In 2023, I took on the challenge of reading 62 books, inspired by Grant Cardone's belief in its contribution to success. Research indicates that such a reading commitment can rival a full-time college education. Reflecting on my journey, I've compiled a list of my top 10 favorites, highlighting the importance of selecting the right book for the right moment. With varying lengths, audiobooks have become my ally, providing a convenient way to achieve ambitious reading goals. Additionally, I share tips for an efficient audiobook experience tailored to personalized growth goals. This literary adventure has not only broadened my perspectives but also underscored the transformative power of continuous learning.
What Prompted My Extensive Reading?
In 2023, I undertook a personal challenge to read 62 books, drawing inspiration from the insight that the average Fortune 500 CEO consumes 60 books annually. The motivation stemmed from best-selling author Grant Cardone's belief that this habit significantly contributes to success. As I reflect on this literary journey, it becomes apparent that such a commitment to reading offers a unique path for continuous learning and personal growth.
For many, the idea of reading 50-60 books in a year may seem daunting, especially when considering the typical workload of a full-time college student. On average, students might engage with readings from around 10 books per semester, totaling about 20 books in a year. However, research cited by sales guru and best-selling author Brian Tracy suggests that reading at the CEO level could provide an education comparable to that of a full-time college student.
Imagine gaining the equivalent of an extra bachelor's degree every four years. The intellectual and competitive edge that comes with such a commitment can significantly impact both personal and professional life. These small commitments can accumulate over time.
A Few Standout Books from 2023
Here are my top 10 favorite reads from 2023, spanning diverse genres:
Success Mindset: "Outliers: The Story of Success" by Malcolm Gladwell
Appreciating Women: "Understanding Women: Unlock the Mystery" by Alison A. Armstrong
Appreciating Men: "The Amazing Development of Men" by Alison Armstrong
Real Estate: "The Housing Boom and Bust" by Thomas Sowell
Growth Mentality: "The Inner Game of Tennis" by W. Timothy Gallwey
Financial Awareness: "Don't Fall for It: A Short History of Financial Scams" by Ben Carlson
Anthropology & Society: "Debt: The First 5000 Years" by David Graeber
Philosophy/Politics: "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand
Purpose: "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl
Literature: "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding
Success Strategies
These selections vary in length, from 30+ hours to under 3 hours, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right book for the right frame of mind and time of day. Audiobooks, with an average duration of around 10 hours, offer a convenient way to achieve this reading goal.
Consider these tips for an efficient audiobook experience:
Adjust Playback Speed: Experiment with speeds to find your ideal pace.
Take Notes: Jot down key points for better retention.
Choose Preferred Genres: Select audiobooks in genres you enjoy.
Multitask Wisely: Pair audiobooks with tasks that don't require intense focus.
Use Sleep Timer: Set a timer if you listen before sleep.
Invest in Good Headphones: Quality headphones enhance the experience.
Explore Narrators: Find narrators whose style you like.
Break Up Listening: Divide long audiobooks into shorter sessions.
Use Summaries: Consider book summaries for time efficiency.
Join Audiobook Communities: Connect with enthusiasts for recommendations.
Convert PDFs to Audiobooks: If your preferred book isn't on platforms like Audible or Apple Books, try converting a PDF using tools like Speechify or VoiceDream for access to audio versions, even for harder-to-find titles.
Set Goals That Align With YOU
In the whirlwind of reading 62 books in a year, my brain didn't just get a boost – it got a whole new wardrobe of perspectives. Navigating the literary cosmos has been a wild ride, revealing nuggets of wisdom along the way. From Success Mindset to Financial Awareness, these books have been my trusty companions, ranging in length from epic sagas to quick snippets.
What's right for me might not be right for you. Still, I encourage you to contemplate ways you can commit to your personal and professional growth this year. Perhaps reading a bit more in 2024 will be one of those ways?