The Power of Consistent Learning: How 7 Years of Reading and Listening to Books Transformed My Life

In order to have great output you need to have great input.

In 2016 I was on the verge of starting my first business, and like most new business owners, I had NO IDEA what I was doing. (Sometimes I still feel like I don’t but that’s normal right?)

But one thing I realized is that I needed better input in my life.

I started listening to audio books when I came across “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek (highly recommend).

I was driving to the co-working office I was working out of at the time, and I decided that every day during my 20 minutes drive through downtown Baltimore, I would listen to something that would push me forward.

And on this day, he said something that stuck with me.

“The one habit I’ve found in common with EVERY millionaire I’ve interviewed, is that they read around 52 books a year”.

My brain literally stopped.

I’m like, Is that all it takes? I can do that.

That’s when the habit really began. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, after all, doesn’t it take a LOT OF TIME to read that many books? That’s an entire book a week, about 20-30 pages per day. How is that possible with everything else going on?

I did allow myself ONE thing that would make it easier. Audiobooks counted.

So I set a goal and I haven’t missed it since.

52 books a year (and I have a list)

Every year

Since 2016 (7 years so far)

So that approximates 364 books, 72800 pages (average 200 pages per book).

It’s a habit I literally can’t live without at this point.

I’ve actually had clients sign up for coaching with me simply because of this fact.

It’s a superpower.

The thing is, if you don’t think you have time… what are you doing while you’re in the car? Do you listen to the same song you’ve heard 100 times? To the radio playing the same thing over and over again or current events and news that doesn’t actually add any value to your life?

Or are you working to continuously grow, and learn.

This year has been a little different as I’ve started to listen to a LOT more podcasts and given up on the audio books. I like taking notes in real books way more and I digest the information better.

I asked someone this question in a chat yesterday…. He was reaching out and asking how to make money fast. (Probably the wrong goal).

I asked him, how have you been spending your time to gain the skills and provide value to the marketplace?

If I were to look at the past year… lets just do a quick comparison?

Compare the number of Netflix series you’ve finished with the number of courses or books you’ve digested?

If you don’t think you have time. You do, you’re choosing to spend it elsewhere, watching sports, news, shows, social media, etc.

I’m sure this isn’t for everyone. But if you are one of the people who want to level up, prove it with your habits and your dedication to leveling yourself up.

You will become unstoppable and its guaranteed to work on a long enough timeline.