Leaders are voracious readers. How true is that?

I don't think I've ever finished more than five (non-academic) books in my life. Do I have a problem? I mean, I have tried fiction and non-fiction books, hardcopy and softcopy. However, neither of them has been successful thus far.

I last finished reading a book in 2017. It was Kenneth Hagin's How To Be Led By The Spirit of God. Only because I had begun working on my relationship with God and wanted to take it seriously did I complete the book. Prior to then, I had never finished a book. I either skipped several portions, particularly the detailed ones, or I never finished the book.

Worse, I was in high school and had a plethora of notes to study from my History and Government studies, not to mention the literature novels from my Literature class.

I despised it!

When I arrived at university, I discovered that I liked research. My academic work did not suffer since I could conduct good research on anything.

But, I still didn't enjoy reading. At this stage, I knew I couldn’t stand reading a novel. So, I opted for non-fiction. I started a book club with a few friends in my second year. I chose all personal development books because I had that desire. The first book was titled How To Finish What You Start.

GUESS WHAT?

I did not complete the book.?

In my third year, I concentrated only on academic resources. The urge for personal improvement and advancement grew, and I needed to get my hands on these tools. Reading books seemed to be all I needed to do to advance. But I realised I was an audio-visual learner. I enjoyed watching YouTube videos, TedTalks, and listening to podcasts.

Then boom! AUDIBLE

I can’t exactly remember how I found it.?

I went from hardly reading a book to finishing FIVE books in FIVE months, and I have 66 more on my wishlist.

What is Audible?

It is an audiobook and podcast service that allows users to buy and listen to audiobooks and other spoken-word materials. With a subscription, listeners may download or stream their favourite titles. If you have difficulty reading books, audiobooks are ideal for you. You can listen to them whenever and wherever you choose, even while doing other activities. Helps your time management right?

You don’t even need to hate reading to listen to audiobooks. They are great for everyone. You have the impression that someone is speaking to you while you are listening. Audiobooks help reduce your stress while simultaneously improving your listening skills. You don't have to strain your eyes by staring at a screen or a book for hours on end. Simply relax and listen.

Although there are many other audiobooks, I prefer Amazon's Audible since it enables me to access additional spoken-word content for free. In the first month, you get one credit for free. Following that, you pay ￡7.99 per credit. When you think about it, it's a good deal considering some of the books are more than ￡8 and you also get access to freebies.

Now, I’m a reader… Or a listener, whatever. I enjoy books and can't wait to complete the one I'm presently reading.

Below are the books I have finished this year;

• Mastery by Robert Greene
• The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
• As A Man Thinketh by James Allen

I am currently listening to ‘48 Laws of Power’ by Robert Greene.

You don’t have to enjoy reading books to be a leader, Audible is here for you.