The Struggle Is Real
"What?” I told myself in frustration as the sentence came to
an end.
Time to read it again.
Starting from the top, I attempt to read the paragraph for the
third time a row in the new book I was starting. The first time through, all I
could think about was everything I had to do and how I needed to finish this
chapter already. The second go around, I couldn’t stop listening to the music
in the coffee shop and singing along with the lyrics. As I tried to read the
third time, the words were entering through my eyes and exiting my brain while
registering absolutely no meaning.
Why is it so hard for me to focus?!
I have struggled with sitting down and reading my entire
life.
At first, I thought that it was my mental capacity: maybe I
just wasn’t smart. Next, I slowly started to think that practice makes perfect,
and I would get better as time went on. However, I was 24 years old, had a
bachelors degree and yet I still hated reading.
You Too?
Am I alone? Is anyone else in this boat with me?
You see an awesome book in the store and think, “I would
love to read that!” You buy the book (even though you have a list of 7 books on
your shelf that you have yet to open) and decide that you will start reading it
tonight! You sit down somewhere comfy – maybe you grab a cup of coffee – and
you open to the first page. If you’re lucky, you’ll find yourself lost in the
first few pages and very much interested in the subject.
However, by page 10-11, you have reread the same paragraph
four times, your back is starting to hurt from sitting so long, the subject is
still interesting but reading seems boring – and your phone has dinged multiple
times begging you to reach over and check it.
You set the book down and take a break, only to find
yourself playing on Instagram/facebook/youtube/twitter for an hour before you
decide to turn Netflix on and call it a night. The book will collect dust on
the table until you have company over and you decide to throw it on the book
shelf, along with the other 7 books on your read list to never be opened again.
I hate reading.
Seriously, I can’t stand it. For every reason mentioned
above – I hate reading with a passion. I’m simply not good at it. It’s
so much work for me to read a book.
However, there’s one problem: I WANT to read! There
are some awesome books out there – and I know that reading is good for you!
I want to read, but I stink at reading. What’s a guy to do?!
The Challenge
A few years ago, a buddy of mine (Corey Jones) had posted a
blog that he had read a ridiculous amount of books (like 400) in one year. My
mind was blown. My first thought was, “that dude has no life whatsoever.”
However, as I read his blog, he mentioned something I had
never thought of: audiobooks.
I had heard about audio books before, but I had only ever
thought of them in connection with reading real books – an exercise I avoided
like the plague.
Yet, audible was having a special for a free trial, and with
nothing to lose I signed up.
Progress
At first, I had a goal to simply finish ONE book (if you
stink at reading, you know this alone is a big accomplishment).
I downloaded the app and immediately got hooked. I LOVED
audible! It’s more than just someone reading to you – it’s someone (often the
author) reading with enthusiasm! You can hear body language and they can stress
what they truly want to with the tone of their voice!
I found myself done with the book in no time – and I set a
new goal: 12 books in one year. However, that same year I finished 20+ books!
In 2018 I realized that I was somewhat of an aggressive
reader. I loved books and I wanted to read 20 more this year – so I set myself
the same goal. Yet, as the end of December approaches – I have tallied up a
total of 43 books read this year alone!
Improved Life
So much of my life has gotten better since I found audible.
I have SO much more knowledge on SO many subjects! I am constantly reading
books about my career, my marriage, my finances, religion, psychology, history
– and even fiction for personal entertainment!
My hope for writing this blog is not at all to brag (I
literally just told you that I suck at reading lol. That’s nothing to brag
about). Instead, I hope that I can inspire/challenge you the same way Corey
Jones inspired me! Reading has improved my life in so many ways; I can’t
imagine not reading something every day.
If you, like me, hate reading with a passion and are
tempting to try out audio books – here’s are a few tips:
Tips For Starting Audiobooks
1. Just do it.
Nike got it
right: Stop making excuses. Download audibleand go at it! Set a simple goal:
listen to a book for 20 minutes. The more you do it, the more you will find
yourself hooked on it.
2. Buy some bluetooth headphones
Theyre
super cheap now on amazon – AND you get a TON of stuff done while you listen
and move about flawlessly without a dumb cord in your way. Here's a link to buy the one's I have (super cheap, reliable, and awesome quality).
3. Use audible.
I’m not
getting paid to promote audible – I just think they’re the best company out
there. They’re customer service is AWESOME – and you can literally return any
book at any time for any reason. I’ve heard other people say you can use other
apps and websites.. I’ve tried them all, and nothing compares to audible.
4. Avoid boring books
That being
said, if you DO use audible – you can return the book for any reason. Don’t
force yourself to read books that are dry and boring. Even though EVERYONE
says, “dude, this is a classic” – it might not be a classic for you. Return
that bad boy and read books that are fun and interesting to you. This isn’t
school; you don’t have to earn AR points or do a book report. You’re an adult
now – you can read what you want!
5. Ignore the haters
Do you know how many times I heard,
“You didn’t actually READ the book.”
I know people are joking when they say this, but I usually
respond by saying, “You found a comfortable place to sit down and, for a few
hours, were able to read a book. I was able to read a book WHILE:
·
Doing Laundry
·
Mowing my grass
·
Cleaning my house
·
Walking My dog
·
Driving/Running errands
We both retained the same information; the only difference
is that you were stuck sitting there while I was able to move around and get
stuff done.”
I’m not knocking people that prefer real books…… until they start knocking me for using
audio books ;)
Ignore those haters – they’re just mad that you’ve found a
way to get smarter and save time while going it. Stand up for yourself, and
brush that dirt off your shoulders Jay Z. :P
Top Suggestions:
With all this being said, let me share with you some of the GREATEST books I’ve read in 2018 that I think you would enjoy:
The Best Question Ever – Andy Stanley
There is a question out there that
you can apply to any situation, any circumstance, or any problem you are
having; this question will change everything for you and really help you to
live the best life you could possibly live. (Confession, this is not on audible.. but
it is so good that I forced myself to sit down and read it. Fortunately it’s
super easy to read!
Extreme
Ownership - Jocko Willink, Leif Babin
This book
should be required reading for every single human being, ever. Super good. FLIP
side – if you are a leader (working with people a ton), their follow up book is
100% just as good – “The Dichotomy of Leadership.
Crucial
Conversations – Joseph Grenny, Al Switzler, Ron McMillan
How can you
tell someone the truth without hurting the relationship? This book is a must
read for everyone that may have problems having difficult conversations and
facing conflict.
Gay Girl, Good God – Jackie Hill
I have
never described a book as beautiful, but this is absolutely that. Not only does
it shed biblical light on a controversial topic, but the author reads it in
this spoken-poetry-flow that will make you want to keep listening and never put
it down.
Total Money Makeover – Dave Ramsey
Dude, I
purpose didn’t feed into the Dave Ramsey fan club the same reason that I don’t
watch Star Wars: EVERYONE talks about it, overhypes it, and gets on my last
NERVE talking about it. Turns out, there’s a reason: it works. This guy reminds
me of myself and low-key gets on my last nerve, but he absolutely makes sense –
and it really has changed the way I handle finances. If you’re in debt or
struggling, check it out!
My Story – Elizabeth Smart
This is
like an 8 hour book, and it was so good that I couldn’t put it down and read it
in like 2 days. It jacked me up mentally (because I literally read about 2
psychopaths stealing a little girl from her home and keeping her tied to a tree
24/7), but it was totally worth it. Not
even gunna lie people…… I shed tears. THIS is a good one.
FINALLY: Hot To Lead When You’re Not In Charge –
This book
is pretty good – I got a lot of things in here that I already knew but just
needed to be refreshed of. The only reason I HAD to include it is, out of all
of the books above, this is hands down the best narrator to listen to.
How many books
will you read this year?
As I said, this blog was not meant
to braggy – but more of a challenge. Every year people commit to working out,
going to the gym and eating better to improve their bodies. I challenge you to
do take that same approach to your mind. Exercise your brain this year.
Commit to reading some books, and get lost in knowledge. Tell people what you
learn along the way and start great discussions with others.
“A reader lives a
thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only
one.” - George R.R. Martin
