Reading is Fundamental
Oftentimes, when I talk to new people or clients, I ask them what they are reading or what kind of books they like to read, and I am shocked to find that most of the people I ask tell me they don’t.
“You don’t what?”
“Read”
“Well certainly you read something”
Well, yeah, like the internet, but no books or anything.”
Last week in the sauna, one guy said,
“Is that a library book?”
“Of course”
“I just didn’t know people still went to the library”
This made me think of how many other people might be missing out on this free, and easy opportunity to enhance their lives and become greater superheroes than they already are. If you made it this far in your life without reading. Imagine what you can do with a little push, and that is what I am going to do today. Now, I know you might think, “Mike, I’m not much of a reader” …that is OK. Reading, like anything, is a skill that can be built up little by little. Much like fitness, once you catch the bug you will never stop!
I am going to challenge you to read 8 pages of a book today and every day thereafter. If you want suggestions, you can follow me on Goodreads and see what I am currently reading, or you can just grab anything. The purpose of this is to empower you to become better today than you were yesterday, and this might be the easiest way to do that!
Reading is one of the most rewarding and enriching activities a person can engage in. It is a way to explore new worlds, discover new ideas, and broaden our understanding of ourselves and others.
There are many benefits to reading, which is why it is an essential habit to cultivate.
Expands knowledge and vocabulary
- One of the most obvious benefits of reading is that it expands your knowledge base. Whether you’re reading fiction, non-fiction, or even news articles, every book or article contains a wealth of information that can teach you something new. Reading also helps to improve your vocabulary by exposing you to new words and phrases that you may not encounter in your everyday life.
Improves cognitive function
- Reading is an excellent exercise for the brain. It helps to improve memory, concentration, and critical thinking skills. Studies have also shown that reading can help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Reduces stress and promotes relaxation
- Reading can be an excellent way to unwind after a long day. It has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. In fact, a study by the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68%.
Increases empathy and understanding
- Reading can help to increase our understanding and empathy for others. By reading stories about people from different backgrounds and cultures, we can gain a better understanding of their experiences and perspectives. This can help to break down barriers and foster a more compassionate society.
Enhances creativity and imagination
- Reading can also enhance your creativity and imagination. By immersing yourself in a story or world created by an author, you are exercising your imagination and encouraging your brain to think creatively. This can translate into other areas of your life, such as problem-solving and innovation.
Provides a low-cost form of entertainment
- Reading is a relatively low-cost form of entertainment compared to other activities such as going to the movies or traveling. Library membership is free, and eBooks are available at a lower cost than physical books. This makes reading accessible to people from all backgrounds and income levels.
Reading in 2023 is a real-life hack.
It helps us learn more, makes us smarter, makes us more empathetic and understanding, makes us more creative and imaginative, and gives us cheap entertainment. So, whether you prefer fiction or nonfiction, make time to read every day and reap the benefits that come with it.
