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Harry Truman – “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers”

Reading really does make you a better leader. In fact, reading just makes you better period, and that’s a fact – and a well-researched one at that (see https://michaelhyatt.com/science-readers-leaders.html).

And while most of us know this and believe in the important benefits of reading, very few of us know how to fit reading into our overwhelmingly busy schedule, so in today’s podcast, we’re going to discuss some tips as to how you can squeeze reading in and become a become a better leader.

Start by making a list

All of us get distracted from and often disinterested in reading, so start by making of list of things that you want to learn – a hobby that you want to know more about, a series of fictional novels that you’ve always wanted to read, etc. Have fun! I keep a running list on Amazon of book titles that I am interested in reading someday. I will also take my phone out when I am at a bookstore or library and take pictures of interesting titles that jump out at me. Later these will go on my Amazon list. Also, don’t forget to record titles that friends and coworkers recommend. Oh, and magazines count!

Be “Ready to read” – Lean to use the in-between time

Book are potable. And in today’s world, they are more portable that ever, so have a book or two with you at all times, or get a Kindle. Then, when you have some “in-between time” pull out one you’re books or your kindle. You’ve got lots of down time – doctor’s offices, soccer sidelines, etc. Keeping books in easy to reach places will help you keep up with this valuable habit. You don’t, and most likely won’t tackle an entire book in one sitting. In fact, I have books that have taken me years to finish. Some I finish in a week, while others just stay near my nightstand or in the family room where I’ll read 10 or 20 pages and then not return to it for months. The main things is to keep reading, and having books handy makes this much easier to accomplish.

Make use of Audio books

Here’s where all excuses wither away completely. You can find almost every title out there in audio form. In fact, I listed to around 15 books per year in audio format. Most get listened to while I’m driving here or there – shorts burst of 10 minutes or ten miles or so. Audio books can go where print books can’t. Places like on a jog, the fitness center, the lawn mower, etc. They’re super fun to listen to. Some are dramatized and some are even read by the author. And of course, we would be remiss if we did not encourage you to listen to more podcasts – ours and others.

Well, there is a whole lot more to say about this subject, and believe me, this is not the last you’ll hear about books on the Royal Ranger Podcast, so LETS ALL GET BACK ON THE READING TRACK. At the very least, go sign up for an Audible account and started listening. You’ll find yourself swept along a path the will enrich your life more than words can say.

Power user tip!

If you’re using Amazon digital books, don’t forget to always check for the Whispersync version of the digital book. The Whispersync add-on is only a few dollars more, and with this add-on, you’ll be able to either read or listen to the audio – and they’ll always be synced together. Amazing!

Also, don’t forget to use highlighting while you’re reading your digital books. Best of all, you can go and view all of these highlights at your Amazon account at kindle.amazon.com.

Thanks for listening!