I have mentioned it before but there is nothing quite more valuable to personal growth than the constant and unending search for knowledge.
But just gathering information is not enough.
I’m talking about learning, executing, critiquing, then repeating. The repeating part is vital. Self refection, deep inner thinking, and extensive self questioning is how tough questions get answered.
What I’ve discovered is that using multiple resources and varying systems is the best way to get this done. Reading is still and will always be the best way to learn but the world wide web has added additional avenues worthy of exploration.
I personally enjoy online courses and my current favorite delivery system is Udemy.
Their mission: help anyone learn anything.
It’s a vast web of courses and options ranging from IT development to language learning and everything in between. The academy boasts over 10 million students worldwide. Impressive.
My all time favorite course. Become a Learning Machine: How to Read 300 Books this Year
Why? Because it conveys the message that you can learn from the world’s smartest thinkers. Someone has already figured it out and all you have to do is learn directly from that person.
Reading shapes your thoughts. What you put in your mind will serve as the foundation of the thoughts your mind will produce. You will be motivated, excited even, about the opportunities of life. It is drama free, unlike the endless, useless pondering of the latest bachelor episode.
Becoming world class. Doing something consistently, everyday will make you an authority over time.
3 years of consistency= Expert
5 years of consistency= National Authority
7 years of consistency= International Authority
Being average at many things is dispensable. It is common to be mediocre. It’s uncommon to be an authority. People will give you money if you are an authority. They will listen to what you have to say and they will respect you.
NFL Football players are authorities because they play at the highest level of their sport. If someone plays in the NFL, you will listen to what they have to say about football, adversity, weight lifting, and nutrition because you will assume they know what they are talking about.
When you read with the sole purpose of self development, you will experience an internal mindset shift. Books will become an engine for change. They will move you to get moving.
Action, above all else is the most important thing for success. If you act, early and often, you will most likely fail. But failing is in itself a catalyst for success. If you want to be successful, fail often.
Okay, you are now sold on the importance of reading for action and change. What type of books should you read?
1. Biographies & autobiographies. These will be your road maps for success. Just read what the billionaire/CEO/expert did and do the same thing. Get into their mind, learn how they thought, how the adapted, how they failed, and ultimately, how they won.
2. Technical books. Books that transpire specific skills. These are often how-to books but they won’t necessarily “bore you” if you are interested in the topic and are looking to apply the skills. Learn finance, marketing, sales, copy writing, coding, cooking, conversing, etc. If you exist in a specific industry, read those books and apply the skills directly to what you do. Remember, it only takes three short years to become an expert.
3. Success books (management, psychology, philosophy). These books don’t purvey a specific skill but they reinforce general ideas like positive thinking, desire, and stoicism. These are your guiding principles. Philosophies for life and way points to keep you motivated and thinking big.
Read more: The Outwork Book Club
But why 300 books in a year? That number is just a baseline and it is based on the premise of reading one book a day. I personally read a book a week and I take my time on books that I find really intriguing. Usually I am reading more than one book at time and listening to one book over audio.
Click on the link below and register for the course. It’s a small price to pay for knowledge that you will gain. The insights will improve your life immensely. Consider it your secret weapon against the war on being average.
r/Onward
PS- Interested in learning something specific? Browse Udemy’s 40,000 plus courses here.
PSS- Audio books are among the best resources available today. Click here for a 30-day free trial and two free audiobooks.
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