21 in '21 ... Unlock the KNOW to GROW!

You've often heard me say, "Behaviors Speak the Truth." But, today, let me take it one step further by stating that our behaviors also match our personal standards and expectations.

In this issue of CORE Bites I'm not going to address standards—I'll leave that for another issue. However, I am going to take a run at—and hopefully create a very compelling argument for—adjusting your personal expectations. I'm speaking, of course, about the personal expectations you have for yourself in 2021.

Most of us have been exposed in some way to Carol Dweck's seminal work on Growth Mindset. What her research has shown is the profound difference between those with a 'fixed' mindset and those with a 'growth' mindset is that having a 'growth' mindset is an effect, not necessarily a cause. You aren't born with a 'growth' mindset; it's not genetic. Instead, it's an overall approach to life—it's a mindful understanding of how the choices we make influence, shape, and, ultimately, inform who we are.

Personal evolution is a choice.

So let me use the '21' in 2021 as a goal that anyone can achieve with relative ease. The challenge? To read for 21 minutes every day, five days per week. This small number of minutes per day adds up to 5,460 minutes per year. The average contemporary business book contains 30,000 words and the average reading-for-comprehension pace is 175 words per minute. This means in 2021, with an investment of only 21 minutes, five days per week, you will have read over 30 books and/or an innumerable number of articles!

This one decision—"21 in '21"—will unlock the KNOW to GROW.

Here's a couple of statistics to think about. Fast Company reports that CEOs read—on average—over 60 books per year. Yet, recent studies show that about 25% of adults read no books at all last year; some 42% had not read a single nonfiction book.

The latest data on adult reading habits show a gradual—and concerning—decline over the recent past. Much of this is the result of choices; the combination of television, video games, social media, and busy lifestyles have caused many adults to read fewer books.

My purpose in providing this information is not to induce guilt. Instead, it's a reminder that we're all human and that in our very busy lives we can overlook some of the simple techniques that can make a huge difference in who we are and what we can accomplish. It's no coincidence that reading is a common habit among ultra-successful people. So ... are you up to the "21 in '21" challenge?

High Value Activity (HVA) Action Steps

The HVAs listed below are dedicated to finding you 21 minutes every day, five days per week, even if your life seems overwhelming at times. I'll also provide a nifty tool to help you realize the most benefit from when you DO read. By moving forward—by investing 21 minutes, five days per week—you'll enhance your KNOW and continue to GROW.

• Early to Bed: This is a personal preference, and you may be wired differently, but I prefer the early morning hours for my developmental reading—without all of the distractions that occur during the day and evening. So an easy way to find "21 minutes" is to go to bed 21 minutes earlier than you normally do and—you guessed it—get up 21 minutes earlier. I know this might mean changing some of your habits in the evening but I think you will come to appreciate that quiet time in the morning. [In the immortal words of Ben Franklin, "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise".]
• Schedule It ... And Stick With It: Pick the time that works best for you to ensure you get your "21 minutes" each and every day and then stick with it. The reason I suggested five days per week instead of seven days per week is simple ... I'm a realist and I know that you're going to experience those 'days-from-hotter-regions' on occasion. My suggestion is to start each week with a goal of five consecutive days and if you're forced to skip a day, that's okay, you always have a couple more at the tail end.
• Steal "21 Minutes" from the Big Time-Wasters: 1. Television: This is a good start point if you need more time. Cut viewing time down to only the key shows you enjoy viewing the most (or the news you need to hear). 2) Social Media: When used in moderation, social media can help you stay in touch. But it can quickly become very addicting and many people lose hours of their day without even realizing it.
• LEARNlinks® Reading for Application Worksheet: When I read I take copious notes. I do this not just to capture salient thoughts and ideas; I do this because of the number of ideas that are triggered during my note-taking that have practical application for myself, for my clients, and for colleagues and others that I affiliate with. The format I use for this is an old-fashioned pen and paper approach because if I had my laptop handy while I'm reading you know what I'd be doing instead of the reading I need to do (it's funny how the 'ding' of an email can change your plans). If you'd like to use a similar approach, here's a link to a downloadable PDF copy.