The Power Of Reading
When I was 8, I spent my afternoons with a book in hand. My father had a vast collection, and our living room was lined with tall shelves filled with books.
Those slow afternoons, where I explored new worlds through reading, remain my favorite childhood memory—along with playing outside with my sister under the walnut tree.
Books were a constant presence as I grew up. They changed and evolved, but they stayed a loyal companion through the years, even as I transitioned into adulthood.
In college, studying the English language and literature deepened my love for reading and discovering new books. But then life took over. Work, deadlines, and meetings became my focus.
In my forties, as my kids grew older, I returned to my childhood passion. That’s when I realized how different my life might have been if I had kept this habit alive.
Reading is a habit that brings enormous benefits—if you stay consistent and open-minded.
Why you should start reading
Reading offers countless benefits, and if it hasn’t been part of your routine—or if you stopped after school—now is the perfect time to start. It’s one of the most valuable skills you can develop.
Why read?
- It helps you grow and gain new knowledge.
- It challenges your values.
- It broadens your perspective.
- It brings calm and stillness to your mind.
- It sparks new ideas and opportunities.
- It sharpens your focus.
If you want a fulfilling career, stronger relationships, better focus, and a clearer sense of purpose, reading is your key.
You Can Only Work with the Tools You Have
In our daily lives, we’re surrounded by the same people, ideas, and content. You likely have a few favorite creators you follow, a close circle of friends, and your family. Day after day, you consume the same information, and life begins to feel repetitive.
Over time, this routine can leave you stuck—recycling the same goals and missing chances to grow. But when you consciously re-educate yourself through books, you unlock access to fresh perspectives and ideas.
Your knowledge expands. New ideas emerge. Opportunities you never considered start to surface.
You might feel inspired to pursue something new—maybe even start that business you’ve been thinking about for years. Suddenly, you have a goal that excites you. You find yourself exploring topics and solutions you hadn’t thought of before.
And then, your entire world grows.
Books have the power to reshape your ambitions, spark meaningful conversations, and transform the way you approach life.
That’s the transformative power of reading.
Exercise Your Mind
We exercise daily to stay fit and strong, but we often neglect the same care for our minds.
Just like your body, your mind needs regular challenges and exercise to stay focused and sharp. And reading is one of the best ways to achieve this.
Reading introduces new ideas and values, brings clarity and motivation, and helps you become more intelligent.
Without intentional effort, our minds tend to drift—to the past, replaying what’s already happened, or to the future, worrying about what’s to come. Rarely do we focus on the present moment, which is where life actually happens.
Reading helps you stay present. It exercises your mind, sharpens your focus, and allows you to take control of your thoughts.
Through reading, you can reprogram your mind and transform your life.
Choose books that challenge your beliefs, expand your understanding, and inspire you to adopt habits that improve both your life and the lives of others.
Replace Bad Habits
Reading can help you change your habits, but it starts with understanding how you spend your time.
Take a close look at your day. Write down everything you do, from morning to evening, and note the time spent on each activity.
Once it’s on paper, you can clearly see how many of your daily habits contribute to your growth and future. If you find that most of your habits don’t help you move forward, it’s a sign that you’re not growing—and that you might remain stuck in the same place, with the same mindset, even decades from now.
Here’s a simple idea to start: let’s say you watch shows or scroll through YouTube every night before bed. Try replacing that habit with reading.
You might be surprised at the ripple effect this one change can have. Reading at night could inspire you to make other positive changes, gradually replacing bad habits with better ones.
Start small, especially if reading is new for you. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference. Then, as it becomes a habit, gradually increase the time you spend reading.
Small steps can lead to big transformations.
What to read
“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” – Frederick Douglass
Don’t feel pressured to read the classics just because others do. Instead, choose books that genuinely interest and excite you—books on topics you’re curious about or passionate about exploring.
If you start a book and find it unengaging, don’t force yourself to continue. There’s no obligation to finish every book. Most books won’t deserve your full attention, so focus on the ones that truly resonate with you and discard the rest.
Read with intention. Consider your goals and select books that align with them. The same book can hold different meanings for different people.
Some people read only to critique or judge, missing the value a book might offer. Instead, approach reading with an open mind. Even if you don’t like the style or much of the content, one idea from a book can be enough to move your life forward. That alone makes it worth reading.
This perspective applies beyond books. Conversations, articles, and any form of information can help you reach your goals when approached intentionally. While you shouldn’t limit yourself, certain types of books (those aligned with your aspirations) will help you far more than picking something at random.
Read books that challenge you and increase your intelligence
A challenging book offers more than just new ideas. It teaches you the essence of progress.
As you dive into its pages, a whole new world begins to unfold. You find yourself captivated, your mind buzzing with fresh, transformative ideas.
Thoughts like:
- I should learn that skill.
- I should communicate differently with my partner.
- I should start writing every day.
The right books have the power to change your life forever. They can introduce you to the changes necessary for growth.
Read for fun
As kids, we read for fun. We didn’t think about learning or self-improvement. We read because books let us step into new worlds, meet fascinating characters, and experience adventures, joy, and sadness.
Through stories, we learned about life, dreams, and even loss.
Back then, all that mattered was finding a book that captivated us, a book we couldn’t put down. We’d dive in and lose ourselves in a new reality.
If you’re trying to rekindle your reading habit, it’s a good idea to return to those basics.
Start reading for fun again.
Even now, I always have at least one book purely for enjoyment. It’s my way to relax and immerse myself, much like watching a good show.
How to start reading
Like any new habit, start with small, manageable goals. Start reading for 10 minutes each day and gradually increase the time as you get comfortable.
Starting isn’t difficult; you just need to find the right time and place.
Audiobooks are also a great option, and with a Kindle, you can take your books with you wherever you go.
Stack your habits
To make reading a daily habit, choose a time that works for you. For example, you could read before bed or first thing in the morning after you wake up.
Habit stacking is a great strategy for forming new habits. Try reading right after making your morning coffee or as you settle into bed for the night.
Keep books all around the house
I keep books in every room—on the coffee table, by my nightstand, and on my desk. This way, if I find myself with a few free moments, I can pick up a book instead of reaching for my phone.
Read what you love, until you love to read
When forming a new habit, start with what you enjoy. If you read a book that excites you, you’re more likely to keep reading.
Start with the genre you’re passionate about and gradually branch out from there. Choose books that truly spark your interest.
Once reading becomes a regular habit, you’ll instinctively know what to read next.
How to read correctly
If you’re reading this, you likely already know how to read. But reading effectively and efficiently is a different skill altogether.
To read more effectively, you need a clear process for capturing ideas, analyzing arguments, and asking the right questions.
If you’re reading to self-educate, make sure to follow these steps:
Choose a place where you can read undisturbed
I prefer to read in my bedroom or, during the summer, on my balcony. It’s quiet and allows me to focus.
Sometimes, I enjoy reading in the park or listening to audiobooks while I take a walk.
Write down the most important ideas in the book
While reading, I often pause to write down ideas in my notebook (my reading journal). If the book is filled with valuable insights or advice I want to remember, I make sure to write them down.
Writing down ideas helps them stick in your mind. More importantly, it allows you to revisit your notes in the days and months ahead, reminding you of key points you want to implement in your life.
I either write notes as I read or do so after finishing the book.
Reread a book that you find valuable
If you’ve read a book once and recognize its value, don’t hesitate to go back to it.
I have books I’ve read seven times. Rereading a valuable book helps reinforce its ideas and can truly transform your life.
You may also discover new insights with each read—finding valuable sentences or ideas that you missed the first time.
Conclusion
Reading has changed my life for the better, in every way. Every time I noticed a significant change in my behavior and personal growth, it was down to books and learning.
Reading is more than just a way to pass the time. If you choose the right books, it’s a powerful tool for growth. Whether you read for fun, self-education, or to gain new perspectives, the key is to make reading a consistent and intentional part of your life.
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