Below is an article I wrote several years back after having read two hours per day for eighteen months. I'm now six years into this journey.
Today, I look back and see how those hours have profoundly shaped my thinking, sharpened my skills, and expanded my worldview. That daily investment is more than just time spentโitโs a powerful habit that has added up to over 4,300 hours of continuous learning.
In addition to this learning, I've written two books, edited a couple more, and reviewed several others. I'm currently writing my third bookโ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ข๐ ๐น๐๐๐ค: ๐ด๐ฃ๐๐๐โ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ข๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐ด๐๐ก ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐๐๐๐๐๐๐. I've also written online courses for academia and the corporate world, as well as my own ๐ฆ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฝ๐ฎ ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐บ๐. Finally, I'm in discussions about contributing to a professional academic paper as part of my university professorship.
Hereโs what Iโve gained from this journey:
โช ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฑ ๐๐ป๐ผ๐๐น๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ด๐ฒ:ย Reading widely has allowed me to explore topics far beyond my professional bubble, creating connections and insights I wouldnโt have gained otherwise.
โช ๐ ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐น ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ:ย Consistent reading strengthens focus and mental agilityโqualities essential for adapting and thriving in fast-paced environments.
โช ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ต ๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐:ย Books, articles, and research have introduced me to new perspectives, making me a more empathetic and strategic leader.
โช ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป:ย With exposure to diverse ideas, my ability to articulate complex concepts has grown, enhancing both personal and professional conversations.
โช ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐น๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐:ย Reading has opened doors to personally connect with authors whose work has deeply resonated with me. Some of these connections have blossomed into mentorships and friendships, where this wisdom and guidance continue to shape my journey.
๐๐บ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐ต๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐น๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐. ๐ค Whether itโs in your industry, a passion project, or just personal growth, consistent reading is a powerful tool for lifelong learning and improvement.
If youโre thinking of adding a new habit, start small. You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve over time.
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