For some people, work is a priority and they tend to appreciate the value of continuing education. However, most people never bother to continue learning throughout their adult lives. We can never quantify or recover these lost opportunities. If you want to become a better person and achieve The Good Life, you must understand the importance of learning. Learn how to work harder on yourself than you do on your job and your job will begin working for you. Answer this question: “Do you have the willingness and the discipline to be a reader?”
One of the best ways to learn something new is to read a book. Yet, according to syndicated newspaper columnist Harvey Mackay, “51 percent of the American population never reads a book of more than 400 pages after they complete their formal education.” Most American workers don’t read four books during their lifetime! In contrast, some Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) I know read four books a week. These leaders commit themselves to continually learning as a part of their strategy for The Good Life. They also understand the real power of reading. Can a book change a life? Absolutely! If you buy the book yourself and only keep it for yourself, then you miss the real point of reading. How many books have you given away this year? If the answer is none and you are in the “people business,” what are you thinking? Go back to building the people around you, and they will help your dreams become a reality. Many people tell me they don’t have the time to read. It’s simply not true. You have to make time. If you read one book a month for 12 months, you would be in the top 25 percent of all intellectuals in the world. Does that sound impossible? One book per month is about half a chapter a day, which might take fifteen minutes of your time. Think about it. If you read one book a month for one year, you will have read 12 total. And in five years, you will have read 60 books. If you read 60 books when your competitors for the same job read three books, don’t you think you will have an advantage?
When it comes to reading, your challenge isn’t actually finding the time to read. Your challenge is creating personal discipline to do it. I’d encourage you to set a realistic and achievable goal of reading at least 15 minutes every day and over a year you can complete an average of 20 books. If you devote this time to learning and sharing, it will separate you from your competitors who are also pursuing the next opportunity. Remember, the more you learn, the more you will be able to earn. Don’t go through a single day without learning something new. When was the last time you pushed yourself out of your comfort zone?
The Good Life Rules!
Bryan Dodge