Books don’t make you more effective

From time to time, I'll see posts on social media from people about reading books.

Here are some examples: 

• I've read these 30 books this year, and I want to read more next year!

• Here is a list of books that the top CEOs read.

I'm not saying that reading books is bad, or that we should read less.

Most people think that if they read books, watch videos, attend conferences or get a mentor, they will become more effective leaders, their relationships will change, things will turn around for them, and they will win more often.

The truth is, to be more effective and win more often, the focus needs to be on what you do with the new information.

It's not enough to possess the knowledge. We learn faster and better by taking immediate action.

Consider doing these things to become more effective with books:

• Take Notes:  While reading the book's first chapter, jot down your insights and tiny actions you'd like to implement.

• Take Action:  Finish reading the first chapter, stop reading, and try out one of the tiny actions on your list. You might be tempted to move to the next chapter before taking action. Resist this temptation!

• Reflect and Repeat. Note any insights you've gleaned, then move to the next chapter. Repeat.

If you want to level up even faster, teach someone else what you've learned. It will feel awkward and uneasy, which is a sign that you're growing.

What insights did you gather from this reading? Will you let me know? hello@shermainmelton.com.