I know that you all are reading plenty for class but those are textbooks or other similar
materials for aesthetic.
After starting regularly reading last year, I now very strongly believe that everyone
should also be reading for pleasure.
Stay tuned to find out why.
What's going on guys!
This is Jay from MedSchoolInsiders.com.
I'm gonna share with you guys why reading for pleasure, also known as independent reading,
voluntary reading, leisure reading or recreational reading is so beneficial and why I think you
should give it a shot as well.
First, as this is Med School Insiders and you are probably a student, I understand that
grades and academic success are a top priority for you.
The ability to read competently and more importantly, find enjoyment in reading has great implications
in a student's academic success.
The Growing Independence report found that students who loved reading had higher test
scores in both cognitive and social competencies, math, reading, logical problem-solving and
attitude.
They also had better communication skills and relations with family, showed less risky
behavior and had higher levels of motivation towards school.
Those who did not enjoy reading were more likely to spend more time in front of the
TV, have had bullying experiences and be less enthusiastic about going to school.
Research has also demonstrated that frequent reading for enjoyment correlates with increases
in reading achievement.
So in short, reading regularly and finding pleasure in it will make you a stronger student
which translates to better grades.
But grades and academic success aren't all there is to life.
The reason I love reading so much is that it allows you to expand your mind and grow
in a variety of ways.
Have you ever heard that we're the average of the five people we spend the most time
with?
This relates to the law of averages which describes that any result is the average of
all outcomes.
Those who are the closest to us influence the way we think, behave and view the world.
So we should all go out and be best friends with Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Tim Ferriss, Sanjay
Gupta and other influential and successful individuals, right?
Ideally yes, but obviously not everyone can do so.
Enter reading!
So by reading, you partake in the privilege of gleaning insight from brilliant minds you
would likely never meet in person.
Reading virtually places you alongside whomever you choose and allows you to peek into their
minds, learn from their experiences and wisdom and ultimately help you grow and develop into
a stronger version of yourself.
I recently read the Elon Musk biography by Ashley Vance and I'm currently on this Steve
Jobs biography by Walter Isaacson.
Links are in the description below along with some of my other favorites.
I love these books because they're so insightful and have taught me a variety of things from
how to set goals, to being a better listener, to the power of perseverance.
As I am finishing medical school, I realized how financially illiterate most physicians
or those pursuing the career in medicine really are, myself included.
I found some great reads that were excellent introductions to finances, how to handle loans
and how to invest.
The White Coat Investor who is known for having an excellent financial blog targeting physicians
also came out with a recent book that I highly recommend.
Although I'm still a medical student, this book has already helped me align myself more
strategically to start paying off my loans when residency starts.
You may be thinking that you're too busy to read, and trust me, I get it.
But think of this, if you just spend five to 10 minutes while in bed before sleeping,
you would finish at least one or maybe even two books a month.
If you don't believe you have five or ten minutes a day to do that, I recommend you
go back and watch some of my videos on building a schedule and being efficient.
Now, 2016 was an incredibly transformative year for me and I think a large part of that
was due to reading.
Reading was essentially my keystone habit that instilled in me the discipline and healthy
habits to bring about other positive changes in my life.
I was incredibly productive with my research and academic endeavors, started this YouTube
channel, created two websites, was featured in a variety of different news articles in
my university newspaper, interviewed at close to two dozen residency programs and I've been
steadily improving my level of physical fitness throughout the process.
I bought a Kindle paperwhite at the suggestion of some of my friends while we were traveling
overseas.
Now, I recommend you get the paperwhite and not the regular Kindle because the backlight
is truly worth the extra cost.
Trust me, I was also skeptical at first.
Some of you prefer hardcover books and I totally get that.
The feeling of a real book in your hands, the smell, the experience etc, definitely
has its appeal.
However, the convenience of being able to carry any book I want in a small and slim
form factor, read in the dark and easily organize and search notes and highlights made the Kindle
a clear winner in my book, no pun intended.
Leave a comment below with which book you plan on reading next.
If you need ideas, I've left a list of some of my favorites in the description below.
That is it for this video.
Thank you guys so much for watching.
If you liked the video, make sure you press that like button.
New videos every week, so hit subscribe if you haven't already and I will see you guys
in that next one!