 Written by Shannon Marshburn Lately, I have been trying to reduce my screen time throughout my day, but especially in the morning and the hour or two leading up to my bedtime. I find myself scrolling on social media, consuming content that the algorithm throws my way to keep my attention held for just one more minute. Before I know it, what was going to be an early bedtime easily creeps to 1am. So, I got myself a Valentines day gift of a few new books and very quickly my favorite part of my day is the time I have set aside to read. I am excited to go to bed every night to get up an hour early, make my coffee and bagel, put on my Harry Potter ambiance music, and read! I thought, maybe today I could convince any non-readers to try my new favorite hobby and discover a new part of themselves, like I have these past few weeks. While I am currently reading a book about Faries, I did some searching and made a list of leadership and entrepreneurship focused books that were highly recommended across the board.  Get Inspired The stories of entrepreneurs and visionary leaders written in books often serve as great sources of inspiration and motivation. These stories of failures that didn’t keep them down could be the push you need to keep going. Exercising Your Mind Just like hitting the gym keeps our bodies in shape, reading is like a workout for the mind. It stimulates our brains, fires up our imagination, and keeps those mental muscles flexing. Plus, with endless genres and topics to choose from, there’s always something new to learn and explore. Read For Longevity A longitudinal study spanning over 12 years, published in the journal Social Science & Medicine, found that adults who read books regularly lived, on average, almost two years longer than non-readers. The study suggests that reading books promotes cognitive engagement, social connections, and a healthier lifestyle, all of which contribute to longevity. Social Science & Medicine: “A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5105607/ Reduce Your Screen time Unlike electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, reading physical books does not expose individuals to the stimulating effects of screens, specifically the blue light emitted by our tech devices. Excessive screen time before bed can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle by suppressing the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9424753/ Recommended Reads “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries: This book introduces the concept of lean methodology, offering insights into building and scaling successful startups. With practical advice and real-world examples, Ries challenges conventional thinking and provides a blueprint for entrepreneurial innovation.  “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel H. Pink: Dive into the science of motivation, Pink’s work reveals the factors that drive human behavior and performance. By understanding key principles outlined in the book, entrepreneurs and leaders can find the full potential of their teams and organizations. “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Sinek: Sinek’s book explores the power of purpose-driven leadership, emphasizing the importance of clarity and vision. By explaining their “why,” leaders can move and inspire their team in a whole new way. “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don’t” by Jim Collins: Collins identifies and compares the key factors that distinguish great companies from mediocre companies. Through studies and insights, he looks at the principles of strong leadership, disciplined strategy, and sustainable growth. Reading is not only a leisurely part of your day, but something that could help you gain personal and professional growth. Whether you join a book club or swap recommendations with friends, reading brings people together in wonderful ways. There’s something special about connecting with others who have been moved or inspired by the same stories that affected you. So, let’s turn the page and discover the adventure in the world of reading.
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