Welcome to the third habit in the #GiveMe30HabitProject!!

See this post for all the details and backstory!

This month’s habit is reading!

Aside from weight training, one of the biggest dial movers in terms of my personal growth and development came from investing time in reading books (and listening to them via Audible). While I may not have time to consistently sit down and read 10 pages in a physical book every day, I listen to some type of self-education content daily for a minimum of 10 minutes (usually much more if I’m being honest). Physical books are still my favorite, as I am a nerd about taking notes 😂

That being said, if I waited until I had the time to read a physical book, I would not be able to consume nearly the volume I have over the last several years. I am all about making habits practical and doable, so consuming books by listening to them is a great workaround for those who just cant sit down daily to read. Because of Audible, I am able to listen to books while I work out, drive, do chores around the house, etc.

Reading has led me down a path of mindset work which has built strength in so many ways and forms. The majority of the healthy habits that I practice now have stemmed from the content that I’ve read or books that I’ve listened to on Audible. Using the Audible app, I am able to consume a book in a matter of days, sometimes even within a day depending on the length and if I listen to it on double-speed.

Whether it’s in audio book or hard copy form, commit to reading 10 pages a day, or reading for 10 minutes a day, specifically reading books in the self-help/personal development genre. Here is a great list to start with for ideas! By the way, I should mention that Audible does a free month/2 book promo for new members. After that, you can choose a plan to continue. Pricing will vary with how many book credits you want per month, but even if you cancel down the road, you get to keep access to all the books in your Audible library. If you want books above and beyond your monthly credits, you can purchase, but prices vary widely for audiobooks, and purchasing credits is usually the way to go. Audible is linked through Amazon.com, so it is super easy to buy/use credits if you are logged on to an Amazon account. Just make sure you select audiobook when you purchase. Another option is to check out audio books (on CD) from your local library. I did this when I first started commuting long distance, but went through the entire stock of interesting audio books at our library very quickly.

My only caveat is no fiction, as this habit is designed to expose you to new ideas, transform your mindset, and grow you. I believe that within 30 days, you will notice how it will remove the limiting beliefs and behaviors. Just because I believe in it so much, if it doesn’t spill over to other areas of your life besides just your mindset, like your mood, relationships, and productivity, etc., I’ll reimburse you for your book! (Note: there is nothing wrong with fiction! It can be a great way to relax, which is also beneficial, but it is not the intent of this habit).

To start this habit, I highly recommend books that are related to personal growth / development in a subject you want to learn more about and are interested in applying to your life. Books on spiritual growth / disciplines are also some of my favorite.

Why 10 pages/10 minutes? This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but 10 pages or 10 minutes a day is enough that it will have an impact on you, but not so much that it is overwhelming to your time. In short, it is effective, while also being realistic. Those are traits of a habit that is sustainable.

Consider reading a book with a friend or your spouse so you can discuss it with them. When you take time to discuss your thoughts on what you have read, you’ll be more likely to retain and apply what you’ve learned.

Again, this process has been one of the biggest assets to expanding my knowledge base, learning how to see things in a new way, developing a growth mindset, and growing deeper in my connection with the Lord.

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Now that you have an idea of what the habit looks in practice and the benefits of practicing it, it’s your turn!

For the next 30 days:

• Read 10 pages in a nonfiction book daily (or listen for 10 minutes if it is in audio format).
  • Practical Tips: Pair this habit with something that you already do daily, like reading during your lunch hour for example. That way you will have a cue to keep you from forgetting. Keep the book in plain sight so you see it as a trigger.

• Make it a point to share what you are learning with others.
  • Practical Tips: Share some of the ideas or information from what you have read daily with a friend, family member, coworker, or spouse (it doesn’t have to be the same person each day). When you share the ideas, it helps you to solidify the principles in your mind and to see things you might not have noticed when you first read/heard them. You can also enlist an accountability buddy in reading. Even if you aren’t reading the same book, knowing you will have to check in will help you sustain the habit when you might be tempted to skip out on it.

• Look for ways to put new ideas into practice.
  • Practical Tips: The most important part of acquiring knew knowledge or information is to implement it. This is how you reap the benefits of the habit.

• Make a metal note any time you notice any shifts in your outlook after reading a new idea, experience the ability to apply what you have learned, see how  new skills are beneficial or led to your success, etc.
  • Practical Tips: Call these benefits to mind whenever you don’t feel like following through on your habit.

• Ask a friend or your spouse to join you in this habit.
  • Practical tips: Check in with one another and share your ideas and struggles so that you can help each other stay excited about the habit.

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🚨Don’t forget to share this project with others! You can share the link to this blog post as a status/post on Facebook. Feel free to save and use the image from this post, or use the ones I’ll have on my Instagram page. Whatever other means you have to get more involvement will make this more fruitful! Tweet, email, pin, etc.

Also, I encourage you to keep track of your journey and use the hashtag #GiveMe30HabitProject on social media. Please tag me in your habit progress and insights! I’ll also be glad to troubleshoot sticking points. I’m Kaci M Byrd Cheeseman on Facebook and @CheeseGirlPA on Instagram.

If you want to check in daily for accountability, you can post either a photo and/or status and use #GiveMe30HabitProject #Day1, #GiveMe30HabitProject #Day2, so on and so forth. I’d love to see how it goes and repost—only if you give me permission, of course! I’ll be searching the hashtag to see who is joining in.

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Remember: What is it you want to achieve? Who do you want to become? How do you want to serve others? You may not know how to get there, or even how to get started. I just ask that you trust me and help spread the message to others so they can become involved. Keep showing up, and together we will get you there, one 30 day habit at a time!

Are you ready? Let’s get growing!!

| Kaci

P.S. If you are interested in working on a specific habit and need someone to help you troubleshoot, keep you motivated, and hold you accountable, I offer coaching a variety of ways, which you can learn more about here. My specialty is habit change and my approach is to work on mindset alongside the habit, so that it is healthy and sustainable. Whether it involves your health, finances, nutrition, exercise, relationships, or personal growth, habits are the key to success. We are the outcome of what we repeatedly do. Without addressing that, there can be no change. Learn more here!

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Reader Questions:
1/ Have you ever tried Audible before?
2/ Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction?