If you want to know the potential of a person, look at their bookshelf.

In fact, a person’s bookshelf reveals their capacity for growth. Leaders are readers. You will never meet a highly successful person that isn’t an avid reader of books that help them grow. And I can tell you I have yet to come across a top-level leader that doesn’t read consistently. Studies have shown that the average CEO reads 60+ books a year.

Remember the statement…you are what you eat? Well, it’s also true that you are what you read. Books shape who you are, how you think, and what you’ll do. Let me also say that the lack of books you read will also shape who you are, how you think, and what you’ll do. Just as books can expedite your growth, a lack of them can slow down your growth. Reading can’t be a bonus, it must be a necessity for your personal growth.

If there’s one trait you need to develop this year, it’s to be a committed reader. Did you get that? I said a committed reader. Committed readers don’t read when they have leftover time (cause they never will then), they are committed to reading as a discipline. It’s a non-negotiable to skip a reading session because they understand their leadership capacity is dependant upon it. Just like your body needs nutrition and exercise to become optimally healthy, your leadership health is dependent upon your discipline to read books that will nurture your awareness.

I guarantee that if you commit to reading at least a book a month this year you will significantly increase your capacity. Will you take the challenge? Will you invest in your potential?

Reading great books will take you further than you will ever go on your own. Stop trying to do life on your own. Soar on the wings of great people and tips that will take you higher than you could ever go solo. Sir Isaac Newton said, “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of Giants.”

If you’re not sure where to start here are simple, yet idea igniting books I have written. Check them out and get committed to being a reader.