A capacity, and taste, for reading gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others.

Abraham Lincoln

This week’s challenge: Read 30 minutes a day.

Could be fiction, non-fiction, long-form articles – anything. While you could split the reading up into two chunks during the day, when you do read, make sure it’s focused, uninterrupted time. Hide your phone, turn off notifications, mute all alarms. Deliberate, focused reading.

Lately, I’ve gotten into the habit of reading in the morning, right after I journal. It gets my mind going and sets a much more productive tone for the day.

I’ve been reading Letters from a Stoic, which is one of the source works of Stoicism. Contrary to a somewhat popular opinion, Stoicism is not about being emotionless. I find it to be about being mindful and aware of your emotions and core values, so you stay true to yourself.

It’s also fascinating to see that even 2000 years ago they were dealing with some of the same issues we navigate today: work/life balance, distractions, social pressure, etc.

A balanced combination of the two attitudes is what we want; the active man should be able to take things easily, while the man who is inclined towards repose should be capable of action. Ask nature: she will tell you that she made both day and night.

Seneca

What are you going to read?