Hey Legend,
I read an article the other night and saw this statement:
“Ten years of deep reading is the difference between being informed and being transformed.”
Damn.
It dawned on me, it’s now been ten years since I developed my reading habit. I am proof this statement is true. I’ve been completely transformed over the past 10 years because of the books I’ve read.
When I was in school, I thought reading was for losers.
I don’t recall ever finishing a book. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I wanted to rebel and be seen as ‘cool’ rather than a ‘nerd’ (how wrong was I).
Reading seemed like a waste of time. I’d rather be having fun with my friends, playing video games or watching TV.
But that all changed when I was 24 and received a copy of ‘The Barefoot Investor’.
It was the first book I ever read cover to cover.
This book ignited my obsession for reading (thanks Mum).
“Read what you love until you love to read.” – Naval Ravikant
Money & investing books were the ones that made me fall in love with the process of reading. I ditched watching TV in the morning to read books before work.
This has been one of the most transformative habits I’ve adopted.
Once I developed the love for reading, I started to expand my horizons to personal development, biographies, business, history, psychology and spirituality.
14 insights I’ve gained from reading 300+ books over the last 10 years
1. A single book can change the entire trajectory of your life.
2. “The more you learn, the more you earn.” – Warren Buffett.
3. Books make great mentors. We are so lucky experts have taken the time to distill their life’s work into a book for us to gain wisdom.
4. Don’t read what’s popular or what people say you should read. Read what interests you. Follow your curiosities.
5. You become what you read. Read great books, and you will develop great thoughts. From great thoughts you will take great actions. And from great actions, you will become a great person.
6. Don’t read to feed your ‘ego’ (e.g. how many books can I read in a year). Read to feed your soul.
7. It’s ok to stop reading a book if it no longer interests you. I have many unfinished books on my shelf.
8. Re-read the books that have had the biggest impact on you. There are books I re-read every year. And each time I pick up something new. You are a different person each time you read the same book. Which means you gain new awareness and greater depth.
9. Audio books are great for when you’re on the move. But it’s like putting your dinner in a blender and then drinking it. It’s just not the same
10. Reading becomes contagious. My wife never used to read. And now she sits down with me almost every morning to read. I never asked her or forced her to. But my reading habit rubbed off on her. And now Clifford and Florence see us reading. I’m sure this will rub off on them. And I will tell them, reading is for LEGENDS (not losers)
11. Just like money compounds, knowledge compounds. You won’t notice it after one book or even ten books, but after 100+ books… WOW.
12. Read books that help you achieve your mission. If you have to ask people ‘what book should I read next?’, then you’re unclear on your mission.
13. Don’t just read books. Study books. Implement books. And teach others what you learn. Overtime, produce as much (or more) than you consume.
14. You can become an expert on ANY topic in three years or less if you commit to reading for 30 minutes a day.
Over to you
Reading has been the single biggest catalyst for my growth over the last decade. It’s reshaped how I think, how I act, and ultimately who I’ve become.
If ten years of reading can transform me – from someone who once thought books were for “losers” to someone who now builds life, business, and family around the lessons inside them – imagine what it could do for you.
So here’s my encouragement: pick up a book this week.
Not because you “should,” but because you’re curious. Follow that spark. Feed your soul, not your ego.
And who knows – ten years from now, you might look back and realize that one book changed everything.
