A Reading Mind: 4 benefits to reading more in 2023 (412 words, 2 minute read)

I read 36 books in 2020, 44 more in 2021, and 63 in 2022. That's a lot of books for some, and others consume many more books than that. No matter how much you read, you need to read more because of its developmental impact on your mind. I am going to try and convince you to read more with 4 benefits, 4 quotes, and 4 books you should read about the importance of reading.

Read for a DIFFERENT MIND - Scrolling our phones is changing our minds. Literally. Reading also changes our minds and those changes are advantageous in a world of scrollers. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A Restaurants, said, 'two things will determine your growth - the people you spend time with and the books you read.' If you want a different mind (you do), scroll less and read more.

Read for a DISCIPLINED MIND - Distraction is the scourge of our society and it is not going away. Clay Scroggins in 'How to Lead in a World of Distraction' identified a distraction as the source of lack of traction in our lives. Reading disciplines your mind to focus. 'If you want to do what matters, you must pay attention to what matters.' - Johann Hari

Read for a DISCERNING MIND - We live in the world of 'fake news'. It has never been more important to think logically and intelligently about what you are consuming. Here are two ways reading nurtures a discerning mind: a) It allows you to see connections between things that didn't previously exist. b) You are able to disconnect thing that you thought were connected. 'Reading is a required discipline for critical thinking.' - Dr. Albert Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Read for a DYNAMIC MIND - President G.W. Bush read 95 books in an annual reading contest with one of the members of his staff, and he lost the contest! The president, like most presidents, was a voracious reader. How did the leader of the free world find time to read so much? He understood that to keep up with a fast pace a leader must slow down and read. 'Read books. Read more books. And read even more books.' - Steven Snyder, author of 'Leadership and the Art of Struggle'

Want to learn more about how to increase your reading? Here's a blog I released last year on my reading system that I thought would lead me to read 50 books in 2022. I actually read 63.

Bonus content! Want to read more on the topic of reading and focus? Here are 4 suggestions: 1. Stolen Focus by Johann Hari 2. Deep Work by Cal Newport 3. How to Lead in a World of Distraction by Clay Scroggins 4. How to Think by Alan Jacobs

‘Bite Down and Don’t Let Go’ is a collection of writings on relentlessly leading yourself and others well. Read about it more here.

Dr. Chris Hobbs is an educational leader with more than two decades of experience. He’s earned a few degrees and won some awards. He’s happily married to his high school sweetheart and they have three teen age children. Life is messy and complicated most of the time. You can follow him on Twitter for all sorts of inspirational thoughts and good laughs.