“Leaders are readers.”
— Every Leadership Expert
I’ve heard this phrase for years. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t disagree, I just don’t have enough discipline to sit on a chair for x hours and read a book.
That being said, I’m currently on vacation and wanted to slow my pace down a lot so I forced myself to sit and read (albeit on the beach) and have read 1 physical book already.
My Personal Challenge
I have a heard time sitting still for a long period of time. I’ve started probably 30 books and stopped after chapter 2 or 3 – not because they weren’t good, but I get sidetracked and move on to other things, and have a problem getting back into it.
I’m not writing this post to have someone point out some focus methods or some way to be better disciplined. Why? Because I think I’ve landed on what does work for my lifestyle at the present moment.
How I Read books in 2022
Those of you who’ve tracked with me as a pastor know that I despise reading my Bible on an app. I use the YouVersion Bible app for reference on the go, but for straight up Bible study or daily reading, I read my physical Bible – especially when I preach!
That’s how I read my Bible, but how do I read 12 books a year? I have switched to audio books through Audible. I have loved the experience. I usually listen as I do dishes, on my commute to the office, or even while I go on walks.
There have been a few books that were so deep that I actually had to buy the physical book and follow along as I listen. Yes, that’s a little more expensive, but I have found that the retention is multiplied for me.
I’m not here to debate if an audio book is the equivalent of “reading” a book or not. All I’m here to say is that it’s helped me as a leader to also be a reader!
Audible is currently offering 3 months free for Prime members, which means you get 3 credits. 1 credit per month gives you any 1 title to download and keep. So three months gives you 3 books for you to download and keep even if you cancel your monthly subscription.
Here are 3 of my favourite books I’ve been reading lately:
- The End – Mark Hitchcock (I also bought the physical book)
- Managing Leadership Anxiety – Steve Cuss
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad – Robert T. Kiyosaki
- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry – John Mark Comer
What books are you looking to read this summer? Let me know in the comments.
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