In a world where the daily hustle and bustle often consumes our time and energy, maintaining a positive mindset can sometimes feel like an elusive goal. However, one powerful and accessible tool that can lead us to a better mindset is the simple act of daily reading. Whether you are diving into a gripping novel, exploring the wisdom of self-help books, or immersing yourself in informative articles, daily reading has the potential to transform your perspective and elevate your mental state.
When I was younger, I hated reading. I never finished a book until my last year of high school. The books on the syllabus held no interest for me and I had no desire to force myself to read books I had no interest in. That changed in my final year, when I had to choose an author for an assignment on which we had to write a paper in order to pass my exam. Nicolas Bouvier, a travel writer, made me discover that reading was in fact a simple pleasure, a discovery, a moment outside of time in which our imagination can let itself go.
From that moment on, I began to read. Mostly self-help books, autobiographies and philosophy. But I also like to read books on agriculture, essays, in short, just about anything and everything! When a book talks about a subject that appeals to me, inspires me or simply piques my curiosity, whatever the subject, it’s a good opportunity to learn more.
Over time, I got into the habit of reading every day of the week. There have been times over the past 7 years when I’ve read less and sometimes more, but I’m becoming increasingly aware of the benefits that reading brings me! Both in terms of the knowledge I’ve acquired, and the discipline I’ve gained from it.
Leaders Are Always Readers
Here are just a few of the things I’ve noticed that almost daily reading has done to improve my mindset:
- Expanding Horizons: Daily reading exposes you to diverse perspectives, cultures, and ideas. As you delve into different genres and authors, you step out of your own mental confines and open yourself up to new ways of thinking. This expansion of horizons broadens your understanding of the world, making you more empathetic and open-minded.
- Stress Reduction: Engaging in a good book or an insightful article offers an escape from the stresses of everyday life. When you immerse yourself in a captivating story, your mind temporarily shifts its focus away from worries and anxieties. This respite from stress allows you to relax and recharge, ultimately contributing to a more positive and peaceful mindset.
- Emotional Intelligence: Fictional literature, in particular, provides a unique opportunity to develop emotional intelligence. As you become emotionally invested in characters’ lives and experiences, you learn to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. This heightened emotional awareness can translate into your real-life interactions, helping you better understand and connect with others.
Continuous Learning
- Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: The act of daily reading is, in essence, an ongoing pursuit of knowledge. Whether you’re learning about history, science, or personal development, this commitment to continuous learning keeps your mind engaged and curious. Such mental stimulation fosters a growth mindset, where you see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as setbacks Reading stimulates your brain, enhancing your cognitive abilities, including critical thinking and problem-solving. When you encounter complex situations in books, you engage in mental gymnastics to unravel mysteries and make connections. These skills become transferable to real-life challenges, empowering you to approach problems with confidence and resilience.
- Increased Positivity and Optimism: A daily reading habit can infuse your mind with positivity and optimism. Inspirational and motivational literature can uplift your spirits, providing you with the encouragement and motivation needed to overcome obstacles and pursue your goals.
- Improved Mental Well-Being: Numerous studies have shown that reading can have a positive impact on mental health. It can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Engaging with uplifting and thought-provoking content can boost your overall mental well-being, helping you maintain a sunny disposition even in the face of adversity.
Incorporating daily reading into your life can lead to a profound transformation in your mindset. By expanding your horizons, reducing stress, enhancing emotional intelligence, fostering continuous learning, improving problem-solving skills, and infusing positivity into your life, reading empowers you to approach each day with a better mindset. It’s a small yet mighty practice that holds the potential to create a more enlightened, empathetic, and optimistic you. So, pick up a book, immerse yourself in its pages, and let the journey toward a better mindset begin.
I really want you to understand that reading don’t take time, and if you think like this it is probably that you aren’t reading currently. That’s totally not a problem. Just remember that you have to start small. Build discipline and then you’ll start to enjoy your reading session and read more. Never underestimate the power of starting small, 10 minutes or 5 pages a day are more than enough to start!
In the quest to become a more disciplined reader, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the thought of lengthy reading sessions or the commitment of plowing through thick volumes. However, the truth is that even dedicating just 10 minutes or reading 5 pages a day can be a significant and manageable starting point. Not only will this simple habit introduce you to the world of disciplined reading, but it will also lead to improvements in your reading sessions over time.
I personally started to put in place the 10 pages a day reading strategy after I graduated. That to keep the little habit I had during my last high school year and to keep feeling all the benefits I get from this “new activity”. Actually, I read 30 minutes to 1 hour in the morning and before going to bed.
If the 10 pages a day worked for me, it could also help you… at least I hope so. Discover how I get from 10 pages a day to 30 minutes and how I developed a real need to read!
Start Small!
The beauty of beginning with just 10 minutes or 5 pages a day lies in its simplicity and attainability. It’s a manageable goal that can easily be incorporated into your daily routine, whether it’s during your morning coffee, before bed, or during a break at work or school. This small commitment is less likely to overwhelm, making it more likely for you to stick with it consistently. Discover more about this connection in the related article : “The Power of Habits and Discipline – Building the Foundation for Success in Every Area of Life”
Explore the multifaceted nature of rereading in our latest article! Dive into the fascinating world of continuous learning and evolving comprehension through spaced repetition. Click here to enrich your reading experience: