I know you might think from my title that I am asking you to go from place to place without any purpose. After all, that’s what it means to roam. But actually, I am asking you to go somewhere you have not gone before in your thinking.
I was talking to a friend who asked me how I remember so much when it comes to reading books. It was a really good question. How do we retain and get the most out of what we are reading?
When I thought about it, it came down to this simple method: R.O.A.M.
Read – Read slowly and thoughtfully through the book. Pick an idea or two that stood out to you and write it down. Whether you put it in your journal or just a notepad, write that idea down.
Observation – Write some observations about this idea or concept. What is this idea saying? What does it reveal about the world around you? About people? How can this idea make you better or allow you to handle a situation in a certain way?
Application – Write a few sentences on how these ideas apply to your life. Is there a truth about yourself that you want to focus on? Is the idea convincing you of something you need to do or stop doing? Is there something you can start doing or stop doing based on the idea?
Meditate – Take a minute to think about the idea and picture yourself acting the way you would want to act. Put yourself in that situation and see yourself doing the very thing that you wrote about. See how you feel. Who are you with and how can it help you become a better version of you. Take the idea for a test drive. Try it on and see how it feels. When you meditate on something you can make it yours and let your mind feel results before it actually happens.
I believe that if you use these four simple techniques, next time you hear or read something of interest you will begin to not only remember that idea in a different way, but it will start directing you in the direction you want to go.
Can I let you in on a little secret? This is how I create Marty’s Minutes. Now you know the rest of the story. Time to start ROAMing.
Until next time…I’m Marty, make every minute count.

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