Three reading strategies for success

Published: Tue, 06/29/21

Hey ,

My goal is to read at least 2 books per month. The problem is that reading makes me sleepy. It's actually one of my favorite ways to unwind before falling into a wonderful, deep sleep.

The downside is that I usually don't get very far into the book before my eyes are crossing and the book is falling out of my hands. I've discovered how to satisfy my love for reading and my love for sleeping to create a win-win.

First, I love reading books for my personal development and growth. I first listen to them on Audible and if they are really good, I purchase the hardcover and read them again at night so that I can take notes and highlight my favorite parts. Then, it doesn't matter if I fall asleep. I already know the content.

Second, is my reading for education. This usually takes more time and I need the paper copy for note taking and highlighting. That means I'll need to go to bed earlier so that I can read longer before getting sleepy.

Third, I read for entertainment. Not necessarily a book but definitely a magazine. People magazine is my guilty pleasure. When I just want to not have to think too hard, look at some fashion, recipes (they have some of my favorites) and movie recommendations, this is my go-to magazine.

Here are a couple of the recent books that I've read for personal growth. Have you read them?

Enjoy…

Braving the Wilderness

by Brené Brown

I marked this book up... a lot. She has a section on dehumanization that was powerful. "Dehumanizing often starts with creating an enemy image." Even though this book was published back in 2017, it's even more powerful today when you look how Blacks are generally viewed by other races.

Get Out of Your Own Way

by Dave Hollis

Now, I must admit that originally I had purchased this book in the hopes of getting my husband to read it. I mean, here's a guy, married to an influencer of personal development, who was very skeptical of personal development and coaching. Sounded pretty familiar.

If a skeptic like Dave Hollis could see the value of coaching and personal development, maybe that would influence my husband. Umm, no. And, the lesson here for me and anyone else wanting their spouse to get all excited about the personal development journey too is...."love what is."

The book tells his story about where his ego and stubbornness got in the way of his growth and success. It's a pretty cool story, even though his marriage to Rachel Hollis seems to be heading for divorce, you gotta admire the guy's vulnerability about his journey here.

People Magazine

It's like Christmas when this shows up in my mailbox. It takes me longer to read it now that I don't have a commute on a train to read like I used to, but it's still my favorite.

A good blend of books, movies, feel good stories, true crime, celebrity photos, puzzles and some of my favorite recipes, this has been my staple for fun and entertainment for more than 20 years.

My point is that reading doesn't always have to be serious. Everything has its season. These are my 3. What are yours?

All the best,

PS. Be sure to follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn for additional support.

Eva Medilek is a Speaker, Trainer, Certified High Performance Coach, Relationship Success Coach, and a graduate of Ascension Leadership Academy and the High Performance Institute. She teaches driven, high achievers to have heightened levels professional success without sacrificing personal fulfillment.