A random visit to the library on a rainy Saturday sparked this post.
I enrolled my daughter into the summer reading program at the local library.
My 8-year-old daughter HATES to read.
It’s like pulling teeth during the school year. Twenty minutes isn’t all that long, but for her,
it’s an eternity.
Teachers encourage summer reading over the summer which I
wholeheartedly agree with. But to be honest, six weeks of summer had passed
and I was at a loss at what to do with her.
I can relate. I never REALLY liked to read as a kid. I loved the Boxcar Children, the Babysitter
Club series and maybe a few other random books, but I didn’t have a
desire to read and it felt more like a chore than a pleasurable activity.
So we BOTH enrolled into the summer reading program. Can I just tell you it’s like watching a
miracle happen in my house? My daughter
is motivated to read. She took the time
to find a few books that she might be interested in reading and completed her
first chapter book in 2 hours. Who is
this kid?
Who knew that a little
challenge could be such an awesome motivator?
I’m a fitness coach who runs successful challenges. Why didn’t I ever
think that a challenge like this would have the same effect? Magic!
What about you? Do you like to
read? I have to admit, I really enjoy
reading as an adult! It’s very relaxing
and the excitement of being in a good book is FUN! I’m on Goodreads and follow recommendations
of good books from friends who are more avid readers. Truthfully, I don’t make time to read
fiction books much anymore.
However, I do make time for personal
development. 10 minutes everyday! What is personal development? Well,
most of you might think of personal
development as the “self help” or even the “business” section of the
bookstore. Personal development books focus on improving ones self.
Making us better.
Do you have areas in your life that you’re struggling to work
through? Maybe it's
effectively communicating in a relationship, finding your life’s purpose, discovering more time and life balance, dealing with a difficult person, or acknowledging your strengths so that you can be an effective leader at the office? The possibilities are endless and all it
takes is jotting down a few areas of struggle on a piece of
paper and then searching for a place that can speak into them. For some of us the struggle might be so intense that you already know where you want to start and where to go. Others might still be on the fence or even unsure of why you might want to focus on yourself like this.
Why do this? Why is personal
development so important? It's an investment. It's an investment in yourself , an investment in something new. Personal development can be a way to discover a different way, a new perspective or option. Too often we repeat the same cycle over and over again. And you know the definition of insanity...doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Personal development is a place to stop the insanity and give you a new perspective and sometimes a solution.
Personal Development can be for you! Go
to Amazon, type in a key area you need some help with and find the
most
popular books to start. Read the
reviews, flip through the sneak peeks. Then just do it! Commit to yourself. Begin the investment. I highly recommend audio books! On my way to the office, meetings, or my way home, I’m always listening to something. Right now, I am listening to “Just Listen” by Mark Goulston. I am learning how I can be a better listener and help others feel heard. I LOVE IT!
For me audio books seem manageable. You can always find a few moments to listen.
You can listen while taking a walk, grocery shopping or doing chores
after the kids go to bed. You have the
time to make it happen! Make it your
August challenge to commit to 10 minutes a day and be ready to see yourself
grow!
If you’re looking for a place to start these are great books:
Happy summer reading and take a moment to tell me what you're reading!
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