Words of Wisdom (Decision 2: Seek Wisdom)

Affirmation: I step into my power with confidence & grace.

Cultivate Self-compassion. Let go of Perfectionism. (It is a wise thing to do!😊)

Words of wisdom from Andy Andrews

First, read. I know you’re thinking, read? That’s it?
Yes, read.
Read books. Magazines, newspapers, and social media inform and entertain, but wisdom is generally not found there.
We’re encouraged to read books as children, but as adults, we forgotten this little piece of advice. What do you call a child who reads two books a year? Slow. What do you call an adult to read two books a year? Normal. 

Amazingly, the national average for books read by American adults is less than two books a year.

You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve had people brag to me, “I determined when I got out of college that I would never read another book again. And I have been true to my word. I read magazines and newspapers, but I’ve never read another book. I haven’t read a book in 20 years.”

And they’re proud of it! I smile, nod, and sadly think to myself, they are not on the path for personal search for wisdom. These are not folks with whom I can afford to become close. Their search for wisdom ended years ago.

You my friend, obviously already know that few things affect you like time alone with a good book, highlighter in hand. And a highlighter or pen is critical—we’re not sitting with a book in our hands, passively waiting for some profound words of wisdom to leap from the page; rather, we’re actively seeking wisdom. Even now as you read these words, be on the lookout for something that will change everything. One idea has the power to transform your life, forever, but you must first recognize it.

The past will never change. But you can change the future by changing your actions today. It is really a very simple process. We, as humans, are always in a process of change. Therefore, we might as well guide the direction in which we will change.
                      
If you don’t think you can take the time to read you can always listen to audiobooks. Whenever I say something like that at a seminar, people often tell me “You don’t know what my life is like. I have a job. My wife has a job. I have kids. And  I’m the president of the social club. You’re telling me you want me to read books and listen to recordings?! “

People think they have to clear the house and their calendar to sit down at the table with a pen and paper, and stare at the wall with their headphones on while they take notes. You don’t have to pay attention like that. All you have to do is press the play button. Listen while you’re cooking, mowing the lawn, or driving the kids to school. Listen while you’re in the shower. Listen while you’re sleeping. You’ll get it. After all, consider the number of commercial jingles or television show theme songs you have inadvertently memorized. If anything is going to be programming your subconscious mind, why not choose the programming? Why not choose something that can change your families future for generations.

If you’re looking for something on leadership, you might want to check out John Maxwell. My favorite of his book work is 21 irrefutable laws of leadership. Og Mandino wrote a library during his lifetime that has changed the lives of millions of people. The Greatest Secret of the World changed my life. I read that book at least 400 times. People have commented, “You’ve got to be kidding me. A book? You read a book 400 times? I mean, what is it you didn’t understand?!”

I’m not reading just to read to add to my gun belt of books read. I’m reading on a search for wisdom if you desire wisdom —-read. Assignment think about 10 subjects you’ve always been curious about. Within the next 24 hours, go online or visit your local bookstore or library to pick up a few titles that sparked your interest. These don’t need to be based on your career or your job. Make these books things that you’re curious about and you’ve always wanted to know more about.