Reading books will help you win the battle.

But taking action will help you win the war.

Reading Tip:

• Have an Action Day

(thread)

1/ Reading Is Only Step 1

If you're reading books, that's fantastic.

You're gathering helpful information and creating more accurate mental models of the world.

BUT...

Books are only part of the solution.

You need to reflect on what you've learned and apply it to your life.

2/ The Self-improvement Process

There are 3 parts to becoming a better person:

1) Reading
2) Learning
3) Growing

I cover this in my 25x250 Reading Challenge, but for now I want to do a deep dive into the last part:

• Growing https://twitter.com/AlexAndBooks_/status/1343412876472680448

3/ Why You Need Action

What's the point of knowing all of the advice in "Atomic Habits" or "Extreme Ownership" or any other book if you never apply what you've learned?

In order to grow as a person, you need to take action.

4/ (continued)

You could KNOW the winning lotto tickets for tomorrow, but unless you take ACTION, it won't make a difference in your life.

Always remember:

• Knowledge ≠ Power

• Knowledge x Action = Power

5/ Have An Action Day

I've talked about the importance of having a Reading Day (Book O'Clock), but just as important is having an Action day.

• Pick one day of the week (for me it's Sunday) and spend 25 minutes taking applying what you've learned.

6/ Personal Examples

Yesterday I was rereading "How To Win Friends & Influence People" by Dale Carnegie.

I decided to put the advice to work and call two friends.

Here's what happened:

I followed the book's advice:

• Become genuinely interested in other people
• Encourage others to talk about themselves
• Be a good listener

I had a great conversation with both friends and here's a text from one them:

7/ More Examples

For the past few months, I've been reading "The Daily Stoic" but haven't really applied any of it.

So, I started using "The Daily Stoic Journal" to take more action on what I was reading.

Here's what happened:

I've read many books on stoicism, but it wasn't until I started journaling and reflecting on life (much like Marcus Aurelius), that I felt much more at peace.

I now know to:

• Appreciate what you have
• Focus on what you can change
• Don’t worry about the things you can’t

8/ Start Taking Action Today

Grab the book you're currently reading and spend 25 minutes thinking of ways you can apply the lessons and taking action.

Accountability Challenge:

• Comment the book you're reading and how you plan to take action on the lessons you've learned