Mark Twain once said, “The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.” This quote highlights the significance of reading and its impact on personal growth and development.

As a kid, I loved reading the Goose Bumps series. However, as I got older, I lost interest in reading and stopped altogether. It wasn’t until I started my self-development journey that I rediscovered the joy and value of reading. I realized that reading was not just a form of entertainment but an investment in myself and my future.

Reading a book can provide numerous benefits that other forms of information consumption cannot. It allows you to slow down and focus, increasing your attention span and improving your ability to concentrate. Reading can also stimulate your imagination, improve your vocabulary, and expand your knowledge on a variety of subjects. It has been shown to reduce stress and increase empathy, as it allows you to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Plus, reading is an inexpensive and easily accessible way to gain knowledge and insight into a wide range of topics. Whether you’re reading for pleasure or to gain new skills, the act of reading is an investment in yourself that can pay dividends for years to come.

Here are 5 types of books you should read to invest in yourself:

1. Self-help/Motivational Books: These books offer practical advice and inspiration to help you improve your life and achieve your goals.
2. Business and Leadership Books: Leaders are readers, and reading about successful business and leadership strategies can help you enhance your professional skills.
3. Specific Skills: Reading books about a specific skill can help you expand your knowledge and improve your expertise in a certain area. By learning new skills, you can make yourself more valuable in the workplace or in your business, and open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
4. Personal Finance Books: These books can help you gain a better understanding of how to manage your finances, make money, save money, and invest wisely.
5. Religious Books: Whether you are religious or not, reading religious texts can help you learn about morals, values, manners and the meaning of life.

Reading has numerous benefits, including improving your vocabulary, reducing stress, enhancing empathy and emotional intelligence, and expanding your knowledge and perspective.

In conclusion, reading is a fundamental tool for personal growth, knowledge expansion, and overall well-being. As Mortimer J. Adler, an American philosopher, educator, and author once said, “Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.” Whether you choose to read self-help books, business and leadership books, books on specific skills, personal finance books, or religious books, investing time in reading can have a positive impact on your life. So, take the time to pick up a book and start reading today! And if you need help staying accountable in your personal development journey, consider checking out my 12-week accountability coaching program.