Fun Fact about me: I have so much trouble finishing a book.
There. I said it. I know that I would be so much cooler if I was one of those hipster readers who can take a picture in front of a fire with a book and some tea (I also can't finish a cup of tea either...I know I am probably alone in this one but I just...can't...stand it!) Although I can't seem to stick to reading, something about books fascinates me. I love how there are so many resources in this world and I will never be able to read even a fraction of the good books out there. I actually love walking through Barnes & Noble and just perusing all of the intriguing information out there. It's just that when I start a book, I always have trouble finishing it. I am just not a dedicated reader. I have never been one to sink into a good book, unable to wait to start the next one. Often my mind wanders and I start thinking about something stupid I said earlier that day, and although I'm reading the words, I'm not processing a dang thing (I'm one of those people who can't turn my mind off). Sometimes I have to read a paragraph three times before I finally process what it says. So it takes me forever. Because of this, I usually read a chapter or two and then let it sit on my bookshelf for approximately the next 23 years. But several months ago, after walking through a bookstore with my sister, I decided I would try reading again. Being the female entrepreneur I am, Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis caught my eye. I bought it on a whim, got home, started reading the book, and got FIRED UP and inspired. I loved that feeling. The next day, although watching Netflix after a long, hard day of work was so much more appealing to me than putting any more stress on my brain, I remembered that fire rekindled within me, and I forced myself to read another chapter. Then I made myself read another. Then another. And on my way to work the next morning, I started thinking of all the incredible places I could take my business. I started processing all of Rachel's ideas, and dreaming of the amazing things I could do. I almost rear-ended someone in the process, but we won't talk about that. It suddenly hit me that being inspired by someone I will probably never even get the pleasure to meet is entirely possible, and that I have to step out of my circle of people and learn from someone new. And if I had never cracked that book open, I wouldn't have started dreaming; setting goals. And then, an epiphany happened.
I realized that after I finished this book, I was going to need another one to keep myself inspired. I realized I need to turn off Netflix and become a reader. I can watch as many shows about entrepreneurialism as my smart TV has available (it's limited, I've checked). I can gain wisdom and advice from as many mentors I have in my life (what, maybe three? If they have the time?) I can even listen to as many podcasts as I'd like. But with books, not only is the potential unlimited, but the chance of retaining the information is much greater when reading it. So I can read as much as I'd like and get inspired as much as I want, and nothing can stop that fire in my belly if I can just keep myself accountable to finishing a dang book already. This same concept goes not only for my entrepreneurial goals, but for my spiritual life as well (read some books on miracles God's done in people's lives...and watch that fire for God grow!) So, maybe you've only read three books in your entire life. Maybe your mind starts thinking about kittens while you're reading. Maybe it takes you 20 minutes to get through one page. Whatever your reason is for not opening a book, I want to encourage you to keep trying. Keep reading. Knowledge is power and you CAN be a reader!
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