Reading…One of the Top 3 Gifts in Life.
Paul White's nationally distributed syndicated column, “Reading…One of the Top 3 Gifts in Life” is published in 22 publications across seven states. This includes the following newspapers and digital publications: Midland Daily News (MI), SFGate (CA), Seattle PI (WA), Connecticut Post (CT), Laredo Morning Times (TX), Huron Daily Tribune (MI), The Telegraph (IL), and more. In this week's article, Paul discusses why reading is one of the top three gifts in life… And how to spread the joy you discover thanks to this gift.
Not Fake News! According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about four out of five U.S. adults (79%) have medium to high English literacy skills. Four other reputable sources came up with the same percentage. It’s real and is viewed by many that 21% of adults being illiterate places the U.S. in crisis mode. It seems like between AI (Artificial Intelligence), The Brainiacs at our Universities and K-12 Educational Systems, and Community Leaders across the U.S. that we could move that number down from 21% to about 5% in 5-10 years if everyone is working together. I don’t possess the skill sets to make that happen, but I sure am cheering for and encouraging all you wonderful people who do.
Today, my beef is with the 79% that can read. Based on my daily observations, it’s a shame that the gift of reading doesn’t come with a well-defined users guide. Granted, it’s a rare day that you see me begin with a negative thought. So, why the swipe at the literate? Well, it has to do with observing people with great potential (basically anyone who can read) parking that potential in the long-term lot where it isn’t doing them, nor anyone else, any good. Just seems silly when someone is given a gift that can have a powerful positive impact on every area of their life, and they never put it in use as it was intended (insert tears flowing down cheeks here). I’d like to change that.
Oh, c’mon. I’m not saying they don’t read at all. I’m just saying that what they choose to read doesn’t take advantage of what reading is capable of accomplishing in their life. Okay…before I lose you, let me share some examples of what I mean. When I ask people what percentage of reading occurs for them on social media each day, a huge majority of them claim over 78% (20% was comprised of reading emails and the other 2% of reading was invested in reading the oven directions for the frozen pizza they had for dinner). When I ask people when they last read an entire book, most say college or that they can’t remember. When I ask people what book they could recommend that they absolutely loved when they read it, most can’t even come up with the name of the last book they read. Granted, some people these days utilize “audio books” but the listening experience is different than actually reading a book (the comprehension varies).
Current trends - Book reading? Down. Newspaper reading? Down. Digital Newspaper reading? UP! (Yay)! Magazine reading? Down. Newsletters? Down? Subscriptions to streaming services? Way Up! Subscription to anything you have to read? Way down. Social Book Clubs? Slowly reforming since the pandemic, but way down.
Some of you may be thinking Paul’s unhappy because he just published a book he wants people to read. There’s some truth in that thought. I poured my heart into writing my book “The Answer Discovery” with the intent that anyone reading it could instantly experience a happier, more joy filled life, which would have an immediate impact on the people in their sphere of influence, which would then have a positive impact on society and thus the world. All I need is for people to read it, which is a challenging task with our current culture. But there’s something else that bothers me much more.
I love to read. Scratch that. I love the learning that occurs when I read. Reading is a gift given to 79% of the population. Few recognize it as a gift. The majority of literate people grossly underutilize the gift of reading. I would suggest that the ability to read is the most powerful personal development tool we possess. The smartest people in the world, the greatest leaders and influencers in the world, and the most successful inventors and creators in the world ALL have in common that they read…A TON! The people whose career is taking off, the people we look to for answers in science and medicine, the people with the greatest ability to deliver solutions for the mental health crisis in our current culture…they all read a LOT!
Shouldn’t we all be modeling these examples of people who have utilized reading to both advance their career and help society with the knowledge gained from reading? I’m not saying that everything we read needs to advance our intelligence either. Pleasure reading is a wonderful support system for our mental health. Once I start a book written by Clive Cussler, John Grisham, or Allan Eckert I have a hard time putting it down. I think my greatest frustration occurs when I witness people with the ability to read not utilizing the gift with any intentional purpose. A podcaster just shared with me that the advice Oprah Winfrey gives most often to others is “Be Intentional.” Anyone who can read has UNLIMITED POTENTIAL! How do we inspire them to believe that? I’m working on it and can use your help.
If you’re one of the fortunate 79%, YOU can make a positive difference in our world by embracing that your ability to read is a gift. Unwrap this gift by dedicating some time to assessing your current use of this gift, and how utilizing the gift in new and different ways moving forward could add great value to your life. Take each of these new and different ways for a test drive to determine which brings you the most happiness and joy, and share this newfound joy with others. THAT’S how you bring positive change to the world…all because of the Gift of Reading. And please, read my book. It’s worth your time to read. I promise. GiddyUp!
In addition to being a nationally syndicated columnist, Paul White is an author, motivational and inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, podcaster, and life coach located in Midland, Michigan. His new book, “The Answer Discovery – How to Change the World by Helping Others…and Ourselves,” is available to purchase today. If you’re interested in getting in touch with Paul, please submit an inquiry via our Contact Page.