I have been busy lately and unable to blog much, but I still find time everyday to read. Actually if I looked at the time spent most days on one activity outside of my job, it would likely be reading.

Why Read?

Reading is one of the few pursuits that are relatively cheap. For little more than the transportation to the library or a few dollars at a local used book store, you can pick up books that will allow you to explore new idea, escape to far away lands, or figure out how to solve a nagging problem. Reading is the fastest way you can absorb new information.

Think about your local news broadcast on television. How long does it take them to discuss the day’s news events? 30 minutes? In 5 minutes or less, I can read in more depth, almost all of the news they will cover in a typical broadcast. In 30 minutes, I can absorb 10 times as much news as a typical television news broadcast can cover.

 Reading Makes You Knowledgeable

I was having lunch with an associate last week, and he made the comment, “You read a lot, don’t you?”

That wasn’t a put down, but a statement that I have taken the time to really study and understand the topics that I find interesting. It was not a point of embarrassment, it makes me feel good when someone recognizes the time I have spent learning more about business, success, and life.

Reading is Relaxing

I spend time reading every morning before going to work, during my lunch breaks, and every night before going to bed. Reading books, magazine articles, journals, blogs, and news sites relaxes me. Maybe I am a little strange, but when I am stressed or tired, I always find that pulling out some light reading sets my mind at ease and allows me to recover from stressful situations.

Reading Works

Taking the energy to get some reading material, reading it, and doing it whenever possible is the fastest and easiest way to learn a new subject. As you try to find your success muse, try picking up a book, you might just find it.