1. You will optimize1 your brain power
This shouldn't come as a shock, but studies suggest reading makes you smart
Unlike watching television, which requires no thought process
reading is an active learning experience that will keep your mind sharp (even in old age)
2. You will increase your odds of success
The more books you read, the more knowledge you will have
the more strategies and resources your brain will store, the more likely you will succeed
3. You will immerse yourself in a new world
Sometimes our daily life can start to feel dull, dry or depressing
I know it, you know it, we all know it
At times like this, I like to dive into a good fiction book
for a much-needed escape into another world
where I can forget about whatever problems are stressing me out
Whether you want to travel to the land of the Hobbits
a galaxy far away or a tropical destination in a steamy romance novel is up to you
You'll come back refreshed after your mini-vacation to a fresh
and exciting place in the world of words
4. You will improve your vocabulary
The more words you're capable of using, the better you will become at
expressing your thoughts and feelings
I couldn't imagine how I would write articles like this
if I didn't actively aim to expand my vocabulary
because using the same few words to express myself
would get awfully boring in a hurry (don't you agree?)
5. You will have things to talk about at parties
Reading more books will enable you to say the sentence
"Did you know ______?" more often, making it easier to start conversations with strangers
(or, as I like to say, "People who aren't my friends yet")
6. You will entertain yourself for a low price
If you're looking for entertainment on a budget.you can't beat books
Thanks to the popularity of electronic reading devices like the Kindle6
and re-selling websites like eBay
it's never been easier to entertain yourself for hours at a time
for the low cost of a few dollars
7. You will discover surprising new ideas that are interesting and engaging
Reading introduced me to concepts like mindful eating, relaxation exercises
and the importance of loving yourself
If I didn't read, I wouldn't even be aware of these ideas
which have defined my entire coaching philosophy
If you don't read, you could be missing out on intriguing ideas
that would likewise re-define your personal purpose or business philosophy
8. You will eliminate boredom during down-time
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a waiting room
bored out of your mind, with nothing to read but gossip magazines
If so, you should know that it is wise to keep a book in your purse or car at all times
as you never know when you'll find yourself with some time to kill
Even if you just take a few minutes to read a chapter
during your commute and lunch break every day
those minutes will quickly turn into hours if repeated consistently
9. You will strengthen your patience muscles
We live in a society that expects instant gratification
which is anything but a blessing for most people's success in life
as there is nothing "quick" or "easy" about losing weight or starting a successful business
While it might be "easier" to watch a two-hour movie
it is far more beneficial to spend forty-eight hours reading a book
Opting for the book over the TV will strengthen your patience muscles over time
resulting in more success in business and life
10. You will become an expert in your field
Don't you think reading academic journals, articles, and books
by experts in your field might make you better at what you do
If you can't be bothered to learn more about your profession
then your lack of passion could be a sign that you're in the wrong field
11. You will reduce stress and unwind into a good night's sleep
Exposing yourself to artificial light on your cellphone TV or tablet
reduces your body's production of melatonin
which can make it difficult to get a good night's sleep if you do so late at night
You would be wise to cut off all electronics at least an hour before bed
and replace that with a good book, which is a much better sleep-friendly alternative
12. You will change your life
I firmly believe that if it wasn't for books
I wouldn't have achieved an awful lot in my life
nor would I have the knowledge, imagination or creativity
that I depend on as a writer, business owner, and coach
I hope these reasons to read more books encourage you
to unlock your potential with the power of reading