“I don’t like to read.”
How many times have you heard those excuses when it comes to personal development?
How many times have you used those excuses?
I used to do the same thing. But not anymore.
Readers Lead and Leaders Read
— Dave Ramsey (and probably many others)
While listening to Dave Ramsey one day, I heard him say that he has a “required reading” list for new hires and that he himself reads at least one nonfiction book a month.
Personally, I have been known to go through spurts when it comes to reading, and usually in fiction. But I never seemed to have the “time” to read for personal growth.
If you need a good book to read, here’s one 🙂
https://amzn.com/1519418175
Today, though I am reading more than ever, and mostly nonfiction. Here are four ways to find the time to read.
- Turn off the TV. I found myself watching 2-3 hours of television a night. By cutting that by an hour, I found time to read. It is amazing how many pages you can read in an hour. Do it everyday and you can easily finish a book in less than a month.
- Audiobooks. For folks who don’t like to read, or can’t seem to find the time, audiobooks are a great option. Downloaded to an iPod or smartphone, a listeners can “read” a book during the commute to work, during a workout or during a “power lunch.”
- Get up earlier. Studies have shown that the human brain retains information better first thing in the morning. By getting up and reading first thing (perhaps with a cup of coffee) the mind can chew on the material all day long.
- Read with a purpose. Keep a highlighter handy when you read. Highlight important facts, quotes and other information This will help you retain what you have read and make it more relevant to you.
The simple fact is we make time for the priorities in our lives. If you want to be a successful leader, reading MUST be a priority in yours.
