Jim Kwik shows how to use the testing effect, a psychological principle where time pressure sharpens focus and memory, to speed up reading. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes, count the lines or pages you finish, then try to beat that number the next day. Treating reading like a video game race trains your brain to focus under pressure and makes learning stick.
Chapters
Most people hear the word test and immediately tense up. But what if I told you that testing yourself could actually make you better at reading? The testing effect is a well-studied psychological phenomenon where practicing under time pressure strengthens both your focus and your memory. But here's the key. Don't treat it like a test. What I do is I treat it like a game. If you've ever played a game, let's say it's Mario Kart. Or any game with a timer, you probably pushed yourself to beat your last time. Think of this technique as the reading version of Mario Kart. And here's how to use it. I want you to set a timer for 5 or maybe 10 minutes max and read using the techniques we've already covered. Count how many lines or pages you get through. The next day, I want you to beat your number. This technique not only helps you read faster, but it also trains your brain to stay focused under pressure. And that pressure actually deepens your learning because your brain treats it as high-priority information. This turns reading into an active challenge instead of a passive habit. So if you've ever thought, I'm just bad at tests. Rewire that thought. You're not testing yourself to pass. You're playing to improve. Keep it light, keep it fun, and watch your speed climb.
