This blog is often used to promote great books, articles, magazines, audiobooks, etc. that have made an impact in my life. Many people never picked up a love for books or reading or feel they don’t have the time to do so. However, it’s never too late to start reading and to find the time to be a learner.
Here’s a few past blogs on reading material: click here and click here
Credit for pushing me into reading goes to my father, Stuart. When we were young he would read books to us and I would often see him reading a book. Then when when I was in Jr. High, he decided to get rid of the family television. (he insists it was a moral decision, but my brother and I suspect he just didn’t want to replace the old broken TV- this is a family debate still ongoing) Left without a TV, I read more than most teenagers.
So how to you get started? When I ask my staff and friends if they read I’ll often get the following responses:
I don’t like to read – It wasn’t until college that I discovered I’d been reading way too many things that I HAD to read and not nearly enough of the stuff I enjoyed. I stopped reading what everybody else was interested in and developed my own system and appetite. For example: If I don’t like a book, I don’t finish it. This is one tip will greatly improve your enjoyment of reading
I don’t have time to read– Sorry, I don’t buy this one. I’m as a busy as the next guy, running a 24/7 non-profit and raising two active boys, yet I make time to read. How? Simply put, I replace some of the time I’d be in front of the TV or just sitting around with reading time. Reading is far more relaxing because it engages your mind and gets your creative juices flowing. Make time to read.
I don’t read fiction/I don’t read non-fiction – I think it’s important to read both. I’d guess I read about 70% non-fiction- history, biographies, biz books, psychology, self-help, etc. and about 30% fiction. The fiction I read is for purposes of imagination. I’m your typical Type A, straight forward thinker. I find reading fiction every once in a while stretches my boundaries and helps me think outside the box. Too much fiction however and you’re just spinning your wheels, in my opinion. It’s good to mix it up with real life stuff you can apply to your marriage, life, work, etc.
Reading is boring– Reading isn’t boring, but if you don’t read you may become boring. Reading is only boring if you’re reading something you’re forced to read. If you choose to read it and it’s no good – stop. Then pick up something that really excites you.
I’d love to encourage everyone who’s given up on reading to try it again. Pick up the best book you can on a subject that you are right in the middle of in your own life and see if you can’t get excited about reading again.
DC
