At the start of 2019, I had set a goal to read 4 books that year. You’re most likely thinking why 4?
Well, after graduating from university and getting into full time employment, I hardly read in fact I would mainly watch tv and hang out with friends.
When I did read, it would take a whole year to finish reading one book, or pick up a few other books of interest but soon lose interest by chapters 3 or 4 of the book.
This all began to change as soon as I came across a quote by T.D Jakes that said, ‘Read, or you’ll always feel intimated by other people’s opinions.’
Mind blown by this statement, I started to look at areas in my life where conversations would fade out quickly because I had not educated myself in that specific area of topic.Whether it’s religion, politics, economically or relationally, the struggle to back up my opinion with research or findings was very vague.
So, I set off a challenge to read more books in a year.
By the end of 2020, I was able to successfully finish 15 books including audio books downloaded on Audible.
All this to encourage you to set yourself that same challenge.
It could be that you can easily get by two or more books every month but think specifically about a topic of interest that you’d like to grow intellectually in and let’s begin the challenge to read and grow.
IT’S START TODAY!
"You’ll grow where you need to go" – Christine Caine
WHY READING HAS ALWAYS BEEN IMPORTANT
Reading books has been known to improve critical thinking, boost creativity and inspire people to do big and wonderful things. It helps to increase your knowledge and skill in a particular subject, especially if you're studying for a specific major.
Studies show that reading can increase emotional intelligence and improve your overall health & wellbeing.
It also used to relax and unwind at the end of your day, bringing your body in a resting state and I've usually found reading inspirational stories help me drift off at night.
Reading is known to boost confidence and self-esteem, trying your mind to expand and grow.
You can increase your brain power by reading everyday and this has been shown to energise the brain and improve memory function.
“Reading Is To The Mind, What Exercise Is To The Body” - Joseph Addison
THE CHALLENGE
There’s so much trying to grab our attention. News feed, politics, social interactions online. It can be easy to just go about your day mindlessly watching the world go by and never actually taking the time to stop – reflect – breathe.
This is where reading comes in.
Think on this – what subject of interest have you been longing to learn but can never find the time for it?
It could be mastering a skill in cooking, learning a new language, business, artistry, building and crafting objects.
Whatever it is for you, you can start to read on it today.
HERE ARE MY 2 READS FOR THIS MONTH
MAKE TIME
I’ve heard only but good reviews on the book “make time.” The need to read this grew stronger as I realised, I need to find time for the most important things in my life.
The things I value and have a passion for, but never actually make time to do it. (can you relate).
My favourite part about the book so far is creating your highlight at the start of your day. "Choosing a single activity to prioritise and protect in your calendar."
WHO MADE GOD?
This book caught my attention while doing some decluttering in the house.
I’ve always wanted to have an answer whenever someone asked about my faith and how important it is to me.
I found that the book is packed with topics addressing questions on God, evil, the bible, the world & other religions.
Both books have their purposes, but the aim is to learn and grow intellectually in a specific area.
Of course, we know applying what we read in everyday life is also very important.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” Dr Seuss
WHAT WILL YOU BE READING THIS MONTH?
Set aside some time everyday, whether it's 10 mins, 20, 30 or even an hour to read. Turn off your computer, put your phone away and join the read a book challenge.
Leave me a comment below :)