3 Reasons Why I Read 40 Books in 2019

Now that we're already a few weeks into 2020, I found myself reflecting on why I set myself the goal of reading 40 books at the beginning of 2019.

To some, reading 40 books in a year might sound like an unachievable feat. And to some others, it might seem small, unworthy of a mention even. But to me, this year, it represented an important milestone. One that resulted with a shift in mindset and deliberate intention.

So in a nutshell, here are the 3 reasons why I read 40 books in 2019:

1. I Wanted To Re-Cultivate a Forgotten Habit

As I like to put it: I was a former avid reader that fell off the wagon.

Cue nostalgia: my love for reading started at the age of ten when a friend recommended a fantasy book. That book was no other than Harry Potter. I can almost single-handedly credit J.K.Rowling for igniting my love for reading. All these years later, I would still recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat.

Unfortunately, some time ago, a new reality set in. Between moving to different countries, several universities later, a start of a career... intentional reading took a backseat. And as with most habits, if you don't cultivate them, they eventually start losing their grip on you.

Combined with the influx of constant technology, I was determined to reignite that old flame. Which brings me to my next point...

2. The Effects of Technology on Our Attention Span Scares Me

The science has proved it already: digital distraction is a very real thing.

And even with science aside, we can see it with our own eyes. Our iPhones are rarely more than an arm's length away, tech multi-tasking is the new normal and checking our phones countless times a day as well.

For most of us, our attention span has definitely wavered. A 30 min instructional video? Far too long, give me the two-minute recap. E-mail with more than two paragraphs? Preposterous. Where's the TL:DR version.

I am [sort-of] exaggerating for emphasis here but you get my point.

I wanted to see if I could to rewire my brain, at least a bit, to be less distraction-prone. This will probably be a constant battle, but one I'm willing to work on.

On a positive spin on this, I really recommend Deep Work by Cal Newport, based on how to encourage intense focus. (Spoiler alert: I'm not near that level of focus yet)

3. I Realized I Had the Time

At the start of this post, I shared that I used to read a lot. But over the years, I convinced myself by saying "I don't have the time" to read much. The harsh truth is we all have the same 24 hours in the day, and the power to choose where we invest our free time in.

A couple of years ago, I came across a quote by Warren Buffet, where he shared he reads six hours a day. This is what he has to say on the value of reading that much in a day:

 "Read 500 pages like this every day. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest. All of you can do it, but I guarantee not many of you will do it."

I always keep this quote in mind when I find myself thinking I don't have the time. And, once I was clear on my intention, the opportunities to read were endless. Nice day outside? Take a book to the park. Rainy day? Make a cup of coffee and read. Friend late? Grab the book from your bag while waiting.

Time ended up not being the deciding factor, but rather, commitment.

Let me know, what was your favorite book of 2019?

For 2020, the 50 books challenge has officially begun! I will make time for it.