The habit of reading helps build a framework of thinking and creativity that is advantageous. Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are voracious consumers of books.
We are used to TikTok, short videos, or the speed of Instagram, and the habit of reading is beginning to fade. But those who maintain it end up having an advantage in the workplace, as they possess greater language skills, reasoning, communication, and creativity. Bill Gates states that he reads more than 50 books a year and reviews them on his blog, and Warren Buffett dedicates about 80% of his day to reading. They ensure the quality of what they consume by reading edited and reviewed books.
According to neuroscience, the habit of following a thread of reading improves all aspects of intelligence. It doesn’t matter if it’s fiction, essays, history, or economics: the important thing is to get the brain to follow a storyline without jumping from topic to topic.
Some of the advantages of reading are:
Mental Stimulation: Reading keeps the brain active and engaged, which can help prevent cognitive decline related to aging, such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Like any other muscle, the brain requires exercise to stay strong and healthy, and reading is an excellent way to exercise it.
Improved Concentration and Memory: Reading requires focus and sustained attention. By concentrating on the plot of a story or the details of an informative text, the brain improves its ability to concentrate. Additionally, reading strengthens neural connections related to short-term and long-term memory, as remembering characters, details, and plots helps maintain and improve memory.
Development of Cognitive and Critical Thinking Skills: Reading stimulates reflection and critical analysis. By processing information, readers must evaluate, infer, and compare what they are reading with their prior knowledge. This fosters the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Stress Reduction: Immersing oneself in a good book can be an excellent way to relax and reduce stress. Reading allows people to disconnect from their daily worries and enter a state of relaxation, which can reduce tension and stress levels, thus benefiting overall mental health.
Expansion of Vocabulary and Improved Language Comprehension: Regular reading exposes individuals to new words and different grammatical structures, which can enrich their vocabulary and improve their linguistic skills. Better comprehension and a broader vocabulary not only enhance communication abilities but are also associated with higher verbal intelligence and better academic and professional performance.
Excelling in What You Do: Reading will expand your vocabulary and expression skills to the extent that you will stand out in academic and professional settings. It is important to instill this habit in young children.
In fact, leaders often develop the habit of reading because this practice provides them with a constant flow of knowledge and new perspectives essential for informed and strategic decision-making. Reading broadens their understanding of the world, allows them to learn from the experiences and knowledge of others, and fosters critical skills such as empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. Furthermore, through reading, leaders can stay updated on industry trends, develop a broader and deeper vision of various topics, and find inspiration and innovative solutions for the challenges they face. This continuous pursuit of learning and personal development is fundamental for effective leadership and adapting to an ever-changing environment.