Define Success On Your Own Terms
Slow down to go faster
Meet Howard “Speedy” Berg. He holds the Guinness record for being the fastest reader at 25,000 words per minute! Not to be outdone, Dr. Maria Teresa Calderon of the Philippines claims to read 50,000 words per minute at 100% comprehension.1
This comment on Howard’s video made me chuckle:
Does this make anyone out there feel like an underachiever? I had a goal in 2023 to read 40 books. I got 35. I’ll confess, among those books are 3 Jack Reacher and 3 Joe Pickett novels. They were fun, but I can’t say that I remember much about them. The majority of my reading was in the area of personal growth. However, it’s a double-edged sword. I fight the desire to read books and put them in my trophy case. But what does it mean if I read 100 books and didn’t take action?
The problem comes in for me when I learn a new concept, create a mental to-do list, and then feel ashamed that it’s not already implemented. Shame is unhelpful. It creates limiting thoughts such as “I’m too old,” “It’s too late to change,” or worse yet, “I might as well quit reading and eat peanut butter cookies and binge Netflix.”
When I think about this dilemma, who am I measuring myself against? It’s like getting into a marathon when you signed up for the 5K. The notion that you should read a book and immediately use what you learned to bludgeon yourself when you don’t meet these brand-new standards is unreasonable. I suspect I’m not alone. Last week, I led a mastermind with a group of engineering leaders. As we walked out, one participant commented, “I wish I had known these concepts 10 years ago!” I said, “Dude, I wish I would have learned them when I was your age, which, by the way, was 20 years ago!”
Shame is unhelpful. It creates limiting thoughts such as “I’m too old,” “It’s too late to change,” or worse yet, “I might as well quit reading and eat peanut butter cookies and binge Netflix.”
We might need to slow down to go faster. What do I mean by that? Instead of trying to keep up with Speedy Howard and Dr. Calderon, take a few concepts and let them marinate. Instead of keeping score on the number of books read, keep score on concepts you’ve applied. Consider that the ticket to read the next book on your list is to use 3 ideas from the book you just finished. Then, teach others what you learned to make the ideas stick.
I hope this was helpful. Never stop growing yourself. It’s never too late. You’re not too old, and you haven’t missed your chance. It's time to progress toward becoming the person you were always meant to be. Make it a fantastic week!
Tarek’s Top 2023 Reads
Man’s Search for Meaning2 - The power to choose our response will drive our growth and freedom.
15 Invaluable Laws of Growth3 - The power to change your life is inside you, no matter where you are.
The Second Mountain4 - As I’m in the second half of my life, this book encourages me to chase significance and leave a legacy in the lives of others.
From Strength to Strength5 - Great book. Our life experiences, good and bad, are the building blocks for what is possible for the future.
King: A Life6 - inspires me to have the courage to do what’s right no matter the cost
Chase the Lion7 - Love this book. It reminds me to trust God with bigger dreams than I could dream on my own
"Never stop growing yourself. It’s never too late. You’re not too old, and you haven’t missed your chance. It's time to progress toward becoming the person you were always meant to be". I wholeheartedly agree with this. I've just started doing the Wim Hof breathing exercise recommended by Andrew Huberman and I do believe it's paying off! I enjoyed your post.
I look forward to these every week; thank you!