Why I prioritise reading
I love books.
I love the feel of them, the smell, the words on the pages.
It’s rare that I don’t make the time to read for at least half an hour a day (usually before bed). Reading is one of the things that brings me the most joy, so it’s a big priority in my life, and always has been.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been smashing my way through a huge pile of novels (if you’re wondering, my two favourites of 2022 were Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus and The Angry Women’s Choir by Meg Bignell).
One reason I love reading fiction is because it transports me into a new world. Perhaps unsurprisingly, research indicates that people who read fiction are more creative thinkers and open-minded than nonfiction readers. Reading fiction also helps when it comes to improving key skills such as decision-making, empathy and critical thinking.
While I do also read nonfiction, it isn’t always a priority. Especially when there is a new crime thriller calling my name from the library shelf.
Obviously, there are loads of benefits from reading nonfiction – the biggest of which is greater knowledge on the topic you’re reading about. Ongoing learning is an essential part of leadership development, however it can often be difficult to find the time to make it a priority.
One of my goals for 2023 is to read 50 nonfiction books.
To hold myself accountable, last year I created Connected Learners. The bookclub where I do the reading, so you don’t have to.
Each month I share the key themes of four or five nonfiction books based on a common topic. So far, we have discussed books on strategy, connection and five of the Australian Business Book Award winners.
If you are a leader who
• wants to expand your knowledge and improve your thinking
• struggles to keep up with the latest books and research
• is time poor
• wants to increase your understanding of the world of business
• is willing to invest in their personal development
Then Connected Learners is for you.
Do you also love to read? (And yes, audio books TOTALLY count as reading!). What’s your favourite book of the last year?
