December 8

Benefits of Reading

Benefits of Reading

By Deborah Johnson

December 8, 2017

creativity, healthy habits, mindsets, personal development

Are there really that many benefits of reading in today's media-heavy society? It may seem like actually reading a physical book, even on a portable device, is outdated in today’s day of YouTube videos, online games and lightening fast texts. I strongly believe reading is not outdated and is more necessary than ever as there are consequential benefits of reading for writers, artists and those in business.

Visual and Auditory Learners

Research reveals that a large part of our population are visual learners; in fact, up to 65%. Auditory learning is also very significant at about 30% of of the population. All lifetime learners should schedule reading in their days and weeks to have a consistent inpouring of ideas and information, whether in print form or audio. It is one of the best ways to keep skills and your mind sharp. Warren Buffet, one of the most successful investors of all time, claims to have spent 80% of his time reading. Even though, I love physical books, I started listening to more audio books when my father became very ill and have never stopped. It's one of the best tools available where I can ingest material from authors I respect and has helped me tremendously with business principles.

I also love some of the well-written fictional books, especially those with enough detailed and researched information to make the story come alive in my imagination. Spy novels, stories of espionage and even murder mysteries can capture your imagination enough to spend days caught up in a story. Do you know why there constant overflow crowds at Disney? Because they have built a whole business on sparking imagination! I have loved working for the Disney organization for so many years because I get to experience the imagination of guests and see their mission actively stated most anywhere I look, even in dressing rooms.

Historical novels have the power to spark the imagination as well. Although, the length of some of those novels can hold one back from even starting! A good historical novel tells a well-crafted story. There is much to learn from reading and analyzing those stories.

Why We Don’t Read

A couple reasons why we don’t read are the lack of time, lack of interest, no understood benefit personally or professionally or even lack of access. But one of the biggest roadblocks to reading is distraction.

Most people can make the time for what they feel is really important. If there’s absolutely no interest in reading, a person is not going to make time in their schedule to do so. All those social media posts, marketing projects, creation of new content and finishing projects can feel overwhelming. Taking time out to read could feel like an additional trivial activity. However, I'd like to encourage you to start scheduling it in your day. Audio books, especially, make this very feasible even with a packed schedule.

Identify at least one new book to read and put it on your list. If you still are not interested in reading, at least take the time to ask a colleague about one of their favorite books. (other than one they’ve written!) Start small with a book of even 100 pages.

Some have many books on a list, but those books are still just on a list. Schedule in time, even a very short time, to start. Whether it’s when you hit the pillow at night or ten minutes during your lunch break, if you schedule time in, you will end up finishing a book-and it will feel marvelous! Remember, audio books count as well! I listen often while walking our dog.

For Writers and Artists

Reading is a must for writers and artists! Overall, you need to make the time to read in this world of interruptions and distractions as it will expand your thinking and imagination! Schedule in your time right now. Then let me know how you’re doing!

Four things to do NOW!

  • Make a list of interesting books you haven’t read. Put this in a place where it is easily accessible.
  • Take a risk and read about a new subject. Getting a recommendation is usually a good idea. You may be surprised at what you find!
  • Schedule time to read-even ten minutes during a lunch break or with an audio book on a walk.
  • Start now! Actually schedule in time on your calendar if that's what it will take. If you never start, you’ll never finish!

(745 words)

Deborah Johnson

About the author

Deborah Johnson, M.A. has not only written multiple books and albums, but hundreds of songs, three full-length musicals and is the producer of the popular podcast, Women at Halftime. She was past president of the National Speakers Association, Los Angeles and has written & produced multiple online courses. She enjoys being outside and traveling with her husband and also loves spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Up for multiple GRAMMY Awards and spending over 20 years in the entertainment industry, she's built multiple self-driven businesses and is an expert on how to constantly reinvent yourself in a gig-economy. Deborah speaks and performs for both live and virtual events.

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