In my house, we often joke that my library card is the most valuable card I own. It’s not unusual for me to have twenty books checked out at a time, stacked near my couch for browsing.

I zip through the table of contents, pick out a chapter or two, and see what the author has to say.

I read. I find value. And if it has something I want to refer to repeatedly, I buy them and place them on my bookshelf. (This is a great way to find the books and cookbooks you truly resonate with!)

If you need a pick-me-up, I highly recommend heading to your local library and getting yourself a card. It’s the easiest way to lift your spirits (if they need lifting 😉 ).

Books have enriched, upgraded, even saved my life over the years. Great books are meant to strengthen your core goals and values, and make you a better version of who you desire to be.

What’s that? You haven’t picked up a book in a while? I get it. We’re busy, busy!

But think of it as your highest value coach/consultant/teacher/therapist/friend. All for what you’d pay for a couple of cups of coffee.

As we head into the fall months, you may have time to snuggle down and spend time with books. Here’s how I read several books a week:

Step #1: Choose books wisely

I believe there are two reasons to read: enjoyment and knowledge boosting. Sometimes, you just need a sappy romance or women’s fiction novel to escape. That’s why I always have one on my nightstand. It’s the best thing to do before falling asleep.

But there are so many other opportunities to learn throughout the day. When I sit down in the morning, I meditate, read a chapter of a book, and journal. This is a great way to get in touch with the inner you, learn something new, and reflect on how to bring it into your life. Two books I’ve read recently:

Return To You by Shannon Kaiser

Stress Less, Accomplish More by Emily Fletcher

Step #2: Sharpen your mind

Pay attention; it’s easier than ever to find great book recommendations. I look for them everywhere. Who do you follow on Instagram – they often make book recommendations. You’ll find them in your favorite magazines. Take notes as you’re reading through a book – most authors name-drop consistently about the books they’re learning from.

The thing is, reading a good book helps you think about growth. It gives you glimpses of a life you can lead with a bit of work.

I believe the problem is we self-medicate with television, and most of that is mind-numbing at best.

Good books give you a chance to see yourself in a new light. (Hint: they can be in many areas of your life: relationships, business, career, health, self-growth, etc) Books I’m loving this year include:

The Song of Significance by Seth Godin

Outlive by Peter Attia

Step #3: Bring in more books than I could ever read

When I say I have more than 20 books sitting in my living room at any given time, does that overwhelm you? Additionaly, I usually have several piled on my desk, in my journaling space, and on my nightstand. Yep, that’s a lot of books.

Books make me happy. Books give me energy. Books give me hope. Imagine – all this wisdom in one tiny format just waiting for you to dive into and help you release your own ideas!

I will tell you that I also instilled the same practice in my daughter. I smile when we head outside for an afternoon of reading on the porch. We head out with a mug of hot tea or a glass of iced tea (depending on the weather) with several books tucked under our arms. A girl can’t have too many choices when she sits down to read! We may flip back and forth between several genres as we let it all soak in.

A Well-Lived Life by Gladys McGarey

The Blue Zones Secrets For Living Longer by Dan Buettner

Step #4: Mix up the genres

I do believe you can learn something from everything. Yes, I think it’s important to read fiction. Writers write from the heart, and you can often learn valuable lessons hidden deep within the pages of a fiction book. Plus, as you’re reading fiction, weaving it with nonfiction, you can get a-ha moments spurring you into action. Plus, we all need lazy days where we just take life easy and enjoy something fun for a change.

The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

Step #5: Read the table of contents and the appendixes

When I pick up a new book, I study the front and back cover to get a sense of what the book is about. Then I flip to the table of contents to learn how the book is organized. I also jump to the appendixes to gain insight into what the writer deems to be important. You can find a ton of resources this way.

The great thing about nonfiction is you don’t have to read it in order. The table of contents can direct you to what’s relevant for you. Start there. See what advice it has to offer. Then, pay attention to the little details they write about. It may lead you quickly to other relevant chapters in the book.

Fatal Conveniences by Darin Olien

Boundary Boss by Terri Cole

Step #6: Highlight and take notes

When you buy a book, it’s yours to keep. Highlight the critical parts. Write notes in the margins. Add sticky notes to your favorite parts, and write down your thoughts and opinions.

You can do this with ebooks, too. I love the highlighting feature, and often highlight specific words, quotes, or sections so I can quickly get back to them. It’s a way I can remember particular ideas and head back to review them at any time.

You, Happier by Daniel G Amen

Money, A Love Story by Kate Northrup

Step #7: Create a working file

If you’re a writer like me, you might want to use ideas in your future writing. I have a file on my desktop filled with my favorite books. I take pictures of pages or ideas, and slip them into a file for later use. I can utilize this anytime I need a pick-me-up, or if I need a quote for something I’m writing.

An American in Provence by Jamie Beck

A Healthier Home by Shawna Holman

So there you have it. I hope this piece is most helpful to you.

Lori