Reading For Self-Improvement: 5 Tips to Consider Before Choosing Your Next Book

Five tips for choosing and getting the most out of books for business and self-development.

There are thousands of books available on the fundamentals and new trends in the categories of business and self-improvement. Many of them are educational, insightful and even entertaining - but let's be real, some of them are garbage.

For the purpose of reading to better yourself, here are some tips to choose books that will resonate with you, help you gain understanding, find guidance, inspiration or whatever else you are seeking.

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1. Know what kind of tone inspires you

Do you like a crude sense of humor, a badass author who doesn't tiptoe around anyone’s feelings? Or do you prefer a more corporate approach? What about an uplifting or a spiritual approach?

Doing a bit of research on the author before you dive into their book may help you get a feel for their voice and the kind of tools they teach.

It can take time to determine your preferences, and you might even be surprised by what resonates with you. It also may be different depending on the topic and gravity of the material itself.

Bottom line: Know what writing styles you like to read.

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2. Put the book down if you're not feeling it

Ever forced yourself to finish a book that you lost interest in half-way through? Wasn't it agonizing? Yeah. We're not doing that anymore. You're allowed to stop reading a book and come back to it later, or never.

However, I caution against abandoning a book too quickly. You don’t have to agree 100% with the author to gain value from their work. It's a good exercise to expose yourself to new perspectives, even when you're shaking your head in disagreement at times.

Question the author's beliefs as well as your own. Take some advice and leave some. Put to use the points you are interested in and skip the parts you’re not.

Bottom line: You do you.

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3. Know how you like to learn

Do you like when the author teaches through stories and true events? Do you prefer no fluff, practical advice? Maybe you get annoyed when an author references their own life too often. Do you need to be entertained or can you handle a more scientific approach?

There is no use forcing yourself to suffer through an author telling personal stories with a self-deprecating sense of humor if that makes your skin crawl. Find something you like better. Again, a quick search online for a summary or reviews will give insight into the format of the book.

Bottom line: Go with books that you're actually excited to read.

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4. Know how you like to consume information

Do you like to read from a physical book, Kindle, or is audio book better for you?

Books are so abundant and accessible these days; there is no excuse for not being able to find a way you enjoy consuming them.

Audio books are great especially if you have a long commute or work with your hands and can listen while doing other tasks. eBooks are a convenient way to get instant access to the material.

Personally, I still prefer to sit on the couch with a physical book in my hands. If you're a "real" book person, like me, I recommend utilizing used and local bookstores and your local library (stop ordering books on Amazon already).

Bottom line: Give different formats a try and see what you like. Also, libraries are a gift -- use them!

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5. Read and study the same topic repeatedly

This one's for the self-help junkies. Those seeking to study self-development are practically bombarded with new hacks and tricks that will "change their lives!" For real this time...

In the past, I have compulsively consumed books of this caliber looking for answers and seeking validation. Most of which made no lasting impact on me.

There is value in exploring new ideas and seeking out multiple sources, but rather than focusing on the quantity of new books we can skim through each year, let's utilize quality books.

Books that don't give you "the answers" but raise insightful questions for you to ask of yourself. These are the kinds of books to keep coming back to.

Have you ever read a book for a second time years later and been surprised at how much you forgot or how much went over your head the first time?

Each time I reread a book I have a new situation in life to relate it to. So, I really do learn a new lesson since I have a new perspective.

Find a subject that you are eager to become an expert in and find a great book that resonates with you. Read it. Study it. Sit with it, internalize it, apply it.

Bottom line: If you are really serious about reading as a way to better your life, study it.

Please note, not all reading needs to be for a higher purpose. Reading fiction, comedy, etc. just for fun is one of life's great simple pleasures. Read on, friends!