12 Books in 2013

Yep, i love reading. Reading books, magazines, blogs, tweets, updates etc.

I’ve realised that lately though, the amount of blog posts, articles, tweets etc have been taking more of my reading attention than actual books (printed or ebooks – i don’t mind the format).

There is something about reading a book that is very different from reading a blog post. Books are, as Seth Godin puts it “a complete idea”. That is why reading a book and putting it on my shelf feels like earning a trophy and showcasing it. I conquered, completed and achieved something – like a little badge of honour related to that specific idea or concept.

Finishing a blog post or finishing a book is very different  A book allows you to explore a topic in a very different manner than a blog post or magazine article would. When reading a book, i feel like i’m on a guided tour which starts slowly, picks up speed, offers some surprises and concludes appropriately. You leave enriched, informed and look at the world differently. I miss that.

This is not a post about reading books, or the nostalgia of printed goods. This is about growing, learning and habits. I want to read more. So i have decided to read 12 books in 2013 (not counting anything i have read already this year). That means that i have about 6 and a half months to get that done. Put differently, i need to finish a book every 2 and a half weeks. Every week. Until the end of the year.

That’s why i’m writing this post. You can check up on me! I am planning on writing a blog post every time i complete a book so you can track progress – or chat about a specific book or topic.

Here is the list of books i’ve got lined up (not necessarily in order):

1. Lean Entrepreneur – Brant Cooper (My blog post)
2. Retire young, retire rich – Robert Kiyosaki
3. E-myth revisited – Micheal Gerber
4. Like a Virgin – Richard Brandson
5. Thou shall prosper – Rabbi Daniel Lapin
6. The Happiness advantage – Shawn Achor
7. The art of the deal – Donald Trump
8. The Icarus deception – Seth Godin
9. The millionaire next door – Thomas J. Stanley
10. Businessmodel Generation – Alexander Osterwalder
11. Execute – Josh Long (My blog post)
12. Dave Ramsey’s Complete Guide to Money – Dave Ramsey

Some of the books i’ve read before – years ago. I want to read them again and see if i can learn different lessons as i believe that i am looking at these topics from a different point of view.

I know it is probably not the most “balanced” list of books in the world. I’m okey with it. You should be too 🙂

Here are some ways i am going to try and get this done:

• Speed reading – I have always wanted to be able to do this. I have started a simple book on speed reading and implementing techniques as i learn them.
• Dedicated reading time – This will require focussed, dedicated reading time. Reading when “i have time” will not cut it. Reading before i fall asleep will not allow me to focus and concentrate and learn form the content.
• Planning – i know how much time i have for each book. Before starting each book i know ho many pages i need to read each day [insert cliche about eating an elephant one bite at a time here]
• Room for error – I left some space for slipping up and missing reading days. The plan inclues this so that everything doesn’t come crashing down  if  i miss a day of reading.

Which of these have you read and enjoyed? Which should i take off the list? What should be added?