Summer Reading Had Me a Blast!!

It’s almost the start of another summer vacation season filled with all kinds of schedule changes and time slots that need to be filled. To paraphrase what my father said, “You’ll be the same person three months from now except for two things; the people you meet and the books you read.” Do you want to be a more tremendous version of yourself come fall? Do you want your friend’s jaws to drop when you reappear after summer break like John Travolta’s did when Olivia Newton-John completed her transformation in Grease? Well, I’ve got just the ticket for you, and it doesn’t involve wearing spandex, having big/slick hair, or smoking cigarettes. I’m going to tell you how to really be too cool for school next fall. Well-a well-a well-a huh; Tell me more, tell me more! Get a hold of your parents and review this Reading Contract with them. It originated when my father worked with my oldest brother, Jere, to instill in him a love of reading. You select books that teach, edify, and enhance your creativity, and agree on an amount of money to be paid for every book you read. No trash, please, because as you’ve probably already learned, trash in, trash out. For recommendations to get started, please check out our top titles listed here. You’ll also have the chance to support some great organizations as you learn the tremendous power of tithing AND earning your own money! My father went from zero to hero because of the books that he read. As a youth, he had no money, no role models, and no formal education. But he decided that reading was his ticket to everything he didn’t have and the rest is history! Brian Tracy said, “To gain a competitive advantage in your career, read at least one hour per day in your chosen field. One hour a day will translate into approximately one book a week. One book a week will translate into approximately fifty books over the next twelve months. If you read an hour a day, one book per week, you will be an expert in your field within three years. Through continuous learning, you will be a national authority in five years, and you will be an international authority in seven years. All leaders are readers.” So this summer, unplug the devices and engage your brain so you don’t find your summer days wastin’ away! Make the most of them by investing in yourself!! I can guarantee the rewards are slicker than Greased Lightning !