“I CANNOT REMEMBER THE BOOKS I’VE READ ANY MORE THAN THE MEALS I HAVE EATEN; EVEN SO, THEY HAVE MADE ME.” —RALPH WALDO EMERSON
You Are What You Read
It’s a mystery! The same child who can’t retain textbook information long enough to pass a test on it can recite the names and abilities of 300 Pokemonwith a confident fluency a PhD would envy. How can that be? Answer: being interested in a subject makes the difference between blocking that knowledge, and allowing it in and allotting it brain space. You may be well aware that reading will supply constructive input to transform your life in ways you never thought possible, but the very thought of opening a book sends you into slumber. Take heart! When you read material directly applicable to you—your fulfillment and happiness, successfully building your business—your interest will perk up and you’ll find yourself not only turning the pages, but highlighting key portions as well.
Start with a subject Success, confidence, connecting, teamwork, leadership, motivation—pick a subject that appeals to you.
Search online and you will find Refining your search is imperative. A Google search of “success” summons 1,330,000,000 results! (And it doesn’t help that they run the gamut from “The Success Gurus: 17 Lessons in Greatness from the Best Minds in Business” 1 to “Stop Studying Success Gurus. Do This Instead.” 2 ) However, a search of “best success books of all time” or “best personal development books of all time,” for instance, will lead you not only to specific book possibilities but to links of related reading materials that may be helpful. It takes all kinds Pick the kind of book that holds your interest. A study of success, for instance, will lead you down the written roads of biography, self-help, motivational literature, business books, and more. One approach may appeal to you more than another. For instance, biographies are wonderful ways to meet people of importance and influence from every age of history, including our own. These role models put a human face on the greatness they have achieved, and it may prove just what you need to rise up and fulfill your own destiny. As a man thinketh You can also investigate and read about the psychological aspects of your subject. Are you working against your own goals? It’s quite possible to want something, but have subconscious reasons to avoid achieving it. Find out if you do! The right book can help you discover your true motivation. Connecting new dots Go to any online bookstore and peruse their subject list for a new topic that interests you. Why? Learning new things keeps our brains in shape, so to speak. “Neuroplasticity, or brain plasticity, refers to the brain’s ability to change throughout life,” says Pascale Michelon, MD. “The human brain has the amazing ability to reorganise itself by forming new connections between brain cells (neurons). This occurs in the brain through adulthood whenever something new is learned and memorised.” 3 On the flip side, psychiatrist Daniel G. Amen says, “Our brains are designed to prune away unused synaptic connections.” 4 It’s very important to keep the new information coming! Read, learn, and hone your mental edge! Great escapes Relaxing doesn’t have to rely on the stupefying re-watching of a TV series. Highly intelligent people have been found to indulge in mystery novels because a good whodunit or legal thriller is relaxing even while engaging the brain with delightfully superficial puzzles. 5
Hit refresh When life becomes busy and you are achieving your goals, there is a tendency to think you already know what you need to know, so why keep reading? Answer: When you’re learning you’re growing. A lake takes in refreshing new water from streams—a stagnant pond does not. Read to grow your business and to grow as a person. There is always something new to learn about achieving your life and business goals.
1 Andrea García Cerdán, “The Importance of Motivation: What Is It and Tips to Promote It,” CogniFit Blog, October 30, 2017. 1 Andrew B. Clancy, The Success Gurus: 17 Lessons in Greatness From the Best Minds in Business (New York: Portfolio/Penguin, 2011). 2 Michael Schein, "Stop Studying Success Gurus. Do This Instead," Inc.com, May 5, 2017. 3 Pascale Michelon, “Brain Plasticity: How Learning Changes Your Brain,” SharpBrains, February 26, 2008.
4 Daniel G. Amen, “What Impact Does Constant Learning Have On the Brain?” Sharecare.com. 5 Nancy Curteman, "Mystery Novels: Why So Popular?" Global Mysteries Blog, November 21, 2010.
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MARCH 2018 | MELALEUCA.COM
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