“You are no different in five years than you are today except for two things: The books you read and the people you meet!” –– Charlie “Tremendous” Jones
I first read those words in May of 1998. They had an immediate and lasting impact on my life. I took them to heart and quit reading fiction novels, local newspapers and magazines. Instead, I started reading self-help books, business books and personal development books. I also started paying careful attention to the people I was spending my time with.
While I freely admit that I still have a myriad of shortcomings that need attention, I also know that I’m in a much better place in my life than had I not developed this habit of reading daily. I shudder to think where I’d be without the knowledge I’ve acquired and the changes I did make.
“Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.” –– Earl Nightingale
In a few years, you will be three years older. The only thing you can control is which version of you will you be presenting to the world in just three short years!
If you develop one simple habit, you have the potential to become viewed as smart, well read, resourceful and highly educated. Don’t you agree that if people viewed you in this light that your odds for success would increase?
If we can agree on this one simple point, here’s all you need to do: Commit yourself to reading at least ten pages—each and every day—from a book or internet resource that contains information that will help you improve in either your personal or professional development!
Accelerating your success journey is actually that simple.
Additionally, if you commit a full hour each day to studying one topic, you will become a leading authority in that subject within three short years.
Guess who usually gets paid a LOT of money?
Experts and authorities!
Here’s my list of “must read” books to jump-start your new habit:
- The Bible (or your spiritual source)
- The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson
- The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
- The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
- The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- The Platinum Rule by Tony Alessandra
- The Acorn Principle by Jim Cathcart
- The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall