★ We should all read more. Each and every day.

Here is a screen shot of the Kindle app on my iPad. Last night, I purchased Time Ferris’ new book, “4-hour workout” not because I’m clueless when it comes to diet & exercise. I will never buy a diet or exercise book. My Father who runs a gym, spends 10 hours a day working out, runs an Aikido school and has competed professionally at body building has given me everything I need. Honestly, I’m still behind on applying what he’s already taught me. No need to add any bullshit on the wealth of knowledge he’s bestowed upon me when it comes to vitamins, caloric intake and proven techniques to look like one of the actors from ‘300‘. This book is more full of statistics and facts and food for thought when it comes to our bodies. I even bought a copy for Dad after reading a few pages.

Moving on, each of the books listed on my iPad have never been finished. I read very slowly and most books put me to sleep. I know reading is good for me but I enjoy writing more than reading. The question arises often in my head that how can I improve my writing if I’m not reading anything but blogs. It is probably dumbing down my writing skills and reading skills, not to mention logic and vocabulary aren’t really challenged. Reading is good for us!

Of course, I’ve started reading all of these books. Some are 50% completed and others are 10%. Most of them I haven’t opened in so long that I would have to start over in order to finish. Many people have told me that I should start doing audio books. Well, when do I get a chance to do that? I don’t have a tape or CD player in my car and, while working, writing or doing things around the house, I can’t hear what the narrator is saying. I tune out noises when working on something so, for an audio book, I’d have to sit in a chair, put on headphones and just listen without doing anything else and, if that’s the case, I should just be reading and improving that skill.

I aim to finish all of these books by the start of summer. To do that, I’m going to commit to reading for 30 minutes each day. If I need to go to sleep in half an hour, instead of blogging, answering emails or watching something on Hulu, I’m going to grab my iPad and read for no less than 30 minutes even if I have to do it pacing in my room to avoid feeling tired.

Ayn Rand’s ‘Atlas Shrugged’ was really getting good when I read it to and from Amsterdam last month. Fake Steve Jobs’ book ‘Options’ is funny and something I enjoyed on a bus ride to Boston.

The truth is, I have so many news articles going into my RSS reader that it’s hard to read an actual book. I spend a lot of time just catching up with today’s news. Two years ago, my RSS feeds were all technology. These days, it’s 50% tech and 50% current events but there’s also NYTIMES pieces that are just editorials and “food for thought” kind of things. I’m doing a better job at diversifying what is put into my mind which is also reflected on this blog where I talk less about technology and more about life and learning.

Starting today, I’m going to read a book via Kindle for 30 minutes each day no matter what if it’s during lunch, during breakfast or before I go to sleep. I’m a slow reader so 30 minutes is equivalent to 8 pages of the usual 200-300 in the books I’m picking up but, eventually I’ll finish a book and it’ll be awesome.

What do you read? Any tips to helping you read better and find time to grow your mind with a book? Is it the atmosphere, a cup of coffee or perhaps a style of music?