Read the Book, Don't Wait for the Movie or the MP3
READ A GOOD BOOK LATELY?
What, you have no time to read?! That is not at all true. I run into business people all the time who say they have no time to read; no time to invest in their career.
We know that life is busy with jobs, spouses, kids and family, but how are you going to set yourself apart? How are you going to rise above others in the workplace community? You need to know more than them. You need to be a reader.
THE POWER OF PAPER
While e-books are more common in today’s technological age, I recommend ‘real’ paper books. Research has revealed that readers absorb less on Kindles than on paper.
Listening to a book is fine, but when you are studying new concepts, by reading them on paper, it is so much better. You can read, re-read and gain an understanding of things that you may not have fully comprehended the first time. Moreover, you can highlight and underline your paper books. That also helps with comprehension. Plus, you never have to re-charge your electronic device to access them.
ONCE UPON A TIME...
My father, John Brangenberg, told me that all successful people read books, and that every day I should set aside 15 minutes to read a good business book. That was in 1991. To be honest, I told him that I was too busy, that I needed to sell more, and so forth. I did, however, start reading my Bible for at least 15 minutes per day. Now that is a great business book. Then, in 2012, life started shifting: I started to read prolifically, as prep for the radio show.
In the last three years, I have read almost 300 books, including books on leadership, organization, sales, life-improvement, marriage and, even, FICTION. Oh, how I love to read fiction. In fact, I now have to ration my fiction books: I get three serious books to one fiction book. You see, now I am reading books for the radio show – about authors that I am going to interview. So, I have to prioritize.
READING LEADS TO BIG RESULTS
The result of all this reading is that I think I have gained master’s level knowledge in multiple subjects. I can carry on conversations with people who are more intelligent and better educated than I am, because I am well-read. It is a lot of work – I had to give up on football, baseball, Nascar, etc. – but it is worth it. However, I am now able to help others with this knowledge, and I am more valuable to my clients.
It’s the New Year. Start reading. If you need a suggestion, email me at Jim@iWork4Him.com. I can make some awesome suggestions.
Happy reading. Your life will never be the same.
About the Author, Jim Brangenberg
Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!