As an avid reader, I’ve experienced the many benefits of reading. Reading enhances cognitive abilities, increases knowledge, and promotes empathy. But with so many books available, it's overwhelming to figure out what to read. I'll offer tips for building a personal reading list that align with your goals, interests, and career aspirations.
Identify your goals and interests
The first step to building a personal reading list is to identify your goals and interests. Ask yourself what you want to achieve in your personal or professional life. Are you looking to learn new skills or deepen your knowledge in a particular subject? Are you interested in self-improvement or personal growth? Do you want to read for pleasure or to escape from reality?
Once you have a clear idea of your goals and interests, you can look for books that align with them. Don't limit yourself to a specific genre or category of books. Explore different subjects and styles to find what resonates with you.
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Use resources to find books
There are many resources available to help you find books that align with your goals and interests. Here are a few suggestions:
Goodreads: Goodreads is a social networking site for book lovers. You can use it to discover new books, read reviews, and create your reading lists.
Book recommendation sites: There are several book recommendation sites that use algorithms to suggest books based on your reading history and preferences. Some popular sites include What Should I Read Next and BookBub.
Book e-zines: I subscribe to a few book e-zines that I receive in the morning with free or heavily discounted books. My favorites include BookBub, Digital Book Today, and Freebooksy.
Online book clubs: Joining an online book club is a great way to discover new books and connect with like-minded readers. Some popular online book clubs include Oprah's Book Club and Reese's Book Club.
Social media: Follow book bloggers and bookstagrammers on social media to discover new books and get recommendations. I’ve gotten a lot of great book recommendations from Instagram.
Create a reading schedule
Once you've identified your goals and interests and have a list of books to read, it's time to create a reading schedule. This helps you stay on track and ensures you're making progress towards your goals.
Start by setting a reading goal. How many books do you want to read in a month or a year? Be realistic and set a goal that is achievable.
Next, create a reading schedule. Determine how much time you have each day or week to devote to reading and schedule that time on your calendar. This helps you make reading a priority and ensures you're making progress towards your reading goal.
I read every day and I read books from a variety of genres.
Mix it up
While it's important to read books that align with your goals and interests, it's also important to mix it up. Don't be afraid to try new genres or authors. You never know what you might discover.
Mixing up your reading also helps prevent burnout. If you're only reading books in one subject, you may feel you're reading the same thing repeatedly. Switching to a different genre helps you stay engaged in reading.
Track your progress
Tracking your progress is an important part of building a personal reading list. It helps you stay motivated and see how far you've come.
There are several ways to track your progress. You can use a simple spreadsheet to record the books you've read and your reading goals. Or you can use a site like Goodreads, which allows you to track the books you've read, rate them, and write reviews.
I record the books I read in an Excel spreadsheet. I've been keeping a reading log for at least 15 years.
Celebrate your achievements
Don't forget to celebrate your achievements. Reading is a journey. And it's important to acknowledge the milestones along the way.
Celebrate each book you finish, each reading goal you achieve, and each new discovery you make. Reflect on what you have learned from your reading and how it has affected you personally and professionally.
By celebrating your achievements, you're acknowledging the hard work you've put into building your personal reading list and the positive impact it's had on your life.
I read so many books, I’ve never celebrated finishing a book. But if you don’t read a lot, celebrating will motivate you to keep on reading.
Conclusion
Building a personal reading list that aligns with your goals, interests, and career aspirations is an important step towards personal and professional growth. By identifying your goals and interests, using resources to find books, creating a reading schedule, mixing up your reading, tracking your progress, and celebrating your achievements, you can build a reading list that enhances your knowledge, promotes empathy, and helps you achieve your goals.
Reading is not just about consuming information, but also about engaging with different perspectives, discovering new ideas, and expanding your horizons. So, start building your personal reading list today and embark on a journey of lifelong learning and personal growth.
Next Steps
Wondering what to do next, you can do all of:
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Buy my new book, Leadership Reading: Spilling the Tea on How Top Leaders Read
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Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
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Join the Art of Learning Membership Site
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Download Unlock Your Genius Power Reading Tips Sheet
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Buy me a cup of coffee!
