Life coach and motivational speaker Tony Robbins says, “Once you have mastered time, you will understand how true it is that most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a year — and underestimate what they can achieve in a decade.”
I think the same goes for any one day versus a year — we overestimate what we can accomplish in a day and underestimate what we can achieve in a year.
I haven’t “mastered time,” so it’s rare that I complete everything on my to-do list each day. However, looking back on this year, I’ve realized that I’ve accomplished many of the goals I’d set for myself. That definitely feels great to say, but there is one goal that I’ve set for the past two years but have not yet completed.
And that is my 26 books goal. If you haven’t checked out my 26 books page, here’s an explanation of the goal. I was inspired by Arik Hanson to set a goal of reading at least 26 books each year. That’s roughly one book every other week. It seems extremely doable, especially for me since I am a quick reader, but when my daily routines get in the way, it becomes difficult. This year, I’m happy to say I made it through 13 books, and I’m currently on number 14. That isn’t at all where I wanted to land in December, but it’s definitely more than I was able to do in 2011. And in 2013, I hope to do even better.
So friends, here is where I need your help. I’m currently developing my book list for 2013, and I could use all of the suggestions possible. I have a great start to the list of 26, but I’m not totally sold on all of the books — it would be great to hear your personal reflections on your favorite fiction books from this year (or any year, for that matter)!
If I can “master time,” I’m thinking 2013 will be the year I read more than 20, if not all 26, books.
Feel free to leave your book suggestions in the comments section! (And to answer a common question I’ve been getting, you don’t need a WordPress account to leave a comment, so fire away.)
photo credits:
Switchology via photopin cc
Theresa Thompson via photopin cc
Great post, and what a wonderful goal to have!
I really enjoyed Gillian Flynn’s GONE GIRL. it’s been on some lists for 2012 and if you like thrillers, this is very well done. I also read and enjoyed Deborah Harkness’s A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES, more than I expected to. This is the first book in a trilogy. The next one, Shadow of Night, is out and getting good reviews. But it’s $14.99 for an ebook! I just think that’s outrageous and won’t buy it.
Meanwhile, if you like romance, Boroughs Publishing Group is producing some great titles. And, if I may, my own book, THE GENIE IGNITES, has been well received. ; ) And it’s only $3.99. It’s the first in a series, with the second book –THE GENIE SMOLDERS — coming out in February.
Happy Reading!
Thanks for your suggestions!
I’d highly recommend One Hundred Years of Solitude by Marquez (apologies if we’ve discussed this one before – I’ve been reading this for a while now.) He’s one of my favorite authors and this is his Big Book!