How to Build a Reading Habit for Professional Growth
Unlock your potential and continue to grow in your field by dedicating time each week to reading.
Reading can be an enjoyable form of escapism, but it can also be a tool for unlocking your potential and sharpening your skills.
I happen to think that we can greatly benefit from reading all types of material. I personally love literary fiction. Reading these kinds of books keeps you connected to the world around you and shows you different points of view that you may not otherwise get. Highly recommend! But this blog post isn’t about fiction, it’s about non-fiction related to professional development. I’m trying to keep it ‘practical’ for you.
Sometimes it’s more difficult to convey the beauty of reading literature and the immense benefits of exposure to fiction, so I thought I’d start out with this topic to introduce the idea of reading more in general. Whether you’re looking to grow in your career, spark creativity, or stay ahead in your field, intentional reading can help you do just that.
But let’s be real: how often do we finish a book with a head full of ideas but no clear action plan? It’s not enough to read; the real value lies in how you apply what you’ve learned.
Here’s how I’ve turned reading into an intentional habit that fuels my professional and creative life, and how you can too.
The Power of Purposeful Reading
When it comes to professional growth, not all reading is created equal. Instead of diving into whatever book is trending, I focus on what resonates with my current goals. If I’m working on improving my sales skills, for example, I’ll pick up books on sales psychology or communication strategies. If I’m exploring creativity, I might turn to titles on design thinking or storytelling.
Balancing older classics with newer, forward-thinking books is helpful. Classics provide timeless insights and foundational principles, while newer titles help me stay ahead of trends. Together, they give me a well-rounded perspective that’s both rooted in the basics and forward-looking.
When it comes to choosing books, I tend to avoid the most popular titles because I think the ideas from these books tend to be ubiquitous on social media anyway. Rather, I mine for gold in unsuspecting books and tend to pick up things from thrift stores or browse different sections of the library to whatever speaks to me. Yes, I go by vibes and what resonates at the moment.
Creating the Perfect Reading Ritual
To make reading a habit, I’ve created a ritual that works for me. Each week, I dedicate time to sitting down with a book. For non-fiction titles, especially those on sales or marketing, I often finish them in one sitting. Shorter books or ones designed for quick reference are especially great for this.
Skimming to understand concepts
One thing I learned over the years is that often these books don’t need to be read word for word, especially if they are prescriptive. I tend to browse the sections, headlines, and titles to understand concepts and then read paragraphs if I want more clarity on a thing. Usually the writing is expanded to further explain a concept or a real-life situation and depending on your experience in the field you may or may not need to read more closely.
In many professional books the composition of the words isn’t as important as the concept.
Finding your ideal spot to get primed to read
I’ve also found that pairing my reading time with a change of scenery, like heading to a café, makes the experience more enjoyable and focused. There’s something about the hum of a coffee shop and a warm maple matcha latte that sets the tone for deep thinking.
As I read, I keep a notebook or a digital app open to jot down thoughts. Rather than passively absorbing information, I actively engage with the material, noting how it connects to my professional challenges or sparks new ideas.
Turning Ideas into Action
Here’s the key: knowledge isn’t power until you put it to use. After finishing a book, I reflect on what I’ve learned and ask myself how I can apply it to my life right now. This step is crucial because ideas lose their freshness if they sit unused.
Instead of aiming for perfection, I focus on experimentation. If I learn a new marketing strategy, for example, I’ll brainstorm a small way to test it in the next week. Maybe it’s tweaking a campaign or trying a new social media approach. The point isn’t to have all the answers but to start applying what I’ve learned while it’s still fresh in my mind.
Building a System for Retaining Insights
Taking notes as I read is only the first step. To make sure the insights stick, I organize my notes into a system I can revisit. I have digital files sorted by topics like sales, marketing, or creativity. This way, if I need to revisit an idea or clarify something, it’s easy to find.
Think of it as creating your personal library of wisdom. Over time, this library becomes a treasure trove of ideas you can revisit whenever you’re stuck, need inspiration, or want to refine a strategy.
Expand Your Horizons
While books on your field are essential, don’t be afraid to branch out. Reading outside your niche can bring fresh perspectives and unexpected insights. For example:
Fiction: As I mentioned before, I have an abiding love of fiction. Reading fiction improves empathy and storytelling skills, which are invaluable in fields like marketing and leadership.
Biographies: Offer lessons from the lives of accomplished people, giving you real-world examples of resilience and innovation.
Psychology and Philosophy: Can deepen your understanding of human behavior and decision-making, which applies to almost any career.
I would always tell someone to follow their natural interests. You can glean insights for your professional life from virtually any book.
Prioritize Joy in Your Reading
Professional development doesn’t always have to feel like work. Sometimes, reading purely for enjoyment can lead to surprising breakthroughs. A novel might inspire a new approach to problem-solving, or a book of poetry might help you think more creatively.
If nothing else, it helps expand your thoughts and worldview which is a great exercise for engaging different parts of your brain.
I believe in exposing yourself to nice balance. Mix practical, goal-oriented reading with books that feed your soul and spark joy. This approach keeps the habit sustainable and fun.
Overcoming Common Barriers to Reading
If you struggle to maintain a reading habit, here are some ideas to keep you on track:
Set Micro-Goals: Instead of committing to an entire book, aim to read one chapter a day or 10 pages at a time.
Leverage Audiobooks: If you’re short on time, audiobooks are a great way to “read” during your commute or workout.
Join a Book Club: Whether virtual or in-person, book clubs provide accountability and expose you to books you might not have chosen on your own.
Track Your Progress: Use apps or journals to keep a list of books you’ve read and what you’ve learned from them. I’m really enjoying the Fable app at the moment.
Final Thoughts
Building a reading habit for professional development doesn’t need to be a chore. It can be something you look forward to. Be intentional when choosing books, engage with them deeply, and apply their lessons to all parts of your life if possible. By creating a reading ritual, prioritizing action, and keeping your insights organized, you can make learning a natural part of your growth journey.
So, grab a book, make your favorite hot beverage, and dive in. The power of reading is at your fingertips and with it comes the chance to master a new skills, spark creativity, or simply broaden your horizons.