Two of my earlier posts from 2020 focused on my love of reading and fiber arts. Since I had set goals for these two hobbies and we’re at the edge of 2020 ending, I figure this is a good time to reflect upon my progress from the year and see what I have in store for 2021.
Since 2008, I have digitally kept track of the number of books I’ve read annually (with the exception of 2012 and 2013 — not sure what happened those two years). From a quick glance of my “completed books” lists from the past decade, I can deduce the following about my reading habits:
Every dollar you spend is a reflection of your values. – Rachel Cruze
Last year, I had written about how Ryan and I enrolled in Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. Since graduating from the course, at least one of us (ahem, *me* hehe) has kept up with a monthly budget via EveryDollar. I am seriously about budgeting now, according to my family.
When I had heard about Rachel Cruze, Dave Ramsey’s daughter, releasing a book called Love Your Life, Not Theirs:7 Money Habits for Living the Life You Want, I knew I had to pick it up. Fortunately, I was selected as one of her early reviewers, so I received a copy of her book to consume these past couple of weeks.
My verdict: a wonderful refresher from Financial Peace University; Rachel’s energy is so magnetizing, just like her father. Her writing is down-to-earth and very relatable: I especially like that the first habit listed in the book is about quitting the comparisons.
One of the most frustrating parts of social media is that it’s not always real life. – Rachel Cruze
I could definitely relate when she talked about the #blessed photos, status updates, etc. on social media. Haven’t we all been in that place, comparing ourselves to others? I read a lot of personal development books and articles, and even though the idea of quitting comparisons keeps getting hammered into my head through these other sources, Rachel’s insight into the comparison trap, *especially* when it comes to money, really hit the nail on the head.
Since I did take Financial Peace University (FPU) previously, the six remaining habits were more refreshers for me than any new material learned. But, I’d say that Rachel’s book is good for any person or couple who is looking to get their finances in order. Whether you go through FPU or simply read Love Your Life, Not Theirs, you will glean a lot of useful information on how to take charge of your finances, once and for all.
If you read Love Your Life, Not Theirs, let me know! I’d love to hear your thoughts about the book.
I’m a bibliophile: I can’t help but stop and stare at book displays whether they’re at bookstores or libraries; can’t help but pick up many books at said locations and read the blurbs, adding them to my “must-read” list. That list just grows longer and longer. Ever since 2007 when I started tracking books I want to read via lists (first on MS Word, then on Goodreads, now on Amazon wish list…ha), that list just keeps multiplying, never decreasing.
Still, despite all this love for books, I haven’t been the most diligent reader the past several years. I kept track of how many books I read each year up until about 2011/2012; I then stopped keeping track of my books 2012 and 2013. Last year, I decided to pick this habit back up and I logged a measly 16 books read (compared to my average of 25 books per year in 2008-2009).
Now it is March of 2015, and so far I have logged zero books read. I find that as technology has evolved, that has taken my time away from just sitting and leisurely reading a book. In my early 20s, it used to take me only a few days to read and finish a book; nowadays, it takes me perhaps a month, if not longer. I go through spurts of reading binges, flying through books if the subject matter is highly interesting and then plodding along in books that, although may be interesting, are not as easy to fly through.
Well, right now I am in the midst of one book, so hopefully by the end of March I will have read at least one book for the year. That’s a start, I suppose.
I have a lot of books, as you can see from the picture above. Those are all the books I’ve had sent out to me from Virginia/bought/accumulated. Don’t even ask me how many books I have left in Virginia; our family’s collection at home is pretty much a library on its own.
Anyway, what I’ve noticed over the years is how many books are getting published, especially with the option of self-publishing/e-publishing these days. I find myself inundated with book recommendations and not exactly enough money to go out and purchase all the books. This is especially the situation with entrepreneurial/leadership books.
I know I have a good bit of entrepreneurship/leadership/business books. I wonder if anyone would be interested in having a lending library amongst us entrepreneurs? Would be fun to keep us lean and share knowledge easily.
What say you?