The Best Minute: How to read more books, measuring progress, and experiencing breakthrough
1 IDEA FROM ME
If you want to read more books, it isn’t about how fast your read, be how you cultivate the habit of reading. As someone who reads a lot of books, here are a few of the things I have found most helpful (take, leave, and adjust for what works for you):
I limit the use of my phone to less than 60 minutes a day. This includes using it for work purposes. The only exceptions are my GPS, workout app, and podcasts. You can use the screen time tracker on your phone to measure this.
I turn off my phone by 9:15 every night. On weeknights, I go to bed at the same time each night and read for about 30 minutes before going to sleep. This also helps me fall asleep faster.
I often read on my walking pad (think small treadmill that goes under my standing desk so I can walk while I work). I found that using this while reading keeps my concentration up and helps me avoid dozing off which can happen when reading while sitting.
I keep a running list of books I want to read. This way I have a reason to finish my current book because I know I have other interesting books coming up.
I make use of my local library. I’ll go in and browse around for books that look interesting (and these books are free!).
Whether reading for pleasure or for learning, you can read more than you think. You just need the right habits and disciplines to make it happen.
2 QUOTES FROM OTHERS
I. Dan Sullivan on how to measure progress:
“The way to measure your progress is backward against where you started, not against your ideal.”
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II. Biologist Nessa Carey on experiencing breakthrough (which can also apply outside of science):
“Sometimes the greatest scientific breakthroughs happen because someone ignores the prevailing pessimism.”
THIS WEEK ON THE CHURCH LEADERSHIP PODCAST
Steven Madsen on his experiences as a brand new planter, the challenges of being a lead pastor, and the importance of caring for your family.
Click here to listen to the podcast on your favorite app and get the show notes for this episode.
1 INTERESTING FACT
Have you ever wondered why glue doesn’t stick to the inside of the bottle?
Glue is a solid that is dissolved in a solvent. As the solvent evaporates, the solid sets. If the solution is not exposed to the air, the solvent will not evaporate, and the glue will remain fluid. Glue will stick to the bottle if exposed to the air.
Source: Science Line
1 QUESTION TO LEAVE YOU WITH
What is one area you would like to improve in over the next year? How are you making progress toward that desire today?
Think about your future, act on it today.
P.S. Oops, I ruined your coat.
