Reading habits of successful people

Let's explore the reading routines of successful people. Discover how reading contributes to their achievements and mindset.

Reading habits of successful people
Photo by Shiromani Kant / Unsplash

Reading is a habit that is widely considered to be one of the most effective ways to learn and grow.

It is no secret that many successful people, including entrepreneurs, business leaders, and other high achievers, have made reading a regular part of their daily routine.

In this article, we will explore the reading habits of successful people and why reading is such an important part of personal and professional development.

The Benefits of Reading

Reading has been shown to have a wide range of benefits, from improving cognitive function to reducing stress and anxiety. It can also help to improve vocabulary and language skills, increase empathy and emotional intelligence, and provide a means of escape and relaxation.

In addition to these benefits, reading can also be an excellent way to gain new insights and knowledge on a wide range of topics. Many successful people credit their success to their love of reading and the new ideas and perspectives that it has exposed them to.

Reading Habits of Successful People

Many successful people have a dedicated reading routine, setting aside time each day to read and learn. Some may prefer to read in the morning, while others may prefer to read before bed or during their commute. Regardless of when they read, successful people make it a priority and find ways to incorporate it into their daily routine.

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the wealthiest people in the world, is an avid reader and reportedly reads around 50 books per year. Oprah Winfrey, one of the most influential and successful media personalities of all time, has said that reading is her "personal path to freedom" and that it has played a significant role in her success.

Warren Buffett, the renowned investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has also cited reading as a key to his success. He reportedly spends up to six hours a day reading, with a particular focus on business and financial news.

Other successful people have their own unique reading habits. For example, Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has said that he reads biographies of great entrepreneurs and innovators, such as Steve Jobs and Benjamin Franklin, to gain inspiration and new ideas.

Interesting Facts About Reading

Here are some interesting facts about reading that you may not have known:

  • The average person reads around 200-400 words per minute, which is equivalent to one to two pages of text.
  • Reading can help to improve memory and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
  • Reading can help to reduce stress and anxiety by providing a mental escape and relaxation.
  • People who read regularly are more likely to have higher levels of empathy and emotional intelligence.
  • Reading fiction can help to improve creativity and imagination.
  • According to a study by the National Endowment for the Arts, people who read for pleasure are more likely to volunteer, attend cultural events, and participate in civic activities.

Tips for Developing a Reading Habit

If you're looking to develop a reading habit, here are some tips to get started:

  • Start small: Begin by setting aside just 10-15 minutes a day to read, and gradually increase the amount of time as you become more comfortable.
  • Make it a priority: Treat reading as a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, and find ways to incorporate it into your schedule.
  • Read what interests you: Choose books and articles that you find engaging and interesting, rather than what you think you "should" be reading.
  • Set goals: Set specific goals for the number of books or pages you want to read each month, and track your progress.
  • Find a reading buddy: Join a book club or find a friend who shares your love of reading to help keep you accountable and motivated.

Reading is an essential habit for personal and professional growth, and many successful people credit their success to their love of reading. By developing a regular reading habit, you can gain new insights and knowledge, improve cognitive function, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance your creativity and imagination.

Whether you prefer to read in the morning, during your commute, or before bed, finding a time that works for you and making reading a priority can have a significant impact on your overall well-being and success.

In addition to reading books and articles, there are many other ways to incorporate reading into your daily routine. You can read online articles, blog posts, and social media posts on topics that interest you, listen to audiobooks or podcasts, or even read the newspaper or a magazine.

You can also use Chrome extensions like dictozo that help you with reading smoothly while building vocabulary. Dictozo highlights the difficult words with their meaning while reading any word online. So you don't have to recall the word again and again. It's a Chrome extension and is free to use.

Whatever your preferred method of reading, the key is to make it a regular part of your daily routine and to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn. By doing so, you can double up your reading speed in 30 days and experience the many benefits that reading has to offer.