Leaders Are Readers
Rumor has it that folks don’t read much these days. Seems the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics teams up with the National Endowment of the Arts to poll thousands of folks about things that include how much people read. In 2022 they reported that 48.5% of Americans read at least one book that year, down from 52.7% five years earlier.
I find myself wondering why, in my spare time, I’m getting coached as a writer who would like to share (publish) some long-form writing with the world. The interest level in reading seems to be waning, the market declining. Yet over 3 million books will get published this year and the number seems to grow each year.
Perhaps you have something you’ve always aspired to do, a contribution you’ve dreamt of making to the world. I’ll bet you’ve read up on that some. And that puts you, statistically, ahead of half the country (who don’t seem to be reading up on anything).
Well the point of bringing that nuanced muse to the post is so that I can get to the intended point - to encourage you to read up on “your thing” and to make some progress today toward your dream.
I titled this post Leaders are Readers because that thing you aspire to do - you are the leader of that dream and we need some encouragement along the way. It could be writing a book, it could be creating a beautiful garden, it could be learning to quilt, it could be learning and applying yourself to just about anything. Growing your team, coaching a team, growing your marriage, healing from past hurts…what is it you dream about that will bless the world around you?
Said poetically, there are a million songs that the world is waiting to sing and we are simply waiting for you to write them.
I shared my wondering about writing a book a few sentences ago. The stats say that might be a waste of time. But, as I read history, as I read hundreds of books each year, I marvel at the impact of good writing done with careful attention to a storyline that moves folks forward, that kindles hope and ignites faith. So I pursue the goal of growing, even if but a few folks ever take the time to read. By taking steps forward, I am the first beneficiary of the blessing intended to come in and through the process. And, like I do each time I hit the “post” button on the blog, my heart is always to bless and encourage - and each time, I am blessed myself. Of course we have to wrestle with the insecurities of whether folks ‘like’ what we do…no one gets a pass on that! But we also come to terms with the truth that we are doing something we were created to do with the intent to bless the world by actually doing it. And that, right there, is beautiful indeed.
You and I - we were created to create and bless.
So, what is your thing? My encouragement - read up on it. Get started. Get someone to coach you if you need to. You are the leader of that thing and you don’t have to create it from scratch. Most everything you need is available and someone wanted you to have the blessing of their journey by writing some things out that will help.
I know you’re busy and have a job and all of that…me too. Don’t let that be the reason you don’t launch. This dream is too meaningful to you and it will mean so very much to the world as you show up to present it.
You, my friend, are a blessing. Go bless others with your gift.
Peace~
Craig
P.S. i really would love to hear what your ‘thing’ is! Shoot me a note if you’re willing. I would love to join along to cheer you on.
