How to Read a Book

I Just started reading the book 21 indispensable qualities of a leader by J.C. Maxwell. I’m only on page XI in the intro when he talks about some chapters will fly by and you may be able to finish the book in one sitting (it’s not very long). I had to laugh because I had already thought to myself, “I can finish this book in just a day or two.” I am notorious for diving into a book and finishing it as soon as possible just to get to the next book.

 As I reflect, I actually don’t think it’s a good thing to read with this mentality. I shouldn’t rush through them. I have to stop myself and say, okay Cherie you shouldn’t ready anymore and stop right here. By rushing through them, I realized that I gain the knowledge of what the book is about, but I don’t gain the wisdom. Meaning, I don’t give it the time to seep and take root in my life. I don’t stop at one concept and assess how it can apply to me, implement it in my life and then practice it before moving on in the book. I realized there are so many books I’ve read that were wonderful but I can’t say how they’ve impacted my life. When reading a good book I should be able to say I read this book and this is how it helped me grow. If it doesn’t help me grow, then why would I take precious time to read it? There are some books I need to go back and re-read so that I can take them more slowly and let them impact my life.

So I encourage you as I try myself to take things slower a chapter or concept at a time. That may look like reading 10 or 20 minutes a day or if you want to spend more time reading you could read multiple books of different subjects, but make sure not to overwhelm yourself with too much information at once.

With fall here, I hope you can take some time to grab a hot beverage and site and enjoy a good read on a regular basis.

God’s peace and blessings,

Cherie