10 Incredible Benefits of Reading More Often
Books often get a bad rap, with many viewing reading as dull or time-consuming. I used to think the same, especially when school reading assignments felt more like a chore than a pleasure. However, everything changed when I started choosing my books. I began to enjoy reading for the sake of reading.
As a busy woman, I prefer listening to books via Audible. Since diving into audiobooks, which I genuinely enjoy, I’ve noticed profound improvements in my personal and professional life. Here are ten incredible benefits of reading more often than you might experience.
I cannot speak highly enough about Audible. It's cool because you don't have to worry about your brain turning to mush after graduation, you can listen while on your way to and from work, and you can download just about any book. You can check them out for a free trial here. It's so convenient, and despite my own and off relationship with my audible account I always come back to it. Check out my review of Audible and why I plan on keeping it around for good here.
10. Stay Engaging and Interesting
Since I committed to my Audible account, I’ve become a wellspring of valuable information I love sharing. I’m particularly fond of self-help books and biographies about successful entrepreneurs and companies. With a weekly audiobook habit, I always have something insightful to contribute to conversations, ensuring I have great stories to tell.
One of my favorite books to recommend is The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss. This book resonates deeply with me, especially from a millennial’s perspective on work-life balance, offering plenty of actionable advice. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s a must!
Read The 4-Hour Workweek here.
9. Discover and Grow Your Inner Self
After graduating from college, I feared my brain would go stagnant without a constant influx of new knowledge. But my Audible account quickly put that worry to rest. Not only did I start learning new things about myself, but I also picked up new skills that have helped me grow into a better person.
The Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman was a transformative book for me. As the second oldest of seven girls, this book helped me understand the roots of some of my behavioral patterns. It’s a fascinating read for anyone curious about how birth order influences personality.
Read The Birth Order Book here.
8. Impress Interviewers with Your Knowledge
![[Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion and Purpose] [By: Tony Hsieh] [January, 2012]](https://missmillmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/51736pJP1nL._SL500_.webp "10 Incredible Benefits of Reading More Often 9")
Quoting books in job interviews isn’t something I do intentionally, but it often happens naturally. When discussing topics related to a book I’ve recently listened to, it usually serves as an excellent icebreaker, especially if the interviewer is familiar with it.
One book I frequently reference is Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos. It’s a captivating read that offers valuable insights into company culture and startup operations, making it a great conversation starter in interviews.
Read Delivering Happiness here.
7. Join Exclusive Groups of Like-Minded People
There’s something special about meeting someone new and discovering that you’ve both read the same book. It instantly connects you on a deeper level, leading to richer conversations beyond the usual small talk.
A book that has profoundly impacted my life is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. I’ve found that those who’ve read this book tend to become close friends because it’s more than just a book—you either embrace its lessons or challenge them, but you can’t ignore the inspiration it provides.
6. Enhance Your Business Acumen
I categorize the books I listen to into two groups: those that help me grow as a person and those that improve my business. Books in the latter category are crucial, as my company’s success hinges on how much I know about scaling and innovating.
Good to Great by Jim Collins is a must-read for anyone in business. I decided to dive in after hearing it referenced multiple times in Delivering Happiness. It offers invaluable insights into how successful companies achieve greatness, and I’ve applied many of its principles in my own business.
5. Improve Your Health Knowledge
5. Improve Your Health Knowledge
Books have significantly influenced my health choices. I became a vegetarian after reading Joel Fuhrman’s The End of Dieting and started focusing on fitness after listening to Darren Hardy’s The Compound Effect. Whether you’re looking to improve your health or just curious about how your body changes over time, there’s a book for you.
One standout read is Moody Bitches by Dr. Julie Holland. This book contains information about women’s health that many of us might hesitate to ask our doctors about, but it is essential to know.
4. Strengthen Your Relationships
In my first job after college, I was determined to excel and make a meaningful impact. But when reality didn’t match my expectations, I found myself in a rut, searching for answers. That’s when I turned to The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, which helped me boost my confidence and navigate workplace challenges.
Another great read by these authors is Womenomics, which explores societal factors contributing to women’s self-doubt and how to overcome them.
Read The Confidence Code here.
3. Get Inspired to Be a Better Person
3. Get Inspired to Be a Better Person
Personal growth is vital to happiness. When you’re not learning, you’re not growing, and stagnation leads to dissatisfaction. That’s why I prioritize growth in my life. One book that emphasizes this importance is The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C. Maxwell.
No matter how busy you are, personal growth should be a lifelong pursuit, and this book provides a blueprint for prioritizing it.
Read The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth here.
2. Learn on the Go
As someone with a packed schedule, I often find it challenging to carve out time for reading. I love audiobooks because they allow me to learn without disrupting my daily routine. Whether driving, running, or taking a break, I can listen to audiobooks and turn downtime into productive learning.
A book that helped me maximize my time and focus on what truly matters is The Millionaire Master Plan by Roger James Hamilton. His approach to identifying your genius and focusing on it has been a game-changer for me.
Read The Millionaire Master Plan here.
1. Stay Young at Heart
Finally, reading keeps you young. Have you ever met someone who’s set in their ways, resistant to new ideas, and stuck in the past? In contrast, people who are constantly learning and open to new perspectives exude youthful energy regardless of age.
One book that reminded me of the importance of lifelong learning is Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. While I initially didn’t like it in high school, revisiting it later in life revealed its profound messages about personal growth and the journey to self-discovery.
I didn’t fully appreciate the joys of reading until later in life, but now I’m an avid reader (or rather, listener) who continually seeks to grow and improve. If you’re new to Audible, you can sign up and get your first audiobook for free. Start your journey today and keep learning!
I cannot speak highly enough about Audible. It's cool because you don't have to worry about your brain turning to mush after graduation, you can listen while on your way to and from work, and you can download just about any book. You can check them out for a free trial here. It's so convenient, and despite my own and off relationship with my audible account I always come back to it. Check out my review of Audible and why I plan on keeping it around for good here.
Sign up for Audible here and start learning today!
Do you have an Audible account? What do you love about it? Let me know in the comments. And share your favorite books—I’m always looking for recommendations!
