New Year - New Habits

Embrace the New Year with a Daily Reading or Meditation Book

As the New Year unfolds, it brings with it a fresh start and a chance to adopt new habits that enrich our lives. One such habit, often overlooked, is the practice of daily reading or meditation. Whether it's a book filled with inspirational quotes, a collection of meditative thoughts, or literature that challenges your intellect, incorporating this simple yet profound activity into your daily routine can have a transformative effect on your year.

In 2023, I chose to read “Yes, And… Daily Meditations” by Richard Rohr. This daily reading worked its way into my daily morning routine. One page a day for 365 days. The readings shaped my daily attitude and overall way of thinking. I shared insights from the reading in emails, advice, prayers, and even the speech at my son’s wedding rehearsal dinner.?

Daily reading, especially from a book that resonates with your aspirations or challenges, acts as a mental stimulant. It keeps your brain active, reduces stress, and can even improve your memory and concentration. Each page turned is a step towards expanding your knowledge and perspective, making you more equipped to handle the challenges of life.

In 2024, I am going to try a daily meditation book. I will read “Mindfulness Daily Meditations For Men: A Beginner’s Therapy Guide To Reduce Anxiety.” We shall see where the practice takes me.?

The preface and reviews describe meditation books as a path to inner peace. A daily meditation book serves as a guide to inner tranquility. In a world that's constantly buzzing with activity, setting aside a few minutes to meditate with the help of a book can help you find a sense of calm and balance. These books offer a structured way to navigate through your thoughts and emotions, often leading to enhanced emotional well-being and a deeper understanding of oneself. That sounds good, doesn’t it?

Committing to a daily reading or meditation book for the entire year offers numerous benefits. It creates a ritual, a moment of pause in your busy day to reconnect with yourself or the larger world. This consistent practice not only helps in developing discipline but also ensures a continuous journey of personal growth and enlightenment.

Selecting the right book is key. It should align with your interests, goals, or the state of mind you wish to achieve. Whether it's motivational, spiritual, philosophical, or purely for intellectual enrichment, make sure it's something that you look forward to engaging with every day.

As we step into the New Year, let's not forget the profound impact that a simple habit like daily reading or meditation can have on our lives. It's a small investment of time that promises substantial returns in personal growth, peace of mind, and intellectual enrichment. So, pick up that book and embark on a journey that will enhance the 365 days ahead.

Erik Skovgard is an expert in innovative community Banking. He’s a former CEO who led a rural Iowa bank through rapid growth to become a pioneer in Fintech BAAS. He is passionate about Community Banking and shares his experience and lessons learned through Skovgard Consulting, specializing in strategic planning, innovation initiatives, leadership coaching, and serving as a Fractional CEO. Connect with Erik at [email protected].