Are you satisfied with progress toward your business and life goals? If not, what are you doing to improve your game?
They say the size of a person’s bank account is inversely proportional to the size of their television set. And now, there’s even more to be distracted by with tweets, texting, and all sorts of instant access from practically anybody. With all that distraction, how do you find time for self-development?
The truth is, whether in business, politics, sports or entertainment, all leaders are readers.
“Give me six hours to fell a tree and I’ll take four to sharpen the axe”, said Abraham Lincoln, US President.
So, here are five tips to help you sharpen your axe:
1. Set reading goals and check your progress at least monthly. It may help to recruit a reading partner – agree to check in once a month and check each others’ reading goals and progress. And when you hit those goals, celebrate, give yourself credit.
2. If you don’t have one already, keep a list of books to read. Mine has way more than I’ll ever be able to read in a lifetime, but it’s a great reference point, plus there’s another hidden benefit – you don’t have time to read everything, but with a list, you can pick the cherries.
3. Here’s the killer secret to getting your reading done: Block the time. Make an appointment with yourself daily, weekly, whatever it takes and go lock yourself in a room, turn off cell phone, email. Give your “mentor” (author) your full attention.
4. Read with purpose. Before you set your reading goals, ask, “What do I need to master to become the person I want to be?” Then, get the book and plug it into your schedule.
5. Take one action step from each book you read, even if you don’t finish reading it. Self explanatory – just do it.
Hey, what would you like to see here? What are your thoughts? Let me know – post below… 🙂
