Bookends - why reading every day is my most powerful habit for success

The Daily Reading Ritual That Keeps Me Focused, Sharp, And Ahead Of Schedule

"Bookends".

One of my simplest, and yet profound, success habits.

1. Every morning, read for 30 minutes before the day starts;

2. Every evening, read for 30 minutes before lights out.

   
   

In the morning if I'm at home, take the dog (singular 😔) for a quick walk, take coffee and dog to Annie in bed, sit in garden (summer) or lounge (winter) with coffee and book.

If I'm in a hotel, make coffee and read in bed.

In the evening, read in bed, home or away.

I'll bet I'm at 99%+ effectiveness on this.

The target (yes, there's a target) is 30 books a year.

I never fail and always exceed that target.

I'm currently reading my 26th book of 2025, and 6 books ahead of schedule.

Very few of the books I read are personal or professional development (less than 20% a year) - mainly it is fiction, history, science.

Reading broadens my horizons and rests my mind from the day to day demands of life.

It exercises my brain.

It is very good for me.

I love to see other people (adults and children) reading.

It gives me hope.