’re fully engrossed in a book, you’re not just reading the words, you’re visualizing the scenes, empathizing with the characters, and challenging your thinking.

This immersive approach to reading can transform any book into a treasure trove of insights and ideas. It’s not just about getting to the end, but rather about enjoying the journey and extracting as much value as possible.

If you want to elevate your reading habits, start by deeply immersing yourself in whatever you read. But remember, it’s not a race. Take your time and savor the experience.

2) Taking notes is my secret weapon

One habit I’ve always kept close to my reading routine is taking notes. It might sound old school, but trust me, it works wonders.

Whenever I come across a riveting idea or a thought-provoking quote in a book, I jot it down. It doesn’t matter if I’m reading a science fiction novel or a self-improvement guide – my notebook is always within reach.

You see, our brains are not wired to retain every piece of information we consume. Particularly with dense or complex material, it’s easy for crucial details to slip through the cracks. That’s why writing down key points helps reinforce them in our memory.

Plus, there’s nothing quite like flipping through my notes and reliving the essence of a book I’ve read months or even years ago. It’s like having a condensed version of the book at my fingertips.

When you’re engrossed in a book, give note-taking a try. You might be surprised by how much it enhances your reading experience.

3) Reading aloud can boost comprehension

It might seem counterintuitive, especially if you’re accustomed to silently scanning pages. But reading aloud can significantly enhance your understanding of a text.

When you read aloud, you’re not just seeing the words, but you’re also hearing them. This multisensory approach engages both your visual and auditory senses, aiding in better comprehension and retention of information.

Moreover, it slows down the pace at which you read, forcing you to pay attention to every word and sentence structure. This can be particularly beneficial when dealing with complex or dense material.

When you’re faced with a challenging read or a piece of information that seems hard to grasp, try reading it aloud. It could make all the difference.

4) Re-reading is not redundant

Intelligent readers understand the value of revisiting a book they’ve already read. Books can offer new insights and perspectives each time you read them, especially if you’re at a different stage in your life.

It’s like watching a favorite movie again. You notice details, subtleties, and nuances that you missed the first time around. The same applies to books. Re-reading them allows you to delve deeper into the material, pick up on foreshadowing, or better understand complex theories or concepts.

Moreover, some books are just too good to be read once. They deserve to be experienced again and again. So don’t hesitate to return to a favorite book. It’s not redundant; it’s enriching.

5) They never shy away from challenging material

Intelligent readers don’t restrict themselves to easy reads. Instead, they challenge themselves with complex material that pushes their cognitive abilities.

Whether it’s a dense academic paper, a philosophical treatise, or a literary classic filled with archaic language, they embrace the challenge. They see it as an opportunity to broaden their understanding and expand their vocabulary.

Reading challenging material might be tough at first. It can be slow going and sometimes frustrating. But the reward — a sharper mind, wider knowledge base, and improved reading skills — makes it worth the effort. When you come across a challenging read, don’t put it aside. Embrace it as an opportunity for growth.

6) Books are friends, not just pages

For the intelligent reader, books are more than just a collection of printed pages. They’re friends, mentors, and guides that offer comfort, wisdom, and inspiration.

Each book carries a unique voice, a different perspective that can open our eyes to new ideas, cultures, and ways of thinking. They can whisk us away to magical lands or thrust us into nerve-wracking mysteries. They are companions in solitude and catalysts for introspection.

Reading is not a solitary act, but a conversation between the reader and the author, the characters, and even oneself. It’s a relationship that evolves with each turn of the page, bringing us closer to understanding ourselves and the world around us.

When you pick up a book, remember that you’re not just reading – you’re engaging in a heartfelt dialogue that can leave you changed forever.

7) Understanding that it’s okay to leave a book unfinished

There was a time when I felt obligated to finish every book I started, regardless of whether I was enjoying it or not. It felt like a commitment I had made, one that I needed to see through.

However, over time, I’ve come to realize that this isn’t the best approach. Life is too short and there are too many amazing books out there to stick with one that isn’t resonating with you.

If a book doesn’t grab your attention, if it doesn’t spark joy or curiosity, it’s okay to put it down. There’s no shame in leaving a book unfinished.

Reading should be a pleasure, not a chore. It’s about learning, growing, and enjoying the journey. If a book doesn’t contribute to that, it’s perfectly fine to move on to the next one.

8) They make reading a daily habit

Consistency is key when it comes to reading. Intelligent readers understand this and make reading a part of their daily routine.

It doesn’t mean you have to spend hours each day immersed in a book. Even a few minutes every day can make a difference. It could be during your morning coffee, on your commute, or before bed. What matters is making it a regular practice.

By doing this, you not only make progress with the books you’re reading but also nurture your mind consistently. After all, just like physical exercise strengthens our bodies, consistent reading strengthens our minds.

Find a time that works for you and commit to reading daily. You’ll be surprised by how much you can achieve with this simple habit.

9) Reading with curiosity and openness is paramount

At the heart of intelligent reading lies an insatiable curiosity and openness to new ideas. It’s not just about digesting information, but questioning it, pondering over it, and weaving it into your own understanding of the world.

When you read with curiosity, you’re not just passively absorbing words on a page. You’re actively engaging with the material, asking questions, making connections, and seeking deeper meaning.

Similarly, being open to new ideas allows you to learn from diverse perspectives and challenge your own beliefs. It broadens your horizons and fosters a growth mindset.

Whether you’re reading a historical novel, a scientific journal, or a fantasy epic, approach it with curiosity and openness. That’s what truly sets intelligent readers apart.

A final thought: Reading is a journey, not a destination

The beauty of reading lies in its ability to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to new perspectives, and deepen our understanding of life and ourselves.

But at its core, reading is more than just an activity. It’s a journey – one that’s unique to each person. It’s about exploration and discovery, about challenging our beliefs and broadening our horizons.

Consider this: Every time you open a book, you embark on a new adventure. Each page turned is a step forward in this journey. The characters you meet, the places you visit, the ideas you encounter – they all contribute to your personal growth.

Intelligent readers understand this. They don’t just read for the sake of reading. They read to learn, to grow, to explore. They see every book as an opportunity for a new adventure.

As you forge ahead in your own reading journey, remember these habits. Let them guide you as you navigate the vast landscape of literature and knowledge.

After all, the journey of reading is one that’s meant to be savored, not rushed.