As a follow-up to my previous post, I would like to share some of the books I am reading this quarter. I did mention the importance of reading for entrepreneurs and I hope you find some inspiration in some of my picks. I also would like to hear from you about what books you are reading to further your goals both professional and personal.

• Getting to Yes – Roger Fisher and William Ury
• Every Day a Friday – Joel Osteen
• The Art of Her Deal – Mary Jordan
• The Next Level – David Cottrell
• Night Sky – Clare Francis

Last Year I devoured the following books:

• Don’t Tell Me you Are Afraid – Guiseppe Catozella
• The Alchemist – Paulo Coehlo
• What We Owe – Golnaz Hashemzadeh Bonde

I know it is hard to read in this day and age with the distractions of technology. So here are some tips to get you started:

1. Read in between breaks: If you are able to spare time in between your meal/lunch break, choose to read over scrolling on your phone. Not only will it give you peace of mind, but it will also give your mind and thoughts room to breathe and rejuvenate with exciting ideas and information.
2. Read a chapter before bed: Yes. Choose to read as opposed to ending the day with a television show. If this seems like too much to do every single day, take baby steps and curve out two days in a week to read. And you don’t have to try and complete more than one chapter a night. Remember, try to let yourself be immersed in the reading experience and you will gain some valuable lessons from the books you read.
3. Start a mini-bookshelf or library in your half bath: Mini bookshelves are great ways to keep the need to read in your center of vision. Because as they say, out of sight is out of mind. You can stock it with a couple of magazines and books you hope to read in the next two months.
4. Opt-in to Audio Books: Although not my ultimate favorite, if you aren’t keen on picking up a book, you could opt-in to audiobooks on platforms such as audible. There are also podcasts that voice out sections of books and sometimes whole books. The reason I favor the traditional way of reading is that I enjoy learning new words, and sometimes this can get lost in audio formats, as you are hearing the voice as opposed to reading the words.
5. Have a Book Buddy: Sometimes it helps to have someone else reading alongside you. One of the best ways to do this is through kindle. But you can also do this the old-fashioned way by having a friend read the same book with you and getting together to discuss what you have learned from the book as you go along. There are also a number of book clubs out there that encourage and promote reading, and you can find these book clubs locally, in your area, or if you prefer a more global connection, online.

So there you have it! I hope you enjoy curving out more time to listen to other people’s thoughts and broaden your perspective and world view.