The Twelve Book Rule by Jim Stovall

Here in the 21st century, we don’t get compensated for how hard we work. We get compensated for how much we know. Becoming an expert on even a very small thing is generally better than having some basic knowledge of a lot of things. A brain surgeon may not know how to change his oil, turn on his vacuum, balance his check book, or run a washing machine. The brain surgeon may know very little about virtually everything, but if he or she knows virtually everything about brain surgery, that person will probably have a profitable, satisfying, and fulfilling life. 

It is a fascinating study to contemplate how much you need to know to be considered an expert in a given field. Our brain surgeon went to school, studied, and interned for over a decade.  

Most things in life do not involve this level of concentrated expertise. You may know absolutely nothing about actuarial tables, natural gas reserves, lift coefficients, major league batting averages, or cake recipes. It is fascinating to talk with people who are experts in these areas and many others and ask them how many textbooks or resources they have really mastered in order to be considered an expert.  

Most people would be surprised to know that in many endeavors of life, the right twelve books will put you into an elite category of knowledge. In many fields, you don’t even have to have elite knowledge. You simply need to know a little more than the average person on the street. Be sure if you’re going to study in a certain field to become an expert that you’re studying the right books.  

The right books are defined and determined only by the top experts in a field. In order to find these books, you’ve got to talk to the experts. In order to find the experts, you’ve got to ask other experts. If you inquire of many people, they will lead you to believe they are an expert or a top performer in their field. This may or may not be true; however, if instead you ask someone in a field who they think the top experts are, you will begin to get many of the same names. And lo and behold, you will find a short list of experts. If you call a handful of these people and ask them for a list of books or resources you should read, you will compile an amazing list. If you read one of these books each month for a year, you will quite likely be an expert within most any field you choose. 

As you go through your day today, decide what area you want to master. Read what the experts in that field read, and shortly you will not be talking to the experts, you will be an expert. 

Today’s the day! 

This and other motivational pieces by bestselling author Jim Stovall can be found in Wisdom for Winners Volume Two, an official publication of the Napoleon Hill Foundation. 

When Did You Stop Learning? by Shawn Doyle

Today I am going to address a topic that very few people are talking about right now. I have a unique perspective because I do about 100 training programs a year. Here is what I am seeing. In class, I will ask, “Who has read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People?” Out of a group of thirty people, one hand will go up. I am not asking about an obscure book but one that has been on the business bestseller list for thirty years. The rest of the class has never heard of it.

According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 68 percent of men read at least one book last year. Okay, that is the good news, but here is the bad news: that means that 32 percent didn’t read one at all in a whole year (52 weeks—365 days). 

When I talk to people, they tell me they don’t read (learn) for the following reasons:

• “I have never been much of a reader.”
• “Between work and home I am just too busy.”
• “I read on my device all day at work. The last thing I want to do is read when I get home.” 

There is a whole range of other reasons people give me—way too many to mention. Here is the reality: instead of reading, they are watching TV or surfing the Internet. Is that you? Look, I am not criticizing; I am just passionate about everyone learning all the time.  

I want to help you, and my goal is to convince you why you need to keep learning and then give you some quick tips you can use today.

The following are reasons why you have to learn now:

• There are people in your organization who are reading and studying, and you are not.
• They are going to take your job if you don’t keep up.
• Knowledge is a huge competitive advantage.
• You will be much more likely to get promoted.
• You will be much more motivated and creative when you are exposing yourself to new ideas.
• You will be smarter and more thoughtful. 

One note: If you have never enjoyed reading, that is okay—I am not judging you. Then just listen to audiobooks or watch videos on the same topics online. 

I am asking you to make a commitment to learning now. I am also asking you to commit to reading nonfiction most of the time. You learn so much more from nonfiction than you do from fiction. 

Here are some techniques for finding time to read/learn:

• Cut back on TV. The average American watches 2.8 hours of television a day. So, one simple step is to cut back on TV to one hour, buying yourself reading time. Besides, reading new books is so much more interesting than watching a rerun of a stale show you have already seen. 
• Get up thirty minutes earlier in the morning to read and study. I have noticed an enormous percentage of highly successful people do that every day. Author Hal Elrod calls this “the morning miracle.”
• Read during your lunch break at work. I know you probably get lunch and take it back to your desk. Don’t! Find a quiet place and read at lunch.
• Planes and trains—whenever you are on a plane or a train, pack something to read. Maximize your travel time.
• Learn in your car. If you have to commute by car, listen to audiobooks.
• Training programs—if your company has a training department, see what programs you can sign up for this year.  

The reality is that every year you need to be a different, better, improved version of you. So, let the new you start today. You can do this!

For more business and personal development insight from Shawn Doyle, check out his titles from Sound Wisdom, including his Jumpstart Series, The Sun Still Rises, The Leadership Manifesto, and Two Months to Motivation.