Reading ~ a life's pleasure

The late Jim Rohn said:

"All leaders are readers."

Frankly, I don't know if that is true but one thing I do know, is that some of the most interesting and stimulating people I have ever met read a lot. And they don't just espouse the prose they live it. 

Every time I pick up a book, I think about the supreme effort, joy (and sorrow?) and passion that went into creating it. In many ways it reminds of a great artist or song writer. It is easy to dismiss some writers and trash their works but what have you done to produce a book, blog or article?

I read a lot. And I like to have a lot on the go. But nowadays, I try to take something useful from each of the books and apply it in my life. It doesn't have to be anything huge.

If you don't like reading or struggle to maintain concentration, try audio books. They are great. I use Audible. It is a really good service.

When you read try to give yourself a set time in the day and commit to at least 30 minutes. Try not to let your mind wonder, and if you don't mind marking the book, jot any thoughts down as you go along. Alternatively, get a little journal to record things. Whatever you do don't skim read. In my experience it is pointless.

At the moment I have at least three books on the go. I don't know why I do it this way but it keeps me from giving up on books after the first few chapters. You may like to focus on one book. Fine but once you start it you have to finish it.

Reading should be a fundamental part of everyone's life. We don't do it nearly enough. The TV has seen to that. 

For me it is not just a question of how much I can get through (in numbers) but what I take out of each book and apply in real life. I see each book adding to my education.

One final point: have fun. If you are bored then go find something that inpsires or moves you. A comic, a novel, a design book or old classic. The choice is infinite.

Comments

[Andrewneligan]

What else did Jim Rohn say about reading? Something along the lines of "You can go a day without eating but not reading."

I have just finished "How much is enough?" by Arun Abey which I enjoyed and is very relevant. Evil Little Plans by Hugh McLeod was informal but insightful.

I record any thoughts on Think Book for iPad. It's a very easy to use app.

[Julian Summerhayes]

Thanks Andrew. I want to get better every day, and whilst there is a whole slew of stuff coming through my Reader, it just doesn't feel as wholesome as a nice book. I have really got into the Domino series by Seth Godin (he has written two of them), and can highly recommend the genre. We should exchange notes at some stage.

Best wishes
Julian