Great Reads from 2021
“If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” – Stephen King
I constantly write about improving yourself and investing in things that not only make you a better person but also wiser. A quote I often use is from Warren Buffet who said, “By far the best investment you can make is in yourself.”
One of my goals each year relates to reading. Typically, I would set a goal to read a certain number of books within one year. However, after reading Atomic Habits by James Clear, this drastically changed my mindset. Rather than setting a goal to read X number of books, I needed to develop a system that incorporates reading into my day-to-day.
For example, if you have set a goal to read X number of books by the end of the year. What does that accomplish for you? Is that the true goal, to read a set number of books? No. Rather than having a goal of reading X number of books, refine that to say, ‘I want to become a reader’. That little tweak changes that from a goal to changing your behavior to incorporate reading into your life. Once you can accomplish that behavior consistently, then you will surpass your goal without even thinking about it.
Some of my favorite reads from 2021:
1. Atomic Habits: James Clear has dedicated his time to learning and writing about habits, personal development, and decision making. Atomic Habits has turned into a must read and a book you should read every few years. If you are looking to create better systems/habits or simply trying to decide who and where you want to be, I highly recommend you read this book.
2. Richest Man in Babylon: This book came out in 1926 and serves as an all-time classic. The format of this book is a little unusual as it uses stories to illustrate moral lessons. This short read breaks down seven simple rules about money and how to create wealth. Yet another book that should be read more than once.
3. Think and Grow Rich: Napoleon Hill wrote an all-time classic by identifying 13 common “secrets” used by millionaires such as Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. Although many of the stories relate to finance, these techniques can be applied to all walks of life.
4. Grit: the power of passion and perseverance: This New York Times Bestseller explores that a significant predictor of success is grit and passion and is not reliant on talent alone. Some great stories from well-known individuals made this a solid read.
Now, for some, reading can be a burden and just not enjoyable. But I challenge you to start incorporating reading into your life. Read whatever interests you: history, fiction, non-fiction, biographies, etc. Find time to read 10 minutes per day consistently, and you will not regret it.
- Kyle