Success-minded
people are always looking for tools to add to their success toolkit.
They go to seminars, take classes, listen to audio programs, network and
spend time on social media. All this is
good and can be extremely helpful, however,
there is one resource that is more powerful and useful than all the others
combined. That is the power of books and
the exercise of reading on daily.
Any study of successful people
will show you that they are readers. I
am amazed that so many people say they do not read because they do not have the
time in their day. Do you have the time
to eat? Do you have the time to
sleep? Do you have the time to clean up
and get dressed? Reading is just as
important to the successful person. It
is necessary, not an option.
Reading is often treated as if
you can do it or not, it is all up to you.
Reading is optional and a matter of opinion. This is where so many fail to learn and grow
as they should and end up never achieving their dreams in life. Reading, developing a love for books, is not
a matter of opinion, but a solid reality to success and life in general.
I am very passionate about
reading and for people to see its importance to their life. What saddens me is that so many people have
all the excuses for not reading down but fail to see the value in taking the
time to better themselves.
Science-fiction author, Ray Bradbury had it right when he said,
"There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them."
“If the crowns of the world were laid at my feet in exchange for my
love of reading,
I would spurn them all.”
– Francois Fenelon
(1651-1715)
French Clergyman
Those in the Scouting program are always encouraged to read. They have to
read and study for their merit badges,
there is even a reading merit badge. They read their handbook. The Boy Scout
Handbook is not just there to answer questions. It is a collecting for
everything a Scout needs to know to succeed in life. I suggest that every
success-minded person pick up a copy and read it themselves.
Make reading a part of your
daily routine. Even if you start with
just 15 or 20 minutes a day. I say start
because you will find once you develop the habit your reading time will
increase. Find a book that is in your
line of interest and that you can learn from.
It can be new and hot off the presses or an old classic that has
gathered dust on the shelf. Whatever you
choose, take a bit of time each day and read what you can.
To develop a love for books is
the best habit any human can develop.
You can go anywhere, do anything and be anyone
you wish. There is a magic in books that
is beyond our understanding. There is a
joy in reading and knowing that you have the power to learn and grow. No other creature on the planet has this
ability. Do not allow it to pass you by.
You
matter! You matter to the world and to
yourself. Remember to be your best, love
God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.
Scouting Out of Uniform
is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to
personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The
Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the
Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting
for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal
Development Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or
to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or
group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com. © 2018 John Patrick Hickey
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