photo by Earl - What I Saw 2.0
Last week, I shared with you my personal belief that growing on purpose is such an important part of any leaders life. This week, I’m going to begin sharing with you how I do this. It’s not overly complicated. In fact, you might read this and say, “Really, that’s it?”
It should be easy. I don’t have to create a complicated plan for the sake of being complicated. I use what works… for me. The things I’m going to be sharing over the next couple weeks work for me. If it works for you, great! If it doesn’t, I encourage you to look for things that do.
This week, I’m going to write about the most important step in personal growth: reading.
Nothing raises my leadership ability more than reading.
On my to-do list, every day, without fail, are the words “read.” What does this mean? It means that every day, I schedule into my calendar 30 minutes of uninterrupted reading time. Sometimes I read at the office, at home, downtime waiting in line for the DMV, wherever. Since having a child (she’s just over a year old), I’ve had to get really disciplined and creative with the 30 minutes. It turns out that when I’m home, I find it very difficult to find 30 minutes, rightly so.
But 30 minutes is my goal. Am I able to accomplish it every day? Most of the time, yes, but sometimes life gets in the way. That’s okay. I just try to jump back on board the next day. The key is to always bring a book wherever I go. I never know when I’m going to have an extra 10-15 minutes as I go through my day.
What do I read? Non-fiction. Usually books on relationships, equipping, attitude, and leadership (REAL). Makes sense. Sometimes the books are about marriage and raising kids. We have some financial goals, so I’ve been reading some finance books also. Anything to help me in my ministry and life.
At this very moment, I’m rereading Jim Collins book, Good to Great. I don’t reread books very often, but this one has been worth it.
Take a look here at some books I’m planning to read this year.
What are you reading right now?
Is 30 minutes realistic in your life?
Ha! Just wait until you have five kids — then you have to get really creative with reading time!
(Fortunately I usually take the bus to work, which gives me around an hour a day).
The biggest advantage to reading I see as a leader are the opportunities to say to colleagues “Oh, I was just reading a book/article/blog post about that — let me grab it for you.” It’s a great way to lend a hand, spread ideas, and look pretty knowledgeable, all at the same time. 😉
Oh, and right now I’m reading Amy Welborn’s new memoir, Wish You Were Here.
Hey Jonathan,
Totally get where you are coming from. I used to read at home, but no longer do because I try to have home time be family time. I can’t imagine five kids!
I find that I often share things I read with others and has helped me tremendously in resourcing leaders in ministry.
I’ll have to take a look at Amy Welborn’s book. Thanks!