<p>I’m involved in a project, and I have to read a book that (while informative and well-researched) is quite challenging and dull.</p>
<p>It is just so painful for me to read this book, and I find it difficult to concentrate. My mind keeps wandering on you-name-it.</p>
<p>What sort of things do you do when you have to complete such reading? How do you stay focused?</p>
<p>Are you highlighting key points?</p>
<p>I reward myself. I can have a cookie after a chapter or a page if it is really bad.</p>
<p>I summarize particularly dense sections on sticky notes and stick them over that section, so I remember what it was about and don’t ever have to try and read it again. I will stick stickies with main points and ideas on pages, too.</p>
<p>Like Onward says, a reward after each chapter helps. I also try to spread the reading out over a longer period of time. Instead of three hours in one sitting, shorter periods of time (20/30 minutes) with a break in between helps - even if the break only means unloading the dishwasher. “Play games” with the material, i.e. write down three things that interested you in the last chapters before you read again and you’ll find yourself mentally reviewing during the break. </p>
<p>If I truly mind-wander while reading, I’ll read out loud.</p>
<p>If I read out loud, I don’t retain one bit because I shift into autopilot. The only way I can deal with painfully dull stuff is to deliberately take notes. If I write it down by hand, at least some of it will pass through my brain.</p>
<p>Read it at whatever time of day you are most fresh.
Take notes.
Find the topic sentence and read only the topic sentence to create a framework for re-reading.
Imagine how you would re-write the book to make it more interesting.
Find another book that does a better job and compare the two.
Think of examples for the core ideas.
Imagine yourself explaining the ideas to a close friend.</p>
<p>Turn it into the comic book or Dummy Book versions then publish it so other people can enjoy reading and learning about the topic.</p>
<p>Don’t read in your usual place. Go to the library. The park. Experiment with different locations.</p>
<p>Any chance it’s available in audio format? Reading along while listening might help you concentrate.</p>