3 Impactful Reasons To Read

In 2013, I decided I would read and finish a book each month. No matter how busy I was or how long the book was, I challenged myself to become a better reader. Why? From my personal research, I have learned all the successful people I have studied READ. Their desire for success drives them to read. They say one book could save you five years, if you just READ. Most of the successful people I am speaking of have written books to share their stories.

I gave myself the expectation to finish ONE book a month with the option to do more. I started with a small book and I made sure it was something I was interested in. Read what you love, then read what can make you better at your craft, and share what you are learning. I enjoy reading most, because as an author and poet, it sparks my imagination and creativity. After seeing the benefits of reading more frequently, I became addicted and now read a minimum of 30 minutes a day. I have researched the many benefits of reading and here are three I have felt developing in me:

Stronger Focus: #FOCUS has been my strongest passion this past year. I have been on a mission to share my ideas with others. Reading a book actually helps develop the ability to concentrate because you have no pop-up ads or ad gifs to distract you. Reading a hard-copy provides only ONE story or piece of literature in your view, unlike a magazine or blog site. Get lost in the tunnel vision.

Grow your world: I have developed an expanded world view. There are plenty of places I have never been, that I have enjoyed reading about. Reading has allowed me to experience other cultures, people, and places. It helps develop compassion for the poor and empathy for those different from you. Reading helps us reach different realms of our world that we would likely not dream of seeing or understanding.

Learn for less: There are so many free books and books you can get for less than a few bucks. Not to mention, we all have general access to libraries; these are literally banks, sharing their wealth with the public. I only like to give three examples but here are two honorable mentions: Vocabulary expansion and better writing.

Todays Focus: We can’t just build up our physique with physical workouts, we must expand our minds with reading. – Wade B. Townsend II