I have a vivid memory of my 2nd grade teacher making this comment: “Andrew was the last one to finish reading but he’s the only one in the class who raised his hand to answer every question I asked about the chapter you all just read.”
I remember feeling embarrassed seeing from the corner of my eyes, the other kids in the class closing their books and raising their eyes toward the teacher indicating they’d finished the classroom reading assignment, and I still had much yet to read. But that day I felt proud and I realized I was actually the only one really reading.
Today I read more than ever, mostly to keep up with the what’s new in internet marketing. There’s also quite a bit of personal development mixed in and I try to keep a little fiction and biographies on the menu. It’s not unusual for me to have 2 or 3 books going at once.
Intrigued by the notion of speed-reading, I’ve invested in a couple of courses in the past but I just can’t wrap my arms around the whole idea. Although I drool at the idea of being able to read a book in a couple of hours (I’d be happy with being able to read one in a week) I just don’t think I’m cut out for it. I feel like I need every word. I don’t want to miss anything!
In a world where the average person reads less than a book a year, I feel confident when I say slow readers are better than “no-readers”.
What’s my message? READ. By reading for just a couple hours per week on a given subject, anyone can become an expert in it. It can be life-changing. (That means: don’t read the trash, read something enriching, educational, inspiring…my advice)
I get most of my books on ebay or Amazon and I’m not ashamed to tell you I buy used books (because they’re dirt cheap). The books I choose purchase are usually titles I here other people I respect reference in their books, conversations or seminars.
Here’s what I’m reading (or recently finished):
- Sermon On The Mount by Emmet Fox
- Robinson Crusoe by Daniel DeFoe
- Maximum Achievement by Brian Tracy
- The Greatest Miracle In The World by Og Mandino
That’s about 2 books per month. I would like to read a book a week but I DO consume a lot of online content, a multi-page newsletter, some educational audio and video as well. Not bad for a slow reader.
I would love to know what you’re reading! Please share!
I’m Andrew Mazer and I think you’re either growing or dying. I prefer growing.
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