One simple trait that separates high achievers from everyone else

One habit virtually all successful people have in common

I received a call from a client a while back asking if I could recommend a book or two he might use to help with a major life change he was considering making.

I thanked him for asking and suggested the book, The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks since it speaks about the very issues he was facing and it’s a great book.

Thinking about this later on I realized that this was another trait all successful people share; seeking out books, coaches and other experts to help with whatever we’re facing.

Most people, on the other hand, rely on their own counsel and rarely read books. And then wonder why they’re not getting anywhere!

Small business people, whose lives depend on their actions do not typically avail themselves of help from mentors, coaches, and mastermind groups. And they rarely read books. This is a huge mistake.

You’ve probably seen the quote below. It really sums it up. I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Jones and spending some time with him. He was truly an amazing guy.

“ ‘You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read’ —CHARLIE TREMENDOUS JONES

Looking back over my life, especially since I’ve been able to “reboot” my life after hitting my absolute bottom, I can see clearly that one of the major contributors to my success has been the habit I began of reading on a regular, typically daily, basis. I spend at least fifteen minutes daily reading a business or personal development book. It’s been a major game changer for me over the past twenty five years.

I’ve read more than 500 books and listened to countless audio’s, webinars, and  attend seminars whenever possible. I find it amusing that people tell me I’m so smart because I seem to know about a lot of things.

I appear smart because I’ve read a lot, not because of some super-power I have.

If there is one habit that will change your life for the better, it’s the habit of reading personal development books, biographies of people you admire, and books in whatever vocation you aspire to, on a regular basis. It need not take more than ten or fifteen minutes a day.

If you want to be more successful in your life and achieve more, do what all successful, high achieving people do . . . read!

Note: Not knowing how to read it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Not learning is a travesty. There are literacy programs all over the place. Learn to read and then make it a lifelong habit.