Why Reading More Books Should Be Your Goal in 2021

It saddens me when someone admits that they don’t like reading or don’t remember the last time they have read an actual book. I say “saddens,” because one main thing school should do is to inspire continuous learning. If it didn’t happen between the 1st and 12th grade, then the education system failed altogether. The good news is, with the right mindset, we can make a positive change at any age. Here’s why reading more books should be your goal in 2021. 

You will expand your vocabulary and improve your communication skills 

Almost in every book readers come across unfamiliar words and concepts, which add on to the existing ones. Eventually, they integrate into an everyday speech helping you communicate better. Majority of successful authors mastered writing by reading quality literature. Jack London was one of them. Growing up working-class, he spent long hours at libraries and then became a famous 19th century novelist recognized worldwide. 

You will gain free education for life  

Strong writing is only a fraction of what reading can teach you. Big leaders have always prioritized it, as books hold global knowledge accumulated for generations. Oprah Winfrey even called them her “path to personal freedom.” By reading consistently, you are able to learn at your own pace without spending hardly anything. This is an excellent opportunity to grow into a well-rounded person receptive to an ever-changing world.  

You will strengthen your concentration and memory  

Thanks to advanced technology, we now receive a lot more information than ever before. Digital lifestyle and multitasking slowly decrease our ability to focus, as well as create unnecessary stress. A great way to calm your mind is to read for at least 15-20 minutes a day. Doing so reinforces staying on a single task (reading), memorizing facts (the setting, the characters, etc.) and thinking critically (connecting parts of the story). 

You will develop imagination  

Pure knowledge is not enough for success. According to Albert Einstein, “Imagination is more important.” It takes creativity to connect different things and willpower to try new processes. Reading stimulates both. Books open you up to a wide variety of experiences. Through images in your mind, they let you explore emotions and behaviours that you may not encounter otherwise. Imagination is the true driving force behind innovation.  

You will increase your empathy and build better connections 

Reading about people from different walks of life pushes you to relate to them on a deeper level than by engaging via media outlets. It requires the brain to work harder and process the narrative at multiple angles. Besides, reading doesn’t have to be an individual activity. You can join a book club, read out loud with someone you trust or simply share what you discovered with family, friends and colleagues, encouraging more meaningful conversations.    

Eager to start reading more, but don’t know where to begin? Find book recommendations in this section of my blog.