Despite the fact that I don’t enjoy reading, I read a lot. Like, A LOT. But it wasn’t always this way. My sense of imagination and wonder came not from books when I was a kid, but from somewhere within—and a lot of movies and TV. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, or at least it wasn’t for me. You’ll find no brain rot here. It served me well for a long time. And honestly, it still does. But I’ve definitely learned the distinctive value of books and reading along the way. And I also realize more and more how few books people read nowadays. So, I’d like to help change that. Consider me your learning advocate. It’s time for an intervention.
I’m an information junkie. I always have been. I love absorbing new thoughts, ideas and experiences. One friend even called me “human Velcro.” I love learning. I’m eternally curious. But I’ve always said I could never go back to school, and instead, that’s why I attend conferences. They’re like little crash courses. Perhaps I couldn’t stay focused for several years again. Perhaps I just don’t want to. I loved my college experience, but I only need one.
Books are their own little crash courses, though. But to this day, given the chance of picking up a book or watching my Roku, the latter wins every time. However, I always want to improve myself, and books are the better way to make that happen. So, I did what all good humans do—I adapted.
That blessed day came when my friend introduced me to Audible. I looooovvvveeee my Audible account! I was resistant at first, but after I gave it a try, I can’t imagine life without it.
Need a little convincing?
Here are a few benefits of reading:
- Mental stimulation – stave off brain deterioration later in life
- Great escape – find a better outlet for your depression, stress, overwhelm or boredom
- Get creative – let your imagination soar
- Learn stuff – whether it’s your goal or a byproduct, it happens
- Improve your workout – a good distraction can keep you going
- Cut costs – cheaper than many other forms of entertainment
- Sleep better – stop staring at a screen
- Instant success – not really, but successful people are readers
- Expand your worldview – much better than watching the news
- Set a good example – your kids are watching
(Click any of the links above for further explanation and more reasons.)
Here are a few reasons you’ll tell me you can’t read more, and where I’ll debunk you:
- I don’t have time. Wrong answer. You’ve just not prioritized reading. We make time for the things that interest us. You may have to shift some things around, but I promise you, you have more time than you realize. Do an audit of your time to find out. And if you choose to listen to your books like I do, my super smart friend who opened my eyes to Audible noticed that most book chapters are around 20 minutes. So, you can likely find 20 minutes before bed or in the car whether you’re turning pages or plugged in.
- I don’t have the money. I know, it can get expensive. But, here are a few ideas. First, the library is free. Remember those? Many now have books on CD as well, and a some even have an app for listening on your device. Second, maybe you have a friend(s) who is an avid reader and will let you borrow a few paperbacks to get started. Third, if you’re considering an Audible account, why not share it with a friend or two? You can divide the credits and also listen to each other’s selections.
- I prefer interaction to solitude. Cool—start a book club. Yep, they still have those, too, and my best friend is in one. I’ve also participated in them for social justice causes. And once you start reading more, you’ll want to talk about it anyway.
- I’m not an auditory learner. What a coincidence, me either! This was my biggest hurdle in getting started. So, what I recommend to people is by starting with fiction. I listen to more fiction now than ever, but it’s still a smaller percentage in my self-help library. But it’s a lot easier to listen to overarching story lines in the beginning when you’re trying to re-train your brain, than to understand the 37 points of something or another. Trust me, it gets easier. I still have to rewind now and again when I’m really distracted, but it’s less and less.
- Here are some other ideas to create space in your life for reading. And a few more to grow on for you more stubborn folks.
Well, there you go. Problem solved. Can’t you just feel that you’re about to get smarter? I’m anticipating it for you! It’s going to be awesome. Remember, just start with something that interests you. Then, you’ll find out that you’re interested in all kinds of things!
So, whether you use Audible or the library or a friend’s collection, just promise yourself you’ll start reading more. You’ll thank me for it.
Need a few book ideas to get you started? Here are my reading lists from the last couple of years: 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
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And a very special offer, if you’re interested in trying Audible.
Audible Free Trial:
(Note: Amazon/Audible links are affiliate links.)
Mental Post-Its 