“Reading puts perspective on any challenge I was facing and made me see that extraordinary people usually had extraordinary pain, difficulties or injustices. That’s part of why they have the drive and hunger to do good in the world, to make something happen.”
– Tony Robbins
Become a Lifelong Learner
In my early 20s, I had only one goal in mind:
To make as much money as possible.
After working in the professional world for a few years, I wanted to learn about financial investment. At the time, real estate was a popular choice. The idea of owning property and generating passive income sounded extremely appealing.
However, I didn’t know where to start. But by simply sharing my desires and goals in daily conversation, I got a book recommendation from one of my colleagues. He suggested the book Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.
This is not information I would have otherwise obtained on my own if it weren’t because of my deep interest.
By acquiring knowledge through someone else’s experience, I spared a lot of time, money, and effort by not having to go through similar situations or making comparable mistakes.
By buying a low-cost book, I saved and created thousands of dollars of profit in return. To say it was an excellent investment would be an understatement.
After receiving guidance on wealth, I wanted to expand my knowledge in other areas of life. That’s when I educated myself by reading books, listening to podcasts, and watching videos.
They are great forms of teaching because of the following:
- They allow me to consume the information at my own pace. (Reading while on the toilet, listening during my commute, workouts, or meal preparation, watching educational videos instead of mindless television shows).
- The cost is either free or relatively inexpensive.
- They are packed with many invaluable lessons.
Ever since discovering how to self-educate, I haven’t stopped learning. Because I have gained numerous tangible benefits from applied knowledge, continuous expansion of wisdom is a constant practice.
As a result, I am a committed learner and student of life.
Self-Educate Through Reading Books
For a relatively cheap price of about $10, you can get the cliff note version of the author’s important life discoveries.
- Is that worth it?
- How much time and money would you save if you had to go through all the trouble of identifying those findings for yourself?
- How beneficial would it be if you can shorten your learning curve and achieve your desired results faster?
By learning others’ important lessons, you gain enormous value in return. In a compact format, books allow you to digest information on any topics you choose.
The writer can beautifully present those nuggets of wisdom through his or her unique style. Forms may include the following:
- Personal anecdotes
- Stories from other people such as successful leaders and innovators
- Hypothetical examples
When reading a great book, you can get captivated by the writing by the masterful techniques the authors use. Getting lost in their story, you learn to view the world from their unique perspective.
As you dive deeper into their work, you will start to think and act like them. Eventually, their beliefs can become yours if you deeply resonate with them.
And for those ideas that challenge you, you’re forced to think critically. This will provoke you to contemplate your current beliefs.
Books can open new gateways that you may never have imagined before. That’s because reading personal or professional development books can lead to improving all areas of life.
Applied Knowledge Translates to Wisdom
While collecting and expanding your knowledge is useful, it’s only 20% of the equation. The other 80% is taking action.
To get your desired results, you must implement what you have read.
The mere act of simply gathering information will not make you or your life better. It is done through doing.
There’s no real growth through the mere act of accumulation of data like a scientist. Rather, you achieve tangible outcomes by applying the advice.
For example, you can read all you want about how to build a thriving business such as the following:
- Understanding the market for the best products or services to sell
- Comprehending the perfect target audience
- Learning how to create a great team
But unless you take the necessary steps, you won’t have a company. The important lesson is this:
Knowing is not enough. Execution is key.
You don’t need to have all the facts before you start. Begin with what you know and act on that.
That’s because you can always change what isn’t working. Don’t let perfectionism or analysis paralysis halt you. You will identify any missing pieces you’ll need along the way.
Trust in yourself and the process. Believe in your abilities and realize you can teach yourself anything you don’t know.
Closing Thoughts
Reading books is one of the most underrated activities most successful people do. Warren Buffet, one of the richest men in the world, spends about 80% of his time reading. He credits most of his life’s success to his stack of books.
That’s because knowledge can also be gained through consuming content in addition to personal experience. The more you read, the more expansive your mind will become. Learning will cause you to think.
When the time comes to make decisions, you’ll be armed with your wide arsenal of information.
And through consistent and dedicated action, you’ll start to see progress and positive results. Let reading books be the catalyst you need to start bettering yourself and your life.
If you don’t know where to start, please check out my book The Self-Mastery Plan on Kindle or audio for free. This is the book I wished I had when I first started improving myself.
I am on a mission to help 1,000,000 people, but I can’t do that without your help. Please share this article with anyone who you may think will find it valuable and helpful.
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