Why Lack of Focus Isn’t Acceptable
In this busy, multi-tasking, ADD (attention deficit disorder) world, true focus comes at a premium. In past emails/blog posts, I’ve talked about things we can do to gain more focus, mostly for reading. But WHY is focus so important for everything? Because there are serious implications for a lack of focus. It can sabotage your life in ways that you may not suspect.
Here are five common ways that lack of focus can sabotage your life:
Tips to Survive and Thrive in College Freshman Year
Some 20+ million college freshman have settled onto campuses nationwide this fall. They’re working their way to mid-terms, finding the transition to college life is tough. A whopping 30% dropout before sophomore year, with life-altering consequences. Research shows that those without a college degree earn 35% less than college graduates, and are two times as likely to be unemployed.
Booby-Traps of College Life
First year students face an expanded academic workload, isolation from family and high school friends, and often, financial pressures. Tuition, books, living and social expenses force many to find part-time jobs. Students grapple with
Your Journey into Adult Reading
Since you started reading, typically around the age of five, what you read and how much you read has changed dramatically. What started out as picture books with a few word descriptions, turned into short fiction stories, then chapter story books. These were relatively easy and enjoyable to read because the pictures and story images engaged your brain.
My Dream for Back-To-School
Are you someone who doesn’t like to read much even though you know how? When I was in high school and college, I was like that and I know there are many who feel this way.
In high school, I remember having to read the required English novels. We had six weeks to read the book, discuss it in class and then take a test on it. I suffered through it. Little did I know how EASY that really was.
Summer Giveaway is BACK!!
Because last summer’s weekly giveaway of ONE 90 Day Access to the Rev It Up Reading Online Course was so successful and made many people very happy, we decided to do it again THIS summer!
If you or someone you know wants a chance to receive a complimentary registration (value $199) to the Rev It Up Reading Online Course,
Dogs Boost Reading Speed
Dogs are the surprise addition to literacy efforts in schools across the world. Since Intermountain Therapy Animals launched the READ Program in 1999, more and more organizations are training dogs to help children to read.
Have You Heard of Blinkist?
While meandering around the internet, I came across this really cool website called Blinkist. In a nutshell, their team reads non-fiction books, pulls out the key insights, and explains them in an easy-to-digest, 15 minute book summary that is
An Attitude of Gratitude
Can you come up with three things that you’re grateful for, every day? Sounds pretty simple right? But it takes a certain kind of mindset to first, remember that you want to come up three things and then second, to actually do it, every day.
Several weeks ago, I spent a few days at my favorite retreat center called Kripalu Yoga and Health Center located in the heart of the Berkshires in Massachusetts. Every time I go and get away from my day-to-day goings-on, I come away with something
News From Rev It Up Reading
This year has seen many positive additions to the Rev It Up Reading Online Course. Since March, users are now able to access the course online 24/7 from a PC, Mac, iPad or Tablet with NO printing needed! Though this sounds simple, believe me (and my dedicated developers), this was no easy task. And just this week, we’ve made another important touch up that allows the course to download easier and navigate through the course any way you want.
We’ve had 350 people test out our One Day Pass and buyers are coming in from all around the world, including England (UK), New Zealand, Vietnam, India, Oman, Indonesia, Romania and more.
What Are Your Favorite Apps?
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I like to be efficient and not waste time. So, it makes logical sense that I share with you some of my favorite things I spend time on while asking you to share some of yours.
The Next Chapter – Empty Nest
It’s Saturday evening and I’m writing this blog post. Why? Because I can! Four weeks ago my husband and I brought our youngest child to college to start his freshman year at High Point University in NC. My older son is a senior at the University of Delaware. That means I have no day-to-day child responsibilities to fill my calendar! After 21 and a half years, it’s a very odd feeling to now be an “empty nester”.
Are You Ready for ALL That College Reading?
With only a few precious weeks left before school starts, you can literally Get Up To Speed With What You Read in JUST 5 Hours by taking the Rev It Up Reading Online Course!
“This course has changed me for the better as a reader!! I now finally enjoy reading!!!” – Ellie C. – High School Student
“This course is extremely easy to use and more than doubled my reading speed and boosted my comprehension in just a week!” – Brandon K. – College Student
Seriously, in just 5 hours, you will learn how to read smarter, faster and just plain better.
Remember, One Thing At A Time
Several months ago, I had the good fortune of spending five wonderful days at a yoga and meditation center called Kripalu located in western Massachusetts. I try to go at least once a year – time and money permitting – to unplug and rejuvenate my body and mind. I spent my days taking yoga classes, walking, reading, napping, dancing, and eating healthy foods.
I didn’t carry my phone with me . . .
Read More, Make More
“If you read only ONE book PER MONTH,
that will put you into the top 1% of income earners in our society.
But if you read ONE book PER WEEK,
50 books per year,
that will make you one of the best educated,
smartest, most capable and highest paid people in your field.
Regular reading will transform your life completely.”
~ Brian Tracy
I believe Brian Tracy is on to something.
Kids Home for Summer?
Are Your Kids Coming Home for the Summer? Here’s Something You Can Do TOGETHER!
Yes, summertime is a great time to get caught with friends and family. It’s also a great time to tool up your reading skills!
We recently added a special price option . . .
Reading Lessons from Yoga Practice – Part 2
Have you ever thought about how long you’ve been doing certain things? Of my many pursuits, I only recently made some strong connections between two of my favorite activities: reading and yoga. I figured out that this year celebrates my 28th year of using and teaching speed reading strategies and my 15th year of practicing yoga. So how are they related?
Last month, I shared my first three ideas in this post. I hope these remaining ideas resonate with you, either for the reading part, or the yoga!
Reading Lessons Learned From Yoga – Part 1
Have you ever thought about how long you’ve been doing certain things? Of my many pursuits, I only recently made some strong connections between two of my favorite activities: reading and yoga. I figured out that this year celebrates my 28th year of using and teaching speed reading strategies and my 15th year of practicing yoga.
So how are they related?
It’s Launched! See the Updated Reading Course NOW!
It’s been a very long year in development and we are thrilled (okay, relieved, happy, tickled pink!) to share that the newly updated, renovated and redesigned Rev It Up Reading Online Course is now LIVE!!! (See the press release)
See the New Course Before Release
Within the next few weeks, I will FINALLY be launching a long-awaited update to the Rev It Up Reading Online Course Version 3.0! It’s taken a lot of time, money and energy but it’s all been worth it and I want to share it with you!
If you’ve always wanted to get up to speed with what you read, build your reading confidence and competence, or just become the best reader you can be, come take a look at this exciting new course.
I’m offering personal “sneak peeks” . . .
Changing Lanes
Do you remember in school that wherever you sat the first day of class was YOUR seat for the entire year? It’s quite interesting how territorial we become about “our” place. It becomes a comfortable and familiar location to return to. Most people wouldn’t want to change seats, ever!
Your Favorite Books for 2016
Last month I asked my list subscribers to share some of their favorite books because I prefer to read something someone loved and recommends. Maybe you will find a favorite here too!
Reading New Year’s Resolutions For 2016
When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, the common notion is that most people give up after the first few weeks. Have you ever considered making a reading resolution? Reading is fun, simple, inexpensive, and rewarding as well as a resolution you can stick to.
The simple resolution is to “Read more.” This is a great start but I challenge you to set specific reading goals.
Happy Jolabokaflod!
I love hearing about different holiday customs but the Icelandic tradition of giving books on Christmas Eve and then spending the night reading is especially meaningful. This custom is so deeply ingrained in the culture that it is the reason for the Jolabokaflod, or “Christmas Book Flood,” when the majority of books in Iceland are sold between September and December in preparation for Christmas giving.
Instead of Holiday Cards . . .
This past Saturday, two days after Thanksgiving, I received my first holiday card. Yes, that wonderful family of four WON the prize of getting their cards out first! It’s one less thing on their list of things to do during this hectic month. I’m a little jealous but truly happy for them.
Trouble in Reading Paradise
A few months ago, I was at a Starbucks with a friend. When the barista asked for his name, he said "Galt". I said, "What name is that?! Your name is Rob!" He explained that he read a book long ago...
What Are Your Friends Reading?
Did you know there are over 600,000+ books published each year?! How many have you read? I don't say this to make you feel like you're not reading enough, rather to get you thinking about how you...
De-Clutter Your Magazines in Wall Street Journal
Abby Marks Beale was interviewed by Wall Street Journal columnist Sue Shellenbarger for a newspaper article entitled: "Get Down to Magazine Zero: Reading Faster and Smarter" and the digital version...
Read A Lot On Screen? Try Beeline Reader
I stumbled upon Beeline Reader over a year ago and find it incredibly valuable for reading documents on a screen. BeeLine Reader makes reading faster and easier by using a color gradient that guides...
Finishing One, Starting Another
Every year at this time, I spend some quiet time creating a list of goals in each of the eight areas of life that are most important to me using the format seen here on the right. Ultimately, I strive to have a personal satisfaction level of 7 or higher in each of these areas (on a scale of 1 being low to 10 being high).
Slow Down, You Read Too Fast
When deciding what reading topic to write about, Simon and Garfunkel's song "Feeling Groovy" burst into my mind. I love when the universe provides me with insights! Do you remember the song? Here's...
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