Reading Challenge

Those that really know me, know that I am an avid reading.  I can't get enough of it.  The other day, at a class at my church we were asked the question, "If you had one day to do whatever you wanted, with no limitations, what would you do?"  My answer was simple.  Read.  All day.  The benefits of reading abound.  For me, no matter what I am reading, I get something out of it.  Whether it is a Star Trek book that pushes me to dream, or a personal development book where I learn more about myself, I can always find something to apply to my life.

Each year, I typically set a reading goal for myself.  This year, I want to read 50 books, 20 of which are personal development books.  Some would say its an unattainable goal, some would say I set the bar to low, either way, it's my goal.

I believe, strongly in being a lifelong learner.  "Formal education will make you a living. Self-education will make you a fortune," states Jim Rohn.  I believe that.  I have learned more about myself and my life from the books I read, than all the education classes I have taken (and remember, I have 2 B.A. and a Masters, so that's a lot of education!).

Jim Rohn, in his book Twelve Pillars, included a list of 20 books every person should read.  There are some great books on there.  Everything from The Bible to Atlas Shrugged to The Richest Man in Babylon. So far I have only read 4/20, but I have read more books than I count.

Besides learning new things about yourself and life reading allows you to relax.  To take a moment away from your life.  To take a break.  For me, it allows my subconscious time to process whatever is going on.

But if you are not already an avid reader, how can you become one?  Easy.  Read.  "Oh yeah, that sounds easy, but it's not."  I get that, so let me give you two recommendations.  Twelve Pillars by Jim Rohn and The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn.  Both are great books.  Both will push you, and I hope motivate you, to become a better you.

Then what?  Well, join me on my reading challenge this year.  I wanted to expand my reading, so I am trying to read a wide range of books.  You can see the list I am working off below.  I am not guaranteeing every book I read will match one of theses, but I am going to try to check off as many as I can.  If you want to join me, you can find a printable copy here. This list feel too intimidating to you?  Pick 5 to try, then next year pick 10 others. Etc.  Maybe you will find a book that will change your life.

2016 Reading Challenge (you can see the books I read so far this year, that fit the categorize in the parenthesis)
1. A book that intimidates you
2. A book you previously abandoned
3. A book based on a fairy tale
4. A National Book Award Winner
5. A Young Adult bestseller
6. A book you haven't read since high school
7. A book you should of read in high school
8. A book set in your home state
9. A book translated into English
10. A romance set in the future
11. A book set in Europe
12. A book that's under 150 pages (Twelve Pillars by Jim Rohn)
13. A New York Times bestseller (At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks)
14. A book that's become a movie this year
15. A book recommended by someone you just met
16. A self-improvement book
17. A book you can finish in a day
18. A book written by a celebrity.
19. A political memoir
20. A book at least 100 years older than you
21. A book that's more than 600 pages.
22. A book from Oprah's Book Club
23. A science-fiction book (Star Trek #35 The Romulan Way by Diane Duane)
24. A book recommended by a family member
25. A graphic novel
26. A book that is published in 2016
27. A book with a protagonist who has your occupation
28. A book that takes place during Summer
29. A book with a prequel.
30. A book that is the prequel to #29
31. A murder mystery
32. A book written by a comedian
33. A dystopian novel
34. A book with a blue cover (The 4 Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney)
35. A book of poetry
36. The first book you see in a bookstore
37. A classic from the 20th century
38. A book recommended by a librarian.
39. An autobiography
40. A book about a road trip
41. A book about a culture you are unfamiliar with
42. A satirical book
43. A book that takes place on an island
44. A book that's guaranteed to bring you joy.
45. A book banned at some point
46. A book recommended by your supervisor/boss (The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn)
47.A book about a topic that is important to your spouse/significant other/best friend.
48.A popular author's first book.
49. A book with the name of a color in the title.
50. A Pulitzer Prize winner.

If you want to join, you can print the picture version.

Now I want to hear from you...

What category do you like the most?  Which seems the most challenge?  Will you be participating?  How many books are you trying to read this year?  What book do you recommend for me (bonus if it fits a category!)