Andrew
Hunt for Greatness
Milton Kamwendo
PEOPLE who cannot read will always depend on those who can. Individuals who do not read will always depend on those who do. Anyone who does not read does not have any advantage over one who cannot read. A lot of people desire to read and wish to read but they find reading to be a chore. A good number of people will only read if there is an examination and if it is a work-related assignment.
Reading stimulates the brain and is an essential brain exercise. Read to stay mentally you. Read to stimulate your brain and personal growth. Read for pleasure as well as work. Here is my take on some of the things that you should consider reading. Reading is like food. No one food group is adequate on its own. A good blend is good for a healthy mind.
Current affairs
Newspapers give you a scoop on current affairs and issues that are happening. Newspapers have a set line of view. It is, therefore, important to read different newspapers and then take your balance of views. The expectation is that the news has been gathered by competent journalists and not pedestrians peddlers of rumours. Sometimes what is interesting is how one event elicits different headlines and views as if it were several events.
Apart from reading local newspapers, reading some monthly or weekly international news magazines or weeklies helps to develop a wider view of issues.
If you live in any community, you need to know what is happening in that area. Hyperawareness of your context is the key to relevance.
Competence books
Regardless of your calling, line of work or business, it is important to read books in your area of expertise. This helps you keep abreast of developments in the area. Books inform. They also store important information you may wish to brush up on. It is helpful to define your areas of interest and then collect useful material along that line.
To maintain your relevance, you need to keep developing and getting new insights. It is not enough to rely on your qualifications. In this age, learners retain competence, while the learned and arrogant will find themselves beautifully equipped for a world that no longer exists.
Common literature
A good story has transformational power. Reading literature informs, entertains and educates. Most movies are born from books. Reading a good book is entertaining, inspiring and educating. Some books are great social commentaries. Good novels help you see the world through different eyes. Readers will tell you that books transport them to worlds, times, places and experiences that those who do not read will never know. Nothing beats a good book.
Clarity books
There is a purpose to life bigger than all of us. Good books help you locate your purpose and role. Chief among the spiritual books is the Bible. The Bible is a collection of 66 books that cover history, statistics, prophesy, wisdom, song, narration and correspondence, as well as abundant resources to teach, inspire and guide the soul.
The Bible is a wellspring of life experiences. Its great value is that human nature never changes although times, seasons and personalities change. Daily and sustained reading of the Bible is a good spiritual and mental tonic.
In addition, there are a number of books that address the soul and spiritual arena. These cover a variety of subjects like giving, prayer, fasting, worship and every other dimension of the spiritual life.
Courses through life
Biographies are real-life stories. Other people’s stories are not meant to diminish us or make us look small and useless. Other people’s success stories are meant to inspire us and help us see what is possible and what could be done.
By celebrating other people’s successes, you prime yourself for greatness. Biographies make success look possible and help you see that your life, too, is a story of greatness. People live through different experiences and a good biography is a powerful motivational tool.
Captivating reading
Find what captivates your attention and sparks your interest and read that more. Magazines, comics, blogs, coffee table books and journals are part of leisure reading. This informs, entertains, inspires and keeps you abreast of developments, products and ideas in your areas of passion.
Content galore
The internet is an ocean of knowledge that keeps swelling. Invest time in learning how to find useful information and tools that are in keeping with your reading and learning style. Content is everywhere. Know how you acquire and use good content. Follow good writers and thinkers.
There are several options and media for reading. Paper-based products are the original media. Tablets, computers and phones are also great media.
My favourite is the iPad and the ReMarkable. Audio and video reading are also useful methods of reading. Find what works for you. You have no excuse for not reading, learning and growing.
Failure to read is a choice, and regrettably a poor one. Good reading makes you feel. It makes you think. It opens something in you and fuels your thinking. Unless you become an avid reader, the world will pass you by while you wonder what is going on.
Ignorance is no bliss, it is a liability. The link between where you are and where you need to be is information.
Reading is the technology that helps you get the information you need. Keep reading, learning and growing.
Thomas Law advocates reading books daily and lists these 10 benefits of reading:
Gain valuable knowledge
Exercises your brain
Improves your focus
Improves your memory
Entertainment
Improves your ability to empathise
Improves your communication skills
Reduces stress
Improves your mental health
Makes you live longer
Start reading and enjoy these benefits, while making your way to greatness. Committed to your greatness
Milton Kamwendo is a leading international transformational and motivational speaker, author and a virtual, hybrid and in-person workshop facilitator. He is a cutting-edge strategy, team-building and organisation development facilitator and consultant. He can be reached at: [email protected] and his website is: www.miltonkamwendo.com
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter