Personalize Pronouns to Enhance Your Reading

By Linda M. Mitchell

When I read, I let the words really speak to me. I do this by personalizing the pronouns. For example, if I read a passage that contains "you" or "we", either in my mind or by writing above it, I change the words to "I" or "my." I use this power reading technique with many types of reading material such as devotionals, articles about health, finances, relationships, or anything I find that may help me personally. For instance, this is how I would read the following devotional passage.

 (Original version) In Psalm 23:2, the psalmist says that God leads His people into green pastures and beside still and restful waters. In other words, God will always lead us to a place of peace and safety if we seek Him. (Hearing From God Each Morning, 364 Daily Devotions by Joyce Meyer)

(My version) In Psalm 23:2, the psalmist says that God leads His people into green pastures and beside still and restful waters. In other words, God will always lead me to a place of peace and safety if I seek Him.

By personalizing the pronouns, I feel more empowered when I read. I feel like I'm getting my own action plan and the words stick with me longer, especially if the article is giving advice.

Another example is from Dave Ramsey. In Dave Ramsey’s Guide to Budgeting, he writes, “Your biggest wealth-building tool is your income, and the best way to harness the power of your income is the monthly budget.”

I connected better with his message when I read it this way: My biggest wealth-building tool is my income, and the best way to harness the power of my income is the monthly budget.

Try this reading technique yourself. By switching the pronouns to first person, you'll become more engaged in what you're reading and remember and apply the knowledge you've gained. It's simple but it works. I've been personalizing pronouns for years now and it has made a difference in my focus and comprehension.