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I switched to audiobooks. Do a mindless task while listening that keeps me focused enough that my mind doesn’t wander, but l not using so much that I can also pay attention to the book.
I wish that worked for me. Instead, I've gotten used to hitting that 30sec rewind button!
I've been listening to audiobooks while having the ebook on my tablet or computer. Somehow it keeps me busy enough to force me to pay attention. I read the last 3 expanse books in under a week
"okay, let's concentrate. we've been at this timestamp 3 times already. this time i'm gonna listen real hard!"
20 seconds later; lost in thought.
5 mins later: "goddamit. it happened again. 😠"
it's so ridiculous.
Yup! At least I mostly only have to jump back about 30sec now... It does get frustrating when I jump back 30sec at the same point several times in a row!
Lol this happens to me with TV shows. I usually just say "fuck it," after rewinding three times and forgetting to pay attention to hear the one line I missed, and just let it play.
People use fidget spinners, but I figured out that holding a palm stone (whether purpose bought or just picked up off the ground) in my hand will let me sit and watch stuff vs. randomly forgetting I'm watching stuff.
I prefer roll forward over roll back. Hmm, I thought that guy was alive but now the protagonist is doing something with his severed head, oh well I guess something happened to him, good enough for me.
Lol.
I'd be lying if I claimed to have never "tried" this technique, although my experience was not quite so....smooth?
Well I also know that once I finish the book I'm not going to remember much about it no matter how engaged I was, so that might play into it.
Umm. You know. There might be a connection here?
Nah. That would be too simple, right? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
But I like your style! ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
I had the problem a lot in the beginning. I start and quit books several times over over the years. Then, one day it started working and it’s awesome.
Try it again, once it “clicks” you’ll just be able to do it when you want to.
Oh, I've finished a few books. I just occasionally take a while for a certain chapter!
Edit: I do appreciate the supportive attitude; however, it did feel unintentionally dismissive. Fwiw, I was venting, not looking for a solution!
All good! Were different people and what works for me might not work for you! I just love books and I want you to be able to enjoy them too. :)
I realized a while back I wasn't reading anymore. But as a kid, I was the one who'd use a flashlight to read under a blanket to avoid getting caught staying up. I'd even read a book walking between classes in highschool, navigating with my peripheral vision (I realized I never needed a whole five minutes for class change, so what better way to use up the time?).
So, definitely on the same team!