Personal development is a lot like washing your hair, that is, if you read and follow the directions on the bottle – “wash, rinse, and repeat”.
Applying those “Shampoo Directions” to “Reading” creates – “read, apply, re-read”.
The importance of reading and applying the new knowledge gleaned from the material you just read cannot be overstated. You gotta take action on what you read!
This update isn’t about action. It’s to list the books that I “chewed on & regurgitated from” to generate my blog.
But, before I do that, I gotta share this random info…
🙂 🙂 When I was a child a program called RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) existed for the purpose of improving children’s literacy. Google tells me RIF still exists. You can get additional information about RIF at rif.org 🙂 🙂
How does RIF apply to to you?
Let’s break it down…
Reading -> the action or skill of reading written or printed matter silently or aloud
Is -> Is (duh)
Fundamental -> forming a necessary base or core; of central importance
thus…
Reading Is Fundamental to your personal growth. Knowledge exists in book form that you cannot access otherwise. Reading provides a sturdy core/foundation on which to build and expand on your purpose! If you can’t find time to read, make time to read. Heck, you might even try audio books!
Whatever you do…Just Read!
Oh, and use a highlighter…just sayin’.
Why is re-reading important?
You are not the exact same person you were when you began the book. As you read you’ll discover “nuggets” (which you will highlight, right?) that will “challenge” you to re-evaluate/review/re-interpret what you “understand”. Thus, reading changes you fundamentally.
Re-reading allows you to view the same information with “new eyes”. It’s pretty cool. Personally, I never re-read a book directly upon completion. Generally, I’ll start a new book and something I read in the new book triggers a “nugget” from a prior book. I then go back to the prior book to refresh my memory. I re-read the specific section of the prior book again and relate it to the book I am currently reading. Heck, sometimes I’ll re-read parts of several books to ensure I understand a concept. Each book you read becomes a reference book to all the other books you have read or are going to read. How awesome is that!?! Oh, this also means you shouldn’t throw away the books you read. Build your personal library instead!
This “cross-referencing” may slow my progress, but I tell myself, “it’s not a race to see how many books I can read, it’s about understanding a concept and growing as an individual”.
Personal development has no time frame or expiration date!
As I mentioned earlier, the books listed below sow the seeds from which my blog entries grow. It is my goal to share what I reap while inspiring others to take up the gauntlet of personal growth.
No book is too big or pamphlet too small…
Battle on, my friends. Battle on.
My “Personal Growth Library” includes:
“The Power of I AM”, “Think Better, Live Better”, “30 Thoughts for Victorious Living” – all by Joel Osteen
“The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth”, “Developing the Leader Within You” – all by John C. Maxwell
“Think and Grow Rich” – by Napolean Hill
“Destiny” – by T.D. Jakes
“As A Man Thinketh” – by James Allen
Guideposts – Various authors
“Don’t Miss Your Miracle” – by Vance Havner
“Unshakable Hope” – by Max Lucado
“The Power of a Praying Husband” – Stormie Omartian
Dan’s View 