The practices for effective readers, writers, and leaders

I wrote this advice on how to be a more effective reader and writer, and these same practices help you become a more effective leader:

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People have asked how I can be such a prolific writer and reader.  The simplest answer is “It’s a choice followed by corresponding action.”  The truth is that I have multiple writing projects sitting partially done, and struggle constantly to finish and publish my writing.

Here are things which help me:

  • Deadlines and commitments.  I have committed to this newsletter weekly, three LeaderLearning messages weekly, two blog posts weekly, and at least 3 posts on LinkedIn daily.  I’ve forced myself to create deadlines for publishing some of the Anger and 300 years book content via email on a schedule.
  • Assume that everything you encounter is fuel for pondering, cross-connecting, prayerful meditation, topics to write about and teach about.   Capture thoughts and inspiration as quickly as possible because they have the same vapor pressure as gasoline on a sidewalk in July sun.  There may be “nothing new under the sun,” but there are things which are new for you and the people in your sphere of influence!
  • Put myself in good company of smart and savvy observers and story-sharers – in person, via books, podcasts, films, etc.  This is food and fuel for your creative process. Invest your limited time and attention where it will yield higher returns.
  • Always have a book handy.  You’ve probably noticed how many people, given a few spare seconds, whip out their smartphone.  Do that with books instead.
  • Extract quality from quantity.  Don’t expect brilliance in a first draft of a sentence or book.  As best you can, squelch the self-editor which wants to work as you write – then unleash the editor’s power in the next stage.  No gem emerged from the ground cut and polished.  As I write this sentence, I have a “for newsletter content” document which is 121 pages long and hopefully no one will ever see 3/4ths of it!
  • Walk!  It’s amazing how much clarity and coalescing happens in your mind when you walk.  Charles Dickens, incredibly prolific, walked the streets of London 2-4 hours daily.