5 Reasons to Read a Book a Week (3 Reasons Not To!)

According to Statista, in 2019 72 percent of Americans over the age of 18 have reported reading at least one book in the past year.

That means that 28 percent of the adult U.S. population did not read a single book in 2019.

Shocking right?

If you’re part of the 28 percent, there’s no need to feel ashamed. Reading does not reflect mental capacity or project career achievement in any real way.

Just because many leaders and high achieving people read prolifically, does not mean that reading is indicative of success.

In other words, reading a book a week won’t turn you into Steve Jobs or Elon Musk.

If you’re committed to self-education and you can carve out 30 minutes a day, whether that be split up into two-15 minute session or even six-5 minutes session. Then you can read a book a week.

But why should you? And more importantly why shouldn’t you?

1. Increase Your Mental/Emotional Perspective

Reading books gives you the ability to see outside of yourself.

To be honest, reading almost anything can expand your mental and emotional horizon.

Uncle Tom’s political Facebook post or Aunt Sally’s emotional email can shift your perspective just as much as a book can.

How does a book differ from other content?

The truth is that it really doesn’t at its core.

The only notable difference is the barrier to entry that a book has when compared to other forms of content.

Anyone can publish a social media post, anyone can write an email, but not everyone has the time, commitment, and accolades to publish a well-thought out book.

If you’re going to read properly, first get into the mind of the author.

Do your background research, watch videos, read articles, follow them on Instagram. See what your authors are talking about and whether they are worth investing a few hours of your life into.

2. Boost Your Focused Attention

Focus is one of, if not the most pressing problem with modern-day society.

Do you find yourself zoning out when trying to focus on simple tasks?

If so, there’s a high chance that you will benefit from reading consistently.

But that does not mean that reading is the sole proprietor of focus. You don’t need to read in order to become a focused individual.

You can spend just as much time and energy diving into a hobby like studying martial arts, learning piano, or taking a crack at a foreign language.

Take deliberate time out of your day to cut off your Wi-Fi, turn off your phone, and focus on one thing.

Don’t: Large Time/Energy Commitment

Reading every day is a pain.

It’s harder and harder to find the time and energy to stare at ink blots on a piece of paper while the world rushes you by.

One great reason to skip reading is the large barrier to entry that is commitment.

To counter this, however, it’s important to remember that no one is forcing you to read boring material.

You can read anything from mystery to romance to even graphic novels! No one’s judging here.

Decide for yourself if reading is worth committing 15-30 minutes of your day to.

3. Invest In Deep Knowledge Base

It’s practically common knowledge that reading will improve your breadth and depth of knowledge.

Want to learn more about the world without leaving your room? Read.

Do you desire to gain deeper knowledge on your favorite subjects? Read.

Reading may not be the answer to all of your struggles, but it’s certainly a great way to dive deep into subjects that you are truly passionate about.

Here’s a simple tip: carry a book wherever you carry your phone.

I’m talking everywhere.

You bring your phone to the bathroom, to your bed, to work, in transit. Start bringing a book too!

That way you give yourself the chance to read in your spare time instead of drowning in the infinity pools that exist on modern mobile devices.

4. Get Immersed In a Story

Take the addictive nature of your favorite Netflix T.V. show, now add that with the intellectual complexity of a documentary.

That’s what you get when you read a well-written book.

You have the unique chance to slip into a whole new universe with any book, particularly with fiction and fantasy novels.

I’m a bit of a non-fiction junky, I love learning concepts and principles that I can apply to the real world.

But sometimes it’s refreshing to binge on a mystery series or get immersed in the craftiness of fantasy writing.

Heck, you can even read your childhood favorites. Pick up that Harry Potter collection, nobody’s judging!

Use reading as a way to surround yourself with a newfound enjoyment of life.

Don’t: You’re Going to Read Lousy (Untimely) Books

Not all books are going to knock your socks off.

In fact, there are going to be books, one in twenty or one in thirty if you’re exceptional at book selection, that simply don’t make the cut.

My advice? Stop reading them.

I made the mistake of trying to gut through some absolutely abominable books (by my estimation, don’t tell them I said that).

Don’t make the same mistake, cut a book off if it isn’t good.

Sometimes, you’ll start reading an incredibly dense book that doesn’t apply to your life right now.

That’s okay. You’re allowed to put it down and pick up something more relevant.

There are no rules on your reading journey, you’re free to explore and experience the world of reading in any way you want to.

5. Readers Are Leaders… Right?

Why do all leaders read? Why does there seem to be an age-old adage of powerful individuals sitting near a book shelf and diving into books?

Because books contain condensed wisdom.

Here’s something that I’ve learned in my journey with reading: some of the oldest books are the most insightful.

Nowadays almost anyone can put out a Kindle book and self-publish on Amazon.

While that’s amazing, it’s led to a bit of dilution in the overall quality of books.

My point? Leaders are readers who absorb and apply the wisdom they find in amazing books.

Reading, comprehending, and using the knowledge in great books is like downloading years of information into a tiny fraction of time.

Don’t: Knowledge Equals Power

Contrary to common belief knowledge is not equivalent to practical power.

It is only by the proper application of knowledge that power emerges.

Unfortunately for you and me, reading is not a silver bullet.

Books are nothing more than sheets of paper with ink characters that we ascribe meaning to.

In other words, reading a book will not change your life or alter it in any way unless you deliberately wield it.

Remember this the next time someone tells you to read, just cause.

Reading takes deliberate focus and concentration, but a prolific reader is not someone to be trifled with.

So pick up an intriguing book, give it a shot. I promise you won’t regret it.

Signing off,

Chris Chan