Speed reading often sounds like some kind of overhyped trick – like drinking five espressos and suddenly becoming a genius. And honestly? I get the skepticism. I’d feel the same – if I hadn’t experienced for myself what just a bit of training can do. It’s not magic. But it feels a little magical.

This article isn’t here to convince you. It’s simply an invitation. A different way of looking at something you might think you already know. Because maybe the most common ideas about speed reading aren’t truths at all – just habits of thinking.

Myth #1: Speed reading kills the joy of reading

This is the classic one. The cozy book lover says, “I want to relax with my book, not race through it.” And I totally get it. I love getting lost in a book, too. So lost that I forget time, space – and sometimes my tea boiling over (true story).

But here’s the thing: Enjoyment doesn’t depend on speed. Think back to when you first learned to read. Every word was a struggle. Every sentence, an achievement. And still – you enjoyed the story. Over time, your reading got faster. Not because you rushed, but because your brain and eyes got better at working together. The same thing happens with speed reading. It’s just the next step.

You read faster – and still feel everything. Only difference? You get to read more of the books you love. And maybe that’s the most joyful part.

Myth #2: If you read fast, you won’t understand anything

This myth is especially popular among people who read a lot for work: lawyers, researchers, editors – people who swim in text all day.

They say: “If I read too fast, I’ll miss something important.” Makes sense. At first glance. But actually – the opposite can be true. Let’s compare: Driving at 30 km/h vs. 140 km/h. Which one makes you more focused? Right. The faster one.

Speed creates focus. When you move quickly, your brain switches to “now” mode. You stop drifting off, stop thinking about what’s for dinner or how you forgot to reply to that email.

Same with reading. When you train yourself to read faster, you often understand more – not less. You stay in the flow. You stay with the text. And for people who read professionally, that can be a real game changer.

Myth #3: I already read fast enough

Ah, this one’s my favorite. Because it’s so human. Many people walk into my speed reading course thinking, “I’m already pretty quick.” Then we do a little test. Just one minute. A book. A timer. And then… silence. Some blinking. A soft: “Oh.”

The truth is: Most people read about 200 words per minute. Sounds fine – until you look at it over a lifetime. Let’s do the math:
10 minutes of reading a day = around 10 books a year.
Times 50 more years = 500 books.
That’s it.

Now imagine: With some training, you double your reading speed. Suddenly it’s not 500 – it’s 1,000 books. That’s 1,000 ideas. 1,000 adventures. 1,000 chances to be surprised. Speed reading doesn’t just change your pace. It expands your world.

Myth #4: Speed reading is only for nerds

You know the image: someone surrounded by stacks of academic papers, sipping green tea in a library corner. Speed reading? That’s for scientists. Or professors. Or maybe that one guy in your friend group who alphabetizes his bookshelf for fun.

But here’s the truth: Speed reading is for everyone.
For students who want to stay ahead.
For professionals who need to stay sharp.
For parents who wish they had time to finish just one book before their coffee gets cold.
Even for athletes who want to keep up with the latest training methods, or artists who want to dive into a new field.

Speed reading is simply a tool. A way to move through information with clarity – no matter what your passion is. It’s not about being “a certain type of person.” It’s about giving your mind the gift of more input – and your time the gift of space.

Myth #5: Speed reading doesn’t really add value

Let’s be honest – time is one of the most valuable things we have. And once it’s gone, it’s gone. So what if you could get back hours every week? What if reading took you half as long – and left you with double the knowledge?

That’s the real magic of speed reading. Whether you use that extra time to read more books, play with your kids, or just stare at the ceiling and think deep thoughts – it’s yours.
And yes, knowledge is power. But it’s also confidence. It’s creativity. It’s the difference between reacting and responding. Between copying others – and creating your own path.

The more you know, the more clearly you see. And the more clearly you see, the better you act. Not just for yourself – but for everyone around you.

Myth #6: Learning speed reading is complicated and takes forever

It sounds logical, right? If something promises big results, it must be hard. Maybe even painful. Possibly requiring incense, a PhD, or the sacrifice of your free evenings for the next three years.

But here’s the plot twist: Speed reading is surprisingly simple to learn. In my speed reading course, most participants double their reading speed in just one day. Yes – one day. Some even triple it. It’s one of the very few skills where results show up faster than your doubts can talk you out of it.

Of course, it’s not magic. You need to stay with it. It takes focus. A bit of challenge.
But complicated? Not really. It’s more like a switch you didn’t know you had – and once it’s flipped, things start to move.

Speed reading isn’t some elite tool reserved for superhumans. It’s a very doable, very practical, very human way to move your life forward.

Life is too short for unread books

And of course, speed reading isn’t a must. It’s not a competition. It’s not another item on your “self-improvement” checklist. It’s an option. For more clarity. More focus. More stories in your life.

Because honestly: life is too short for unread books.

PS: If you’re curious – here’s the best TEDx talk on the topic ;-). And if you ever want to try speed reading for yourself – I’d be happy to guide you:
You’ll find my newly designed speed reading online course here.