Why Choosing Not to Read Is Worse Than Not Being Able to Read
Have you ever thought about the power of reading and how it shapes your mindset and career? Recently, I led a business planning clinic with some of our loan officers, and we dug into a topic that is critical for success: education. As Mortgage Loan Originators, one of our primary responsibilities is to educate—whether it’s educating referral partners, borrowers, or clients—our job is to help them make the best possible decisions, often about the largest financial commitment they’ll ever make: a mortgage.
But here’s the thing. There’s a significant difference between simply having goals and having a growth mindset. If you have goals but aren’t committed to growth, you might achieve some short-term success. However, if you pair your goals with a commitment to growth, you’ll set yourself up for long-term, sustained success.
Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
What does it mean to be growth-minded? It’s not just about hitting benchmarks or targets. Instead, it’s about continually improving, learning, and pushing yourself to grow in all areas of life. If your mindset is fixed, your success will be short-lived. But if you commit to personal and professional growth, the opportunities for long-term success are endless.
So, the question is: what skills do you need to develop to grow, both in your career and in your personal life? Growth isn’t confined to your job—it can be about improving your relationships, finances, health, or even fitness.
The Secret to Growth: Reading
One of the simplest and most effective ways to develop a growth mindset is through reading. I know it can seem like a big time commitment, but let me share my secret: I read just 10 pages a day, Monday through Friday.
Why only 10 pages? I’ve learned that if I push myself to read more, I lose focus. I’ve found myself reading three or four pages only to realize that I wasn’t absorbing any of the content—I was just going through the motions. By sticking to 10 pages, I stay engaged, absorb what I’m reading, and avoid burnout.
Now, think about this: 10 pages a day, five days a week adds up to 50 pages a week. That’s about 200 pages a month, and in a year, you can easily read 11 to 15 books! 📚 Imagine how much more knowledge you’d have to apply to your career and personal life with that amount of reading. It’s a simple habit that can lead to exponential growth over time.
The Challenge
So, I want to challenge you to reflect on this: what areas in your life need growth? What skills can you improve to become better at what you do, whether in your career or personal life?
Start small, just like I did with reading. Set manageable goals that align with your growth, and over time, you’ll see the results. Growth is a journey, not a sprint, and the more you commit to it, the more fulfilling and successful your journey will be.
If there’s anything you need to help you on this path, know that I’m always here to support and serve you. Let’s grow together! 🚀