As 2012 comes more clearly into view, you might have started to think about your goals for the year. One of my annual goals is to read certain books, and I would strongly recommend you make this part of your ‘things to do’ in 2012.
The following are some of the titles I have enjoyed reading over the course of 2011. I highly recommend you put some of them on your reading list for 2012.
Of course, putting them on your reading list is not, in itself, a helpful things to do – you need to actually do some reading! This can be hard – there are many things demanding our time, and it’s so easy to get to the end of another year without having achieved what you set out to do – including tacking your reading list.
‘You’re the same today as you’ll be in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read’
- Charlie ‘Tremendous’ Jones
It’s important, first of all, to set a clear outcome (or goal). ‘Reading’ just isn’t specific enough. Reading one book per week is a clear goal, but it’s not very realistic for most people. Reading one book per month or even one book every two months is probably manageable for most people. In a year, you will have read between six and twelve books – and you will have benefited greatly from it.
Secondly, it’s vital to take action to realize your outcome / goal. Even one book per month can seem daunting if you don’t have a plan, but with a bit of thought and creativity, you can do it! Here are a few ideas which have helped me with my own reading schedule.
Reprogramme yourself! The way you think about reading is important. If you see it as a chore, you’re likely to procrastinate. So change the way you picture reading, and see it not as a chore but as a pleasure and as something that will be highly beneficial to you. It’s a time just for you, when you can immerse yourself in another world and let your imagination soar.
Let technology help you. Using Kindle for your mobile devices allows you to keep a whole library of books in your bag or pocket and enables you to make good use of commutes, being stuck in traffic, waiting for meetings and appointments, waiting in line at the supermarket, and the host of other inevitable times when you are just waiting. Just a few minutes here and a few minutes there soon add up – many drips soon fill a bucket!
Another idea is to set up a regular time each day (or each week) for reading. Before bed, as soon as you get up, during your lunch break … whatever works for you. Try different things. You’ll need a bit of discipline to get into this new habit but, after about a month, you’ll find it alot easier.
I also like to take notes. I use the ‘Notes’ function on my iPhone to jot down any interesting material I want to remember. When I’ve finished a book, I can go back to my notes and review the essence of the whole book again. I used to underline bits of text in the book, but technology has done away with the need for this!
Whatever you do to achieve your outcome, keep an eye on how you are doing, how you are feeling, and adapt your behaviour as you go along. If thing’s aren’t going as quickly or as smoothly as you’d like, try a different approach. If you’re finding a particular book dry or difficult to read, just drop it and try something else. Life’s too short not to enjoy yourself! Maybe you’ll come back to a book later, but there’s no rile that says you have to finish what you’ve started! There’s also no rule that says you have to read books from start to finish – I often read books backwards or just read chapters in a random order. Keep trying new things – be creative. Eventually, you’ll find something that works.
So here goes. here’s my list of books for 2012.
Beyond Positive Thinking, Robert Anthony. This book is an easy read and contains alot of practical advice for ‘getting the results you want.’
Being Happy, Andrew Matthews. Another very easy read, well illustrated, with practical advice on what it takes to experience happiness.
The Field, Lynn McTaggart. A well researched and clearly written summary of scientific findings which support the idea that the whole universe is profoundly interconnected in a way which enables us to explain supernatural events, miracles and a host of other interesting and seemigly mysterious phenomena.
The Intention Experiment, Lynn McTaggart. A summary of McTaggart’s work on the power of deliberate intention, and how you can join in!
When God Winks, SQuire Rushnell. A light hearted and fascinating look at coincidences and what they mean.
The Art of Effortless Living, Ingrid Bacci. A lovely book about how a gentler and more relaxed approach to life is healthier and more effective than the rat race we are used to living in.
Tony Parsons, As It Is. Parson’s experienced an ‘awakening’ as a young man and has spent many years answering questions about it. This book is a description of his experience and why it matters for you.
Nothing I see Means Anything, David Parrish. A well written and informed analysis of the nature of reality.
The Self Aware Universe, Amit Goswami. A look at how consciousness creates the material world.
The Conscious Universe, Dean Radin. A book examining the scientific basis of psychic phenomena.
Live Your Dreams: Let the World Catch Up, Roger Ellerton. An introduction to NLP and what it can do for you.
NLP at Work: the Essence of Excellence, Sue Knight. Applying NLP to work situations. This is also a great read for anyone wanting to improve their relationships in any area.
The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent, Ester Hicks. A wonderful book exploring the importance of deliberate intent in drawing positive experiences into your life.
The 50th Law, 50 Cent and Robert Greene. This is a great read which uses the life of Rap artist 50 Cent to draw lessons on successful living.
Positivity, Barbara Fredrickson. Groundbreaking research enabling you to transform yourself with greater positivity.
What’s Stopping You? Robert Kelsey. An analysis of the reasons smart, gifted people don’t always achieve success, and how you can make sure you do!
Inside Out healing, Richard Moss. A wonderful and sensitively written book about the transformative and healing effects of presence.
The Truth of Life from the World of Love and Spirit, Tamara Overlee. A collaboration between the author and her ‘family in spirit,’ a group of spirit guides who communicate with Tamara through automatic writing.
Awareness, Anthony de Mello. This is my favourite book of all time. I read it twenty years ago and it’s been my compass ever since. If you read one book in 2012, read this one.
So there you go – my book ideas for you for 2012.
I’d love to hear your own recommendations for books. Have you read any books recently that have moved you or made a difference in your life? Have you read any of the titles above and, if so, what did you think?
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