Photo by Alex Azabache
Reading and writing are two of my very favorite things to do. Doesn’t matter if it’s writing on my novel, my blog, or even a to-do list. Same thing with reading. 15 years in a book club has really been great for me because I’ve read a lot of great books that I might never have picked up otherwise.
Self-improvement is also something I’m always striving for. I don’t think we should ever stop learning or trying to move forward with new ideas as we age. That’s why I usually read at least one non-fiction book a month, either a personal finance type book or self-improvement most of the time. I also listen to the Mel Robbins podcast each week. One of my favorite quotes from her is: “Your are not supposed to be the same person you were a year, month, day, or even 5 seconds ago. You are designed to grow.”
As with most things in life, I like to go into things with an open mind and gather the tidbits that I think are good and discard the things I’m not interested in or don’t agree with. Below are some of my favorite tips and quotes from the “experts”.
Books are a great investment-Mark Cuban
Mark Cuban told Vanity Fair in an interview that he used to wander the bookstore and if a book caught his eye and he thought it could give him one good idea to propel his business for $30, it was a bargain.
Spend extravagantly on the things you love and cut costs mercilessly on the things you don’t-Ramit Sethi
Love this saying and it makes so much sense to me. I don’t spend a lot of money on designer shoes or purses or fancy food. I do like to spend money on Chai Lattes and nice hotels when I travel, good pillows, and journals and colored gel pens.
If you’re serious about changing your life, you’ll find a way. If you’re not, you’ll find an excuse-Jen Sincero
You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending-C.S. Lewis
Love this. I’ve certainly made choices in life that weren’t smart but I try not to dwell on those. You have to keep moving forward.
There will always be someone who can’t see your worth. Don’t let it be you-Mel Robbins
Always believe in yourself. So simple but simple doesn’t always mean easy.
Everything is figureoutable-Marie Forleo
Another motivational speaker I like. Marie says it doesn’t matter what obstacle or challenge you’re facing, you can find a way or make a way through it. We’ve never had more information and resources available to us then we do now. Books, the internet (be careful with this one though), and best of all, find someone who has done what you’re trying to do.
You can’t have a million dollar dream with a minimum wage work ethic-Stephen C. Hogan
Don’t know who Stephen Hogan is but I love the message. You’ve got to work hard and work smart. It disturbs me to see people who slack off at work, don’t show up on time, sneak out early, etc. If you’re doing a job, whether it’s for yourself or an employer, do your best. Give them your best!
You are never too old to chase your dreams-Diana Nyad
Friends were raving about some books written by Sarah J Maas so of course I had to look her up. She’s 38 and has like nearly 30 books written already. I was briefly discouraged, thinking to myself, Holly, even if you finished your book this year and found a publisher, you’ll probably be 52 before it hits the shelves. My next thought was, in two years I’ll be 52 regardless. I could have a book on the shelves at my favorite bookstore or I can still be thinking about finishing that novel. Chase your dreams!
What’s your favorite advice?
