Small Habits. Big Shifts. Why Reading Might Be the Reset You Need
I’ve noticed a pattern, maybe you have too.
There are moments when I feel stuck or uncertain about what to do next. Not overwhelmed, just a little unclear.
That’s when I reach for a book.
Over time, I’ve come to see reading not just as a break, but as a way to reset. It helps me refocus, reflect, and sometimes even reframe how I’m approaching a challenge. Reading doesn’t always give me answers, but it does sharpen my questions. It fuels my creativity, challenges my assumptions and expands my thinking. Frankly, it helps me solve most of the problems I encounter in work and life.
This is especially true when the book comes as a recommendation—from a friend, a colleague, someone in our Life Plan Review cohort—it feels like being handed a flashlight. It won’t light up the whole road, but it gives just enough illumination to take the right next step.
So if you’re feeling stretched thin or seeking a new perspective, here’s my advice: pick up a book. It might not change everything, but it might change something. And that might be all you need.
Want to build a reading habit? Try this:
- Read a little, every day. Ten minutes. One chapter. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, just start.
- Choose books that stretch you. Go beyond what’s trending. Look for stories, insights, and frameworks that speak to what you’re wrestling with.
- Make it social. Some of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had this year started with, “Have you read this yet?”
- Start a book club. I’m part of a few. History is my jam, but find your own niche and start there.
Chris’ Summer Reading List
These books aren’t just pages to flip, they’re invitations to lead with intention, live with clarity, and think a little deeper about who you are and what you’re here to do.
If you’re not sure where to begin, start with this:
The Book of Charlie: Wisdom From the Remarkable American Life of a 109-Year-Old Man – David Von Drehle.
It’s the kind of story that reminds you what truly matters.
Then move to these:
- Finding Happy: A User’s Guide to Your Life, with Lessons from Mine – Peter Samuelson
- Purposeful Performance: The Secret Mix of Connecting, Leading, and Succeeding – Jonathan Stanley
- Leaders Are Born To Be Made – Bryan Deptula, MBA, PHD
- Finding Your Own North Star – Martha Beck
👉 Explore our full curated list of community favorites here.
Reading might not look like action, but more often than not, it’s where real change begins.
Until next time, friends,
Chris
If you enjoyed this article, I recommend reading these past Outside Insights posts:
Lessons from the Starting Line of My Career
No Strings Attached: The Culture Advantage That Still Sets Us Apart
The Lost Art of Earning The Right
This Outside Insights blog is brought to you by my Life Plan Review. If you’re looking for the life you want, have a goal or two to achieve, and are looking for accountability in a community click here for more information.
Want to receive Outside Insights in your inbox?
Listen to the Outside Insights Podcast
Placers ‘Acts of Kindness’ Promise To Job Seekers and Businesses
Placers provides career coaches, job agents, resume writing, and interview preparation services for job seekers. We are a coach to the workforce.
We offer a range of employment opportunities, including professional roles, temporary positions, temp-to-hire options, direct-hire openings, and contract work, catering to all experience levels and current employment challenges.
Placers is also a consultant to businesses. Companies that would benefit from a revitalized 90-day plan should contact us.
For 51 years, Placers has been an industry leader in staffing. Leadership is about service, and our focus is to serve. This commitment to service sets us apart and is our promise.
Take advantage of these complimentary offerings. Click here and complete the quick form.