Today, I’m embarking on a new journey, one that’s a bit outside my comfort zone: I’ve committed to reading one book each month for the entire year. Now, I’ll be honest — I’ve never been an avid reader. The appeal of books frequently escaped my attention while I immersed myself in the fast-paced, digital world. But as I reflect on the paths to personal and professional growth, I recognize the unmatched value that books have to offer.
Why Read, Especially When It Doesn’t Come Naturally?
- New Perspectives: Each book is a window into a different world or a different mind. Even if I don’t naturally gravitate towards reading, I’m excited about the diverse perspectives and ideas that await.
- Deepened Understanding: Articles and videos are great for quick learning, but books dive deep. They explore topics comprehensively, providing a level of understanding and insight that’s hard to find elsewhere.
- Mental Stimulation and Creativity: Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. Engaging with a book requires focus and imagination, stimulating mental pathways and fostering creativity.
- Empathy and Reflection: Good books allow you to walk in someone else’s shoes, even if it’s just for a few hundred pages. This can cultivate empathy and provide ample food for thought, often prompting personal reflection and growth.
My Approach to This Challenge:
- Curated Selection: Each month, I’ll carefully select a book that aligns with my interests or challenges my thinking. The goal is to cover a variety of genres and topics over the year.
- Intentional Scheduling: I’ll set aside a specific time each day for reading. This small, daily commitment is less daunting than trying to consume large portions in one sitting.
- Active Engagement: Instead of passively reading, I’ll engage actively with the text. This means taking notes, asking questions, and perhaps even discussing the book with others.
- Reflection and Application: After finishing each book, I’ll take the time to reflect on its key takeaways and how they can be applied to my life or work.
As I turn each page, I’m not just looking to turn it for the sake of reaching the end. Instead, I’m viewing each page as a potential turning point — an opportunity for growth, learning, and perhaps even a shift in perspective.
I will start with a book I read a few years ago — Deep Work – Cal Newport. I think that is a great book to help me complete these challenges I set myself for 2024.
I invite you to join me in this challenge or share your thoughts:
- What books have transformed your thinking?
- Do you have any strategies for incorporating reading into a busy schedule?
- And how do you ensure that you not only read but also absorb and apply what you’ve learned?
Here’s to a year of turning pages and discovering turning points. Let’s see where this journey takes us.
#aBookaMonthChallenge #ReadingChallenge #PersonalGrowth #TurningPagesTurningPoints
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikenavales/