Reading is fundamental, and we all know what they say about a “well-read woman.” So…why is reading fundamental and this idea of a “well-read woman” so important (and at times intriguing), because it can and will teach you some basic tools that you can apply to your everyday life. Whether fiction or nonfiction, you can learn something from each book you read. One of my new year goals was to read 12 books this year. That’s going to be a big challenge for me, but it’s something I’m committed to doing. While I’ve always liked to read, life gets in the way and it hasn’t been a priority for me. Typically, I’m a self-help type of reader—I  like books that will help you lean into your everyday life. But this year I’m mixing it up, and I’m challenging you to do so as well.  

Now listen, I get it, some people just don’t like to read. I understand that reading is a love-hate relationship. For me with reading I had to figure out what worked best, and how I could best understand what I was reading.

Four Steps To Get Back on Your Reading Game:   

• Schedule Time. We talk a lot about planning your purpose, on purpose, and this is true to planning reading time. You will need to find the time of day that works best for your reading. For me I’m a morning reader, but I know many people that are night readers.
• Switch to Audio Mode. If you just absolutely can’t stand reading because you fall asleep or have to reread the page over and over again, try an audio book. I personally can’t get with them, but Jarrod absolutely LOVES them. 
• Limit Your Reading. Don’t try and set a goal to finish a book in one week. It just won’t happen, unless you’re big into reading. I try and read a chapter a day. That way I’m not too far ahead and forgot everything I read if I must skip a few days in between reading.
• Become a Book Club Beauty. Try getting into a book club. This will be a fun way  for others to hold you accountable and a way to share with and get to know them through reading. 

My Top 3 Essential Books

These are books that I have read multiple times and have been essential to The Miss Society Blog and my everyday life. 

• The Power Playbook  by La La Anthony
• Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
• Girl Boss by Sophia Amoruso

Individually, these books bring a certain amount of sass, along with some “girl you got this” and “never give up!” moments of inspiration. To be honest, had I never read these books there may not be The Miss Society Blog today. These books gave me a push at times where I needed the push the most. While these books are geared toward the authors’ individual career, I loved learning how I could apply what they went through to my own career and life. 

As I said before, reading might not be your thing, but it’s worth a try. You never know how the words of someone else and their experiences can have such an impact on your own life. Even if you are reading books to your kid, those books have power also (trust me I know). I never thought a children’s book would knock me on my butt and pick me back up, haha… but it did and I’m ever so appreciative of it and even inspired to write my own children’s book. 

Okay…so enough about reading, I know you’re probably like, “Girl shut up, so  I can get to a new book.” This year, I’m challenging you to find your specific books with the perfect amount of sass, some girl you got this, and leaving you with some “NEVER GIVE UP” confidence!