Reading for Success
How Books Can Enhance Your Personal and
Professional Life in the New Year
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
“In the case of good books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you.” ― Mortimer J. Adler
Another year has come and gone, and here we are again facing that familiar question: What do I want to accomplish this year? Sure, New Year’s resolutions can feel a bit cliché, but they also mark a natural moment for reflection and the exciting potential for fresh starts. It’s this promise of change that makes resolutions so appealing. Yet, as we all know, keeping them is another story. While nearly half of Americans make New Year's resolutions, only about 25% of people stay committed to their resolutions after just 30 days, according to Columbia University. And even fewer, less than 10%, accomplish their goals.
A big reason we struggle is that many resolutions are just too broad—like "eat healthier," "exercise more," or "read more." All great goals, but the general nature of these ambitions can leave us feeling stuck or discouraged when we can’t measure progress. Perhaps Dr. Seuss said it best when he said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Speaking of reading, did you know that Mark Cuban reads for more than three hours a day? Cuban said in his book, How to Win at the Sport of Business: If I Can Do It, You Can Do It, “To this day, I feel like if I put in enough time consuming all the information available, particularly with the internet making it so readily accessible, I can get an advantage in any technology business.” Did you also know that Albert Einstein read books on math and physics for hours every day and that Abraham Lincoln was a self-learner. “All I have learned, I learned from books,” he once said. Warren Buffet famously said, “Read 500 pages like this every day. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest.”
While the average American reads just one book a year, it is said that the average CEO reads around five books a month. These leaders may have very different approaches to business, but they all know one thing: Reading gives them an edge. Compared to non-readers, regular readers have on average been found to have around a 50% increase in both vocabulary and fact-based knowledge.
As the editor of a newspaper and reporter, I find reading essential—not just for work, but for relaxation too. In fact, I make it a point to read between two and five books per month, and it’s my favorite way to unwind. Whether it’s a novel or an article, reading is a great way to stretch the brain. I rely on the written word to give a voice to the stories of others, so it is vitally important that I know how to put thoughts onto paper. Studies show that reading daily boosts cognitive skills like memory, decision-making, and verbal intelligence. Plus, it’s a mental workout. The focus required to decode sentences, make inferences, and imagine scenes gives your brain a solid exercise session. Whether you're reading the latest thriller or a dense textbook, the brain loves the challenge.
Beyond that, reading sharpens your communication skills. The more you read, the more words you’re exposed to, which naturally expands your vocabulary. This is huge for anyone who needs to be articulate—especially entrepreneurs who are often speaking at meetings or public events. And it’s not just about talking; reading makes you a better listener too. When you can process more words, you understand others better, leading to more meaningful conversations. On top of all that, reading fosters empathy. You literally feel what others are experiencing, which enhances your ability to connect with people. For me having the ability to connect with people is a must and I find that taking the time read anything I can get my hands on and provides me with excellent topics for conversations.
Want to reduce stress? Try reading. It’s been shown that just six minutes of reading per a day can lower your heart rate and ease muscle tension more effectively than listening to music, having tea, or going for a walk. Regular reading—even just 30 minutes a week—can leave you feeling 20% more satisfied with life. It’s the perfect combination of self-improvement and relaxation. Just 15 minutes of daily reading can make people feel 69% more accomplished, 55% more relaxed and 33% happier.
But perhaps the most powerful benefit of reading is its ability to spark creativity. Maya Angelou once said, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” By keeping your brain in top shape, you open yourself up to new ideas and perspectives. Reading encourages flexible thinking, which is vital for innovation. When your mind is less stressed and more empathetic, you’ll naturally come up with fresh, creative solutions—whether for your business or your personal life.
So, as you think about your goals for the year ahead, consider adding “read more” to your list. It doesn’t have to be a big, specific goal—just read. Whether it's a novel, a magazine, or a blog post, the important thing is that you make it a regular habit. By reading more, you’re not only improving yourself, but you’re setting yourself up for success in every aspect of your life. Happy reading!
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