Tag Archives: Jeff Brown

Mastering Anything: A Strategic Guide to Continuous Learning Through Reading

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On the journey to becoming a Modern Elder by developing specific skill sets, the last few posts have focused on “Mastery.” It should be no surprise that my first steps are to turn to books; in this case, Read to Lead by Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski. I’ve written about it previously, but I want to take a closer look at Chapter 12, “The Key to (Nearly) Mastering Anything.”

In a world that evolves at a breakneck pace, staying ahead requires a proactive and strategic approach to learning. The process of mastering anything, as outlined in Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski’s insights, involves a deliberate journey of purpose, focused study, and practical application. Let’s explore the key steps to (nearly) mastering any subject, ensuring personal and professional growth in an ever-changing landscape.

Avoiding Complacency

In the pursuit of mastery, complacency is the enemy. The authors stress that standing still can lead to falling behind, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the world we live in. It’s a call to action, urging individuals to break free from the status quo and embrace continuous progress.

Clarifying Your Purpose (Know Your Why)

The journey begins with a clear understanding of one’s purpose. Why embark on the study of a particular topic? Distinguishing between goals and purpose is crucial, and the authors advocate for persistent questioning until the root of one’s goals is uncovered.

Focusing on One Topic

Mastery requires focus. Selecting a specific topic to master sets the foundation for the learning journey. Clarity in choice becomes a guiding light, directing subsequent actions toward a singular objective.

Creating Micro-Goals

Breaking down the chosen topic into smaller, SMART goals is the next step. This process involves identifying components, conducting thorough research, and setting achievable milestones. The journey becomes more manageable when tackled one step at a time.

Creating Your Own Curriculum

Learning becomes intentional by selecting books that align with the identified components of the chosen topic. The authors suggest that reading multiple books on a subject can significantly enhance knowledge, positioning learners ahead of the curve.

Book Selection Tips

The process of selecting books is demystified with practical tips. From searching for popular titles to exploring works by familiar authors, the authors provide a roadmap for making informed choices. This ensures that the learning journey is both enjoyable and enriching.

Summarizing What You Read

Summarizing isn’t just a review; it’s an injection of jet fuel into the learning process. Scientifically proven to enhance retention, summarizing key points accelerates the absorption of knowledge, making it an essential step in the mastery journey.

Taking Action

Knowledge alone is insufficient. Practical application is the key to mastery. The authors highlight that books can’t take action for us; it’s an individual responsibility to translate acquired knowledge into tangible results.

Rinse and Repeat

Mastery is a continuous cycle. Applying what you’ve learned and then seeking new challenges keeps the journey dynamic. The process of selecting new topics and repeating the outlined steps ensures ongoing personal and professional growth.

Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski’s strategic guide to (nearly) mastering anything provides a roadmap for those eager to navigate the ever-changing landscape of knowledge. By combining purpose, focus, and action, individuals can embark on a journey of continuous learning, staying relevant and resilient in the face of evolving challenges. The mastery process becomes not just a destination but a lifelong adventure of growth and discovery.

Inspired by Read to Lead by Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski

Yes, Leaders are Readers!

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Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

Along with early and ongoing encouragement from my parents – especially my father – reading was established as a passion in my life that I was happy to continually learn from, share with my children, and watch them share with their children.

At this stage of my life, I’ve gone way beyond book nerd.

What started as a boyhood practice grew into an adult passion, and is now a deliberate, daily practice.

The turning point came when I entered seminary – a friend who was in his last year of a doctoral program told me I needed to learn how to read.

I thought that I had that one pretty much covered; after all, I had been reading since before first grade.

I was wrong; he was right.

That book recommendation, and for decades now my go-to book on helping someone deepen their love of reading used to be “How to Read a Book” by Mortimer Adler. It’s still a great book – but now I have a new recommendation:

Read to Lead, by Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski.

With this book, Jesse and I have attempted to make the case that reading – specifically book reading – is the simplest and one of the most important habits you can develop, especially if your goal is to expand your audience and boost your career.

Jeff Brown

It’s the common habit shared by many successful people throughout history. It’s responsible for unlocking limitless creativity and influence. It’s known to reduce stress, improve decision-making skills, and make you a better leader. What is it? Reading. And it’s the single best thing you can do to improve yourself professionally.

Reading more and better books creates opportunities for you to learn new skills, rise above your competition, and build a successful career. In Read to Lead you’ll learn:

– Why you need to read like your career depends on it

– The five science-backed reasons reading will help you build your career

– How to absorb a book into your bloodstream

– A technique that can double (or triple!) your reading speed

– Tips on creating a lifetime reading habit

– And more!

If you want to lead a more satisfied life, have more intelligent conversations, and broaden your mind, you need to read to lead!

Reading the Table of Contents (itself one of the simplest but most overlooked starting place in reading a book) reveals the breadth and depth of advice and encouragement found in Read to Lead:

Introduction: Why Read a Book about Reading Books

Part 1 Why You Need to Read Books

  1. Why You Need to Read a Book Like Your Career Depends On It
  2. Eight Research-Backed Reasons Why Readers Do Better in Their Careers
  3. The Slow Death of Readers: Three Big Reasons Why People Are Reading Less
  4. The Eight Biggest Reading Excuses Holding You Back

Part 2 The Books You Need to Read

  1. Six Ways to Know What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Read
  2. Too Busy Not to Read: Nine Ways to Free Up More Time to Read
  3. How to Build Your Reading Plan

Part 3 The Smarter Way to Read Books

  1. How to Absorb a Book Into Your Bloodstream
  2. Double (or Triple) Your Reading Speed in Minutes
  3. How to “Read” a 220-Page Book in One Hour
  4. How to Create an Unchangeable Reading Habit
  5. The Key to (Nearly) Mastering Anything
  6. Fifteen Tips on How to Read Smarter
  7. Why You Should Join (or Start) a Book Club

Conclusion: Growing as a Reader and Leader

Pick any single chapter and you will increase your reading skill by the end of that chapter.

Read the book through, take its admonitions to heart, and you will change the trajectory of your life.

While the knowledge gained from reading is important, the real benefit is from the habit of reading. When you are continually reading, you condition your mind to keep taking in new knowledge. Your thinking remains fresh and sharp. Your brain is always churning on new ideas, looking for new connections it can make. Every day you pour in more ideas, which your brain must find a way to integrate into your existing knowledge base. Frequent reading fires up your neural activity, even during the periods when you aren’t reading.

Reading is a gift that you can unselfishly give yourself, one that truly keeps on giving. I can think of no better start to deepening your love of reading than with “Read to Lead.“