Reading: One of My Most Valuable Habits

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Why Reading Matters in My Life

Reading is a key part of my life. It’s probably more beneficial and produces more positive results than any other activity I do, especially for my mental growth and development.

I read for both education and entertainment. I’m a lifelong learner who gets high learning new things, and reading feeds my learning addiction. I also enjoy imagining people and scenes in historical fiction books I read.

I’m an introvert. I don’t have lots of friends, and I don’t have many opportunities to talk to the friends I have. But I do have lots of friends whom I read every day.

What I Read Daily

I read from several sources every day. The more I read and the more different sources I read from, the more I learn, and the more dots I have to connect.

“Resolve to learn…Read widely to fuel your brain’s connections.”

Anne Janzer, The Writer’s Process: Getting Your Brain in Gear

• As a part of my morning routine, I read a few pages from nonfiction books. I want to read these very slowly, with time to think and make notes between readings. Right now the books I’m reading are Letters on Ethics: To Lucilius (The Complete Works of Lucius Annaeus Seneca); and Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts, by Oliver Burkeman.

• ReadWise highlights remind me of what I’ve read and thought important enough to highlight. I subscribe to the ReadWise service, which collects all of my highlights from the electronic books I read. It presents me with 15 random highlights every morning. I get many of my ideas for blog posts from the highlights that resonate with me.

• Morning readings of blog posts and newsletters in ReadWise Read. Readwise Read collects blog posts and newsletters I’ve subscribed to. Each morning I read those I’m interested in.

• Nonfiction Afternoons: Learning from the Experts. Nonfiction books are the “meat and potatoes” of learning.

As Ann Janzer says, “Nonfiction is sustenance for lifelong learners. Reading nonfiction, we connect with great thinkers of our age and the past. We encounter the wisdom of other cultures and the wonders of the world.” The Curious Reader’s Field Guide to Nonfiction.

Unfortunately, not all books are well-written. Some are boring and difficult to read. If a book doesn’t resonate with me, I give myself permission to stop reading and move on to something more interesting. There are always good books waiting to be read.

• Fiction Nights: Entertainment with a Historical Twist. Reading fiction is a form of entertainment for me. Very often, it’s a piece of historical fiction in a period that I enjoy reading about. I learn with good historical fiction, but I also enjoy the stories and reading.

Where To Discover Great Books

I look to several sources to suggest books I might be interested in reading.

• Recommendations from friends. Often my friends know the kind of books I enjoy reading, or may know about an issue I’m trying to solve or a project I’m working on. When they recommend a book, it’s often a great pick.

• Blogs, podcasts, and newsletters. I subscribe to blogs and newsletters and listen to podcasts because I’m already interested in their topics. When a book is mentioned or recommended, it’s often on a topic I want to read about.

• McSparky Labs recommendations. I’m a MacSparky Labs member. David Sparks produces videos and newsletters and also audience participation Zoom calls. David Sparks or one of the members who comment, sometimes mentions a book they’ve found helpful. I’ve found many of these books also resonate with me.

• Amazon recommendations for similar books. When I look at or purchase a book on Amazon, the website also lists other books on the same topic. I’ve found some beneficial and interesting books in those suggestions.

Why I Choose Electronic Books, Not Paper Books

Right now, it’s somewhat faddish among tech creators to read paper books. I’ve observed some influencers pressure others to do so.

I purchase and read almost all of my books in electronic format, using the Kindle app on my iPad. To read about why I do so and the advantages of digital books over paper books, see The Power of Ebooks: Debunking Myths and Highlighting Advantages, by Jim Eagar.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here: Join the Reading Journey

Reading has become more than just a habit for me—it’s a cornerstone of who I am. It feeds my curiosity, sharpens my mind, and provides a constant stream of inspiration.

“Reading is probably the most important thing you can be doing right now. But, as with anything else worth doing, it requires focus and consistent effort.”

Paul Jun, Connect The Dots: Strategies and Meditations On Self-education

Reading has transformed my life; I believe it can do the same for you. Whether you’re looking to grow intellectually, spark your creativity, or unwind with a good story, there’s a book out there waiting for you.

Start small—pick up a book that intrigues you, read a few pages each day, or explore a new genre. If you’re already an avid reader, reflect on how reading has shaped your life.

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