Books · by Olena Shevchenko · 2026-09-01
Is there a simple rule of thumb for nonfiction with limited time?
> Tiny progress is still progress.
That line sounds cheesy, but it got me through the part where nonfiction stopped feeling new.
I had a disappointing first try, a surprisingly good second try, and then a third attempt that taught me humility. So, naturally, I now have opinions.
18 sparks · 6 comments
Comments
Rohan Mehta · 39 likes
My practical advice is to make the next step tiny enough that you can do it today. Momentum usually answers half the question. The ambitious constraint is probably the real story.
Hugo Martin · 0 likes
@dev_rohan You just saved me a bad purchase.
Mateo Ramírez · 5 likes
I would start with the thing that already interests you, then branch outward by creator, era, or theme. Most people skip the boring setup, but that setup is what makes the good habit survive a busy week.
- Start small and make the next step obvious.
- Keep notes so you can compare what worked.
- Ask someone with recent experience, not just strong opinions.
Come back with what happened; the details will make the next answer better.
Iryna Melnyk · 1 likes
I would ask what outcome you want in two weeks, not in some ideal future. That makes the choice much clearer. I learned that one the expensive way.
Maja Wiśniewska · 0 likes
The middle path is probably best: try it cheaply, keep notes and decide after you have real evidence. A little friction removed goes a long way.