You’ve probably heard me say I’m a work in progress. It’s true! So, I decided to share with you what that looks like for me and what I’m working on. I am so dang excited to share with you my 5 Key Paths to Self-Improvement over the next few weeks. It’s going to be great! Number one is: Read More, Knowledge is Key and I am so thrilled for you to follow along and share with me what you learn. Let’s get started!
I Didn’t Always Read Much
I went through a long period of not reading much. Honestly! Maybe some industry magazines every month or so but other than that, nope. No time was my excuse. Raising kids, growing a business, and running a home took all of my time. I found it comical when others would say they read a book over the weekend. “Must be nice,” is what I would say to myself.
I wasn’t always a big reader but I sure did like to every once in a while.
After my kids were older, I started to read more often and found it enjoyable. At that time, I was only reading trade-specific materials. It helped me in my businesses and all but didn’t stretch my mind.
Once I became on empty-nester, I had more time and started to even read more. I also opened up my mind and added different types of reading genres to my bookshelf! Game changer!! When I started reading more, it benefitted me in a lot of ways.
The Benefits of Reading
Reading is great for you in a lot of ways. Believe me! I’ve been a non-reader and I’ve been an avid reader and I can tell you my life as a reader is different – and better! Here are the benefits:
- Mental Stimulation
- Stress Reduction
- Knowledge
- Memory Improvement
- Improved Focus and Concentration
- Free Entertainment
Why wouldn’t you want to have all of those things? I’ve even found an additional benefit, especially during a quarantine.
Reading Takes Me Places
In the last few years, I’ve changed my habits from watching tv to reading. I will binge watch from time to time (who doesn’t??) but the majority of the time, I choose to read. A good book can take you anywhere. Especially now during this quarantine, I find a really good book takes me out of my head and into a different space. You can achieve that without leaving your home. I call that a bonus!
A while ago, I joined a book club too. I love reading books others in the group choose. I’ve read memoirs, thrillers, history, and more. Motivational and self-help are favorite topics too! Tons of business books live on my bookshelf. Opening your mind and exploring all different topics can increase the benefits you get from reading.
Do you want to know what else I did? I created a nice reading space in my living room to motivate me to read more. It doesn’t always help but it certainly doesn’t hurt!
Additionally, I set a goal to read 10 books in 2020. So far, I’m staying on track! Regularly, I check in with myself during my goal setting and see where I’m at with my reading goals. It helps me stay on track.
So, I’ve just told you four ways that I use to help me read more and recap them below. I know there are many, many more! Feel free to share these ideas with others.
Four Actions to Help You Read More
1. Instead of watching tv, read.
2. Join a book club.
3. Create a reading space.
4. Include it in your yearly goals!
My Wish For You: Read More!
Knowledge is key to any self-improvement program and happens to be one of the benefits I shared about reading! That’s why reading more is a great place to start with this self-improvement series. The Heart & Soul of my brand is “Taking Back Control of Your Life” and setting self-improvement goals puts you back in the driver’s seat.
Drive/self-improvement is one of the three areas of groundwork it takes to achieve your dreams. Follow along with this five-week blog series as we work through these ideas together! Looking forward to sharing more with you in the weeks to come!
Live your best life
Michelle