Reframing Assumed Skills: Your Journey to Master Reading Starts Here

As the clock resets and we step into a fresh year, many of us reflect on personal growth and set resolutions to improve ourselves. A popular resolution is to read more books or become a better reader, but have we considered the very foundation of this goal? Reading is often treated as an implicit, “assumed” skill—something we learn early in life and rarely revisit. This mindset, however, can limit our potential, both in reading and in other aspects of life.

In this blog, we’ll explore the concept of implicit or assumed skills, using reading as a focal point. We’ll compare it to another skill we often take for granted—kicking a ball—and discuss how recognizing and nurturing these skills can unlock new levels of personal growth. Finally, we’ll provide a roadmap to set actionable reading goals for 2025, offering a pathway to transform your reading habits and skills in the coming year.

What Are Implicit or Assumed Skills?

Implicit or assumed skills are those we learn early, integrate into daily life, and often stop thinking about. These are foundational abilities—like walking, talking, or reading—that we assume we’ve mastered simply because we can perform them. But mastery lies far beyond basic competence.

Let’s take a closer look at reading. By the time we reach adulthood, most of us can read fluently enough to handle menus, road signs, emails, and perhaps an occasional novel. But are we truly equipped to tackle the complex demands of modern reading—scientific papers, dense professional texts, or foreign languages?

Similarly, let’s consider kicking a ball. Nearly anyone can kick a ball, but few of us can rival a professional footballer’s precision, control, or power. Just as becoming a top footballer requires years of targeted practice, evolving into a skilled and versatile reader demands ongoing effort, adaptation, and learning.

The Problem with Taking Reading for Granted

When we treat reading as an assumed skill, we risk stagnation. Imagine applying the same approach to other abilities. Would you trust someone to perform surgery because they once dissected a frog in high school? Would you board a plane with a pilot who hasn’t trained since earning their license decades ago? Of course not.

Yet, we rarely think about refining our reading skills beyond elementary school. This gap becomes apparent when we encounter texts that challenge our vocabulary, comprehension, or analytical abilities. The result? Frustration, procrastination, and a reluctance to engage with materials that could enrich our knowledge or careers.

Revisiting Reading as a Skill

Just as athletes train for peak performance, readers can enhance their skills through deliberate practice. Whether it’s increasing speed, improving comprehension, or expanding vocabulary, there’s always room to grow. Here’s why revisiting and refining your reading skills matters:

1. Enhanced Comprehension: Reading faster isn’t enough; true mastery means understanding and retaining information. Improved comprehension allows you to engage deeply with texts and apply insights effectively.

2. Time Efficiency: Faster reading means you can cover more material in less time—a valuable skill in academics, business, and leisure.

3. Cognitive Benefits: Advanced reading challenges your brain, improving focus, memory, and critical thinking.

4. Increased Confidence: Proficiency in reading builds confidence, empowering you to tackle complex materials without hesitation.

Setting Goals for Reading Growth in 2025

The first step to transforming your reading skills is setting clear, actionable goals. Here’s how to approach this journey in 2025:

1. Start with Self-Assessment

Before setting goals, take a moment to understand where you currently stand. Assess your reading speed, note the types of texts you’re most comfortable with, and identify areas where you’d like to improve.

If you’re not sure where to start, tools like speed reading tests or comprehension quizzes can provide valuable benchmarks. For a guided approach, the SRS Starter Kit offers step-by-step exercises and resources designed to help you measure and track your progress. It’s an excellent way to establish a solid foundation as you begin your journey to better reading.

2. Define Your Objectives

What do you want to achieve? Your goals might include:

• Reading a specific number of books.

• Improving reading speed to 600 words per minute.

• Mastering technical or academic texts.

• Exploring new genres or authors.

3. Break Down Goals

Long-term goals can feel daunting, so divide them into smaller, manageable milestones:

• Daily: Read for 20 minutes without distractions.

• Weekly: Complete one book chapter or article.

• Monthly: Increase reading speed by 10% or finish two books.

• Yearly: Read 50 books or double your initial reading speed.

4. Balance Speed with Comprehension

Set parallel goals to enhance both speed and understanding. Techniques like chunking (reading groups of words instead of individual ones) and previewing (scanning headings and summaries) can help balance these objectives.

5. Create a Reading Plan

Structure your reading routine. Decide when, where, and how you’ll read—whether it’s a quiet morning ritual, a daily commute activity, or a dedicated evening session. The key to success is consistency.

If you’re looking for a simple way to kick-start your habit, try the free SRS Reading Countdown. This tool helps you set short, focused reading sessions, making it easier to build momentum and stay committed to your plan.

6. Track Progress

Use journals, apps, or spreadsheets to monitor your achievements. Celebrate milestones to stay motivated.

Why Writing Down Goals Matters

A written goal isn’t just a wish; it’s a commitment. Studies show that people who write down their goals are significantly more likely to achieve them. Writing clarifies your intentions, provides a reference point, and reinforces accountability.

Use powerful coaching questions to guide your goal-setting:

• What motivates you to improve your reading skills?

• How will achieving this goal enrich your life?

• What challenges do you expect, and how can you overcome them?

Following Through: The Secret to Success

Setting goals is the first step; following through is where the magic happens. Here’s how to stay the course:

1. Build Habits: Make reading a non-negotiable part of your routine. Start small to build momentum, then gradually increase intensity.

2. Stay Flexible: Life is unpredictable. If you miss a goal, adjust your timeline rather than giving up entirely.

3. Seek Support: Join book clubs, engage in online reading communities, or partner with a friend to stay accountable.

4. Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and reward your progress, no matter how small. Success breeds motivation.

A Final Word on Implicit Skills and 2025 Resolutions

The journey to better reading is about more than words per minute or books per year. It’s a testament to the power of self-awareness, growth, and the refusal to settle for mediocrity. By acknowledging that reading is a skill worth refining—and treating it with the same respect as any other pursuit—you’ll unlock potential you never knew existed.

As 2025 begins, challenge yourself to revisit not just reading but any skill you’ve taken for granted. Set ambitious goals, write them down, and commit to continuous improvement. Remember, the path to mastery is paved with intention, effort, and perseverance.

So, as you set your resolutions, ask yourself: What are the implicit skills in my life? How can I nurture them to transform my future? The answers might just lead you to your most fulfilling year yet.