Jim Rohn reminds us that successful leaders make reading books one of their signature habits.
Successful people do read more. Leaders seem to read more than almost anyone else.
After all, curiosity is often cited as a common characteristic of great leaders.
Lincoln was famous for reading both the Bible and Shakespeare; Franklin Roosevelt loved Kipling.
Every great leader I’ve ever met has been a great reader.
If you’re not a natural reader, here are some quick tips to help you jump start the habit:
Read more than one book at a time. It’s ok to have several books going at the same time. If you lose interest in one—pick up another one. Just don’t stop reading.
Read in more than one place. Have books set aside to read when you are at different locations. Books stored in your briefcase, desk, nightstand, and car make reading easier when you have a few extra minutes.
Read on your phone. If you’re reading on a Kindle, download the app on your phone so you can keep reading valuable material when you have a few minutes of downtime.
Read while you’re driving. Every time you’re in the car is an opportunity to “read” an audio book. The alternative is letting the media pollute your mind with negativity.
Read with a goal in mind. Reading a certain number of books each year is a worthy accomplishment. Share your goal with friends so you have some social pressure to follow-through (it also makes you a more interesting conversationalist).
Are you ready to recommit yourself to reading?
If so, shoot me back a message letting me know what’s on your reading list this month.
