Summary

Readers are more likely to succeed due to a broader perspective, improved focus, enhanced communication skills, goal orientation, reflective thinking, good memory, and effective time management.

Abstract

The article outlines seven reasons why readers are predisposed to success. It argues that reading fosters a broader perspective, enabling individuals to strategize effectively by considering different viewpoints. Readers also tend to have longer attention spans, which is crucial in a world filled with distractions. Successful readers are often skilled communicators, adept at conveying ideas and information. They are goal-oriented, setting and achieving objectives in both reading and life. Reflective practice after reading allows them to apply new knowledge and improve their character. Readers often have better memory retention, which is vital for problem-solving and mastering their field. Lastly, valuing their time, successful people choose reading over passive entertainment, recognizing its role in personal and intellectual growth.

Opinions

Reading is considered a skill that can prime individuals for success, as evidenced by the habits of successful people like Elon Musk and Bill Gates.
The article suggests that reading literature, such as Shakespeare, can provide profound insights and strategies for dealing with life challenges, as exemplified by Nelson Mandela's experience.
The ability to focus is highlighted as a diminishing skill in the digital age, with reading presented as a way to counteract this trend.
Good communication is linked to reading, with historical figures like Ronald Reagan and Martin Luther King Jr. noted for their oratory skills.
The article posits that reading fosters goal orientation, citing Bruce Lee's documented goals and subsequent achievements as a prime example.
Reflective reading is emphasized as a method for personal development, with successful individuals like Bill Gates and Sheryl Sandberg noted for their reading habits and the application of their knowledge.
The article references a study from Emory University to support the claim that reading enhances memory and brain function.
It is implied that choosing to read over watching television is a more productive use of time and contributes to intellectual growth.

7 Reasons Readers Are Likely to Succeed

1. They have a broader perspective on things

Woman wearing white dress reading a book Photo by **Min An** from **Pexels**

Growing up my parents used to say, knowledge is hidden in books. It turned out to be true. Most successful person are avid readers and credit reading to their success.

To this day Elon Musk, David Rubenstein, Phil Knights and many others still make time to read. Reading could therefore be a skill that primes us for success. Here are 7 reasons readers are more likely to succeed.

1. They have a broader perspective on things

Readers are constantly exposed to different scenarios the experience allows them to see things from different angles which helps them strategize.

One of the books Nelson Mandela read when imprisoned for 27 years was The complete work by William Shakespeare his favorite passage was: “Cowards die many times before their deaths/ The valiant never taste of death but once”.

The insight he got in reading this book and many others helped him deal with the apartheid era.

2. They are more focused

Readers can focus on their material for a substantial amount of time. Anyone who has read a really good book or material knows that reading isn’t a quick process.

In today’s time of social media, television, and dating apps people are constantly distracted. Research has shown that these modes of instant gratification have significantly decreased our attention span over the past years from 12 seconds to 8 seconds.

So remaining focused is a trait most successful people try to preserve, after all, remaining focused enables then to complete tasks.

Bruce Lee said it better,

The successful warrior is the average man with laser-like focus.

3. They are good communicators

As a reader, you are exposed to different ways of formulating sentences, presenting ideas, and transitioning between facts. It’s no surprise that successful people work at honing these same qualities.

Good communicators are passionate and well-spoken from Ronald Reagan to Martin Luther King Jr to John F Kennedy, these people remain cemented in history because of this skill.

4. They are goal-orientated

Readers are always aiming to accomplish something whether it’s reading a certain number of pages, gaining a new perspective, or studying a concept. This behavior easily becomes a habit that’s applied in all areas of their life.

Bruce Lee one of Hollywood’s most successful martial artists documented his major goal in a letter after reading the book, Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.

The letter read,

I, Bruce Lee, will be the first highest paid Oriental super star in the United States. In return I will give the most exciting performances and render the best of quality in the capacity of an actor. Starting 1970 I will achieve world fame and from then onward till the end of 1980 I will have in my possession $10,000,000. I will live the way I please and achieve inner harmony and happiness.

Bruce Lee

Jan. 1969

When he passed away he had long accomplished his goal.

5. They reflect on what they read

After reading, good readers often ponder on their new-found knowledge. They may highlight points, summarize events, or even find additional information.

But most importantly they find ways to apply it. This helps improve their overall character. Successful people understand the profound effect.

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation has read:

The road to character by David Brooks,

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S.Dweck

Eradication: Ridding the world of diseases forever? By Nancy Leys Stepan

Sheryl Sandberg the bestselling author of lean In and current COO of Facebook has read:

Short guide to a happy life by Anna Quindelen

Queen of Fashion by Caroline Weber

The lean Startup by Eric Ries

All these books point to the fact that these successful people are aware of the positive effects a good book or article can have on their minds.

6. They have great memory

The more you read and learn, the greater your brain’s capacity to retain and process information. Researchers at Emory University’s Center for Neuropolicy have shown that reading heightens overall brain function and increases memory.

During my Master’s Degree, I had a co-supervisor (Prof. Albert Neitz) he was well above above 80 years and had the sharpest mind, I had ever come across. His secret was to exercise the mind and like a muscle it becomes stronger and more agile.

Successful people learn continually, and most of their knowledge is stored in memory. This regular mental work improves their ability to solve complex problems enabling them to keep perfecting their craft.

7. They value their time

Successful people value their time, even when they relax they still strive to improve. What better way to relax than to read, after all, reading edifies the mind.

However, most people are more likely to spend time in front of a TV watching shows designed for entertainment such as reality TV.

Studies have shown that the decline in reading in favor of TV had played a role in the decline in I.Q scores.

So fellow readers keep reading, keep improving success is just around the corner.

Before you leave

Do you believe in redemption? you may be interested in what we can learn from a 16 year old