# Engaging with Text: The Art of Highlighting for Better Recall
Written on
Chapter 1: The Importance of Engagement
When it comes to reading, words can sometimes elude us. Yet, every so often, a phrase or sentence strikes a chord, making us pause to absorb its meaning. You know you’ve encountered powerful wording when you feel a rush of excitement and recognition, as if someone has perfectly articulated your thoughts. A quote that resonated with me was:
> “The task of breaking a bad habit is like uprooting a powerful oak tree, and the task of building a good habit is like cultivating a delicate flower, one day at a time.” — James Clear, Atomic Habits.
This sentiment particularly resonated with me as I recently embarked on a journey of sobriety. Initially, I didn’t plan to stop drinking for six months, but in the process, I began to unravel the ingrained habits I had formed around alcohol. These rituals had become a significant part of my daily routine:
- Arriving home from work, I felt entitled to a drink.
- After a long week, I believed I deserved a drink.
- When my kids were arguing, I looked forward to my evening drink.
- Meeting friends for lunch? A glass of wine seemed fitting.
- Social gatherings always called for a drink.
- Celebrating holidays meant choosing the perfect festive beverage.
- Completing a project warranted a celebratory drink.
Drinking had become as entrenched in my life as a sturdy oak tree, with deep roots formed over many years. Stepping away from alcohol made me reflect on these habits; it felt like trimming the branches while gradually uprooting the trunk.
Sobriety, I have learned, is fragile, resembling a delicate flower. I still find myself craving a reward after a long day, but instead of reaching for a drink, I now enjoy a refreshing sparkling water. Social gatherings continue, but my go-to now is a sweet coffee beverage. Cravings still arise unexpectedly, but like nurturing the plants on my deck, I must consciously tend to these moments each day.
Upon reading that quote, I took a moment to reflect. It encapsulated my experience with quitting drinking perfectly. In fact, I took it a step further—I highlighted it. Yes, I used an actual highlighter in my book, and now that sentiment is permanently marked.
Why did I choose to highlight? Because it’s my book, and I wanted to create a lasting memory of that insight. Initially, I struggled with the idea of marking up my text. What if I highlighted the wrong passage? What if I ever wanted to part with this book? Would people judge me for reading self-help literature? I used to think there was something wrong with me for engaging with self-help books, but I’ve since realized it’s a journey of self-discovery. There’s nothing inherently wrong with seeking improvement.
Moreover, if you’re going to read, why not interact with the material? Highlighting is one effective way to do just that.
The Value of Highlighting Beyond Academics
In school, the focus often shifts to obtaining good grades rather than genuinely learning. Students tend to highlight passages in textbooks primarily to pass exams, yet life isn’t so neatly categorized. We don’t receive multiple-choice tests when we explore new concepts; instead, we grow and adapt, applying what we learn to our lives. If something doesn't resonate, we continue to search for answers.
When studying ourselves, how can we expect to remember all the insights? Highlighting is a practical method to help retain meaningful wisdom.
In the evenings, my husband and I enjoy reading in bed, switching the lamp on and off as we settle into our books. One night, engrossed in a self-help book, I encountered another profound moment—one that made me stop and reflect. I felt compelled to underline the impactful line I had just read. My husband glanced over, surprised by my actions.
“What are you doing?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.
“Have you never highlighted a good quote in your books?” I replied.
“No.”
“Then how do you remember the important ones?”
Not everyone collects inspiring quotes, but if something resonates with you, why not mark it? If the book belongs to you, it’s yours to modify.
Highlighting Effectively
Once you begin highlighting, it’s easy to go overboard, resulting in a page filled with marks that make it hard to identify significant points. Remember, the purpose of highlighting is to assist your memory of the chapter's core themes.
When revisiting your book, the highlights should narrate a story, guiding you back to the main ideas. They serve as triggers for reflection. So, before you mark something, ask yourself: Does this help me recall the chapter's essence? If yes, proceed; if not, keep reading.
To differentiate between quotes and main ideas, I often highlight the central concepts while underlining memorable quotes. This distinction helps me quickly identify critical points versus inspirational tidbits. Adjusting the angle of your highlighter can also change how you mark the text, allowing for varied emphasis.
Summary
When we struggle to articulate our feelings, reading can provide clarity. Others’ insights often guide us through life’s challenges, especially in self-help literature, where certain quotes can spur us into action. Highlighting these passages creates a reference point for future reflection. By emphasizing main ideas and underlining notable quotes, we can enrich our understanding and internalize the wisdom we encounter.
Want more insights delivered to your inbox? Subscribe here. If you're sharing this with a friend, consider joining as a member. Your support helps me as a writer and grants you access to exceptional content on Medium.com.
This video, How to Annotate (Without Damaging Your Books), provides practical tips on effectively marking up your texts without compromising their integrity.
In this video, How To Annotate Books Like a Pro: Get More Out of Reading with These Tips + Tricks!, you’ll discover expert strategies to enhance your reading experience and retention.