A few years ago, I made a simple birthday resolution: instead of buying myself gadgets, I'd buy one meaningful book. This got me thinking about my reading habits in general. Like many people, I had piles of unread books and abandoned reading goals. That's when it hit me: what if I focused on reading _better_ books instead of _more_ books? ## My Functional vs Recreational Reading Framework Instead of "12 books this year," I commit to 4 functional books. Each one has to pass a simple test: **Can this book help me solve a real problem in my life or work?** I also consider the Lindy Effect – books that have stayed relevant for decades usually contain timeless wisdom worth my time. My breakdown: - 2 books on personal or professional development - 2 books on parenting (twins keep me learning!) For every 2 functional books I finish and take proper notes from, I can reward myself with 1 recreational book from my wishlist – novels, memoirs, whatever interests me. ## What I'm Reading Now Right now I'm working through "The Stoic Challenge" by William Irvine and "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. The first helps me apply Stoic principles to daily personal and professional challenges and the second helps with parenting. For recreational reading, I'm enjoying "Ametora: How Japan Saved American Style" by W. David Marx – my reward for finishing last year's functional reading goals. ## Why This Works **Intentionality**: Every book has a purpose beyond just finishing it. **Less Decision Fatigue**: Clear criteria means less time browsing, more time reading. **Better Retention**: Reading to solve problems makes me take better notes and ask better questions. **Sustainable**: Four books a year is achievable without pressure or guilt. **Modeling for My Kids**: When the twins arrived, I switched to e-readers and gave away most physical books. Now I'm rebuilding a physical library so they can see me reading and join in when books are age-appropriate. Kids who grow up around books tend to become better readers. ## My Note-Taking System Here's how I capture and retain what I read: **Step 1: Google Keep** I jot down quick notes while reading. **Step 2: AI-Powered Summary** I use AI to turn rough notes into a concise one-page summary that distills the core concepts. **Step 3: WOOP Framework** My final summary in Obsidian uses WOOP: - **Wish**: What do I want to achieve with these insights? - **Outcome**: What specific result am I hoping for? - **Obstacle**: What might prevent implementation? - **Plan**: What steps will I take when obstacles arise? This turns passive reading into an action plan. ## Benefits **No More Book Guilt**: Nassim Taleb calls unread books your "anti library" – they represent future knowledge, not failure. My unread books are waiting for the right time. **Strategic Problem-Solving**: Reading with specific challenges in mind has enhanced my approach to both work and life. Viewing life's problems as puzzles reduces stress and increases enjoyment. A well chosen book on the issue you are tackling can serve as an insightful user manual. ## How to Start Your Own System 1. **Pick Your Focus Areas**: What needs attention? Career? Health? Relationships? 2. **Set a Realistic Number**: Start with 2-4 books per year. 3. **Create Your Filter**: What question helps you decide if a book is worth your time? 4. **Build a Capture System**: Find what works – notebooks, apps, or AI tools. 5. **Review and Apply**: Actually use what you learn. ## The Bottom Line The key skill today isn't consuming more content – it's choosing the right content and extracting value from it. Functional vs recreational reading is about reading with intention and a plan for application. Sometimes reading fewer books deeply is more valuable than skimming through many. Your future self will thank you for the wisdom gained, not the number of books finished in a year. --- Disclaimer: Inspired by others. 💡 Thoughts are my own. 🧠 Some words may be borrowed. 🤖 Date: October 9, 2025