Step 1 – Starting. Start when you are most refreshed: after waking up, after a cup of coffee, after a shower, after working out. Choose whichever works best for you.
Step 2 – Context. Look at all of the authors and the years that they wrote. Do a bit of digging on Google to figure out who all of these people are, and what they are known for (if anything). Also, look at the piece of writing. Is it part of a larger book? What is that book about? Is it just an article? In what journal was it published? Have a look at that journal’s website, and see what kinds of article it publishes.
Step 3 – Hunt for the Argument. Read the abstract, the introduction, and the conclusion. Find the argument or thesis, wherever it is hiding. Mark it. What question is the author trying to answer? What answer do they provide? Remember: there is no such thing as spoiler alerts in reading material.
Step 4 – Assemble the Structure. Look at all of the headings and subheadings. How does this piece fit together? On which parts does the author spend the most time? Why?
Step 5 – Evidence. By now you get the gist of the article, and you understand the argument. Now piece together what kind of evidence the author is using to support the central thesis. This part requires the most reading. Does this evidence make sense? Where do the data come from? What is missing?
Step 6 – Reflection. Go back through and take notes. Write in the margins. Circle things you think are important.
All of this takes less time, and is more efficient, than trying to read everything cover to cover. Also, you will learn more.