Why Books Can Actually Change Your Life

You’ve probably heard people say, “Readers are leaders.” It’s catchy, sure—but maybe you’ve never really thought about why that sticks. Take Oprah Winfrey or Reese Witherspoon, for example—they’ve talked about how books really shaped how they think and even sparked some of their most creative ideas.

Reading isn’t some elite hobby reserved for critics or scholars. It’s honestly one of the easiest ways to shift how you see the world. A good book can make you question stuff you’ve always believed, help you express yourself better, or even pull you out of a rough patch. And the best part? It doesn’t cost much, and you can do it almost anywhere.

If reading’s never been your thing—totally fair. Maybe you just never found the right book, or school sucked the joy out of it. Happens to a lot of people. But it’s not too late to start over. I’ll share a few thoughts on why picking up a book still makes a difference—and how to actually enjoy it without feeling like homework.

No pressure, we’ll go easy.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: Why Reading Is Pretty Great

Reading is not just about seeing and saying words. It helps your brain stay sharp, makes it easier to focus, and can calm you down when life gets a bit crazy (I'm sure we all know how that looks like). Some people even say it helps you live longer and stay healthier so sign me up!

But beyond all that, reading teaches you skills that really matter—like thinking clearly, explaining yourself, and understanding other people better.

And here’s the coolest part — when you read, you’re basically hanging out with some of the smartest and most creative people who ever lived. You get to hear their stories and pick up some wisdom from their lives.

Step 2: Chill Out About “Reading the Right Books”

Let’s get one thing straight: you don’t have to love the classics or power through some 500-page nonfiction beast to be a “real reader.” Seriously—who made that rule?

Here’s the truth: the best book is the one you actually enjoy. Fantasy, romance, manga, memoirs, self-help, that super weird sci-fi series your friend keeps recommending—if it makes you want to keep turning pages, it counts. Full stop.

You’re not curating a museum-worthy bookshelf to impress strangers on the internet (and if you are, there's absolutely no judgement here). You’re finding stories or ideas that light a little spark in your brain. That’s the whole point.

Think of it like exercise. Not everyone’s into running marathons—and that’s cool. Some people dance, hike, or do yoga with goats (yes, that’s a thing). Reading’s the same. You just haven’t found your “book workout” yet. But trust me—it’s out there.

Step 3: Start Small and Keep It Chill

Here’s a wild idea: maybe don’t dive into a 500-page brick of a novel right out the gate. You’re not trying to win the Reading Olympics (which, if it existed, would be so intense—imagine the speed-flipping).

If you’re just getting back into reading—or honestly, if your brain’s just a little fried (hi, modern life)—give yourself full permission to start easy. Short books, graphic novels, poetry, essays, even audiobooks while you’re folding laundry or pretending to clean? All fair game.

It’s not cheating, it’s smart. You’re easing in, stretching the reading muscles before the heavy lifting.

A lot of people fall back in love with reading through YA books. Why? Because they’re fun, fast, and actually make you feel stuff. Or grab a collection of short stories you can dip in and out of like a snack bag. No pressure, just vibes.

The goal isn’t to finish a “serious” book. The goal is to remind your brain, “Hey, this is actually kinda fun.” Momentum > perfection. Always.

Step 4: Set the Scene for Success

Let’s be honest—if reading feels like a chore, your brain’s gonna fake an emergency and dip before you even hit “Once upon a time.” So instead of grinding through it like a boring school assignment, turn it into something that actually feels like a treat.

Make a little reading ritual. Light a candle. Steal the comfiest blanket in the house. Put on some lo-fi beats or ambient rain sounds if that’s your jam. Sip on something warm and cozy (or wine—again, no judgment here). Boom, you’ve just created a vibe.

Leave a book on your nightstand, your couch, your kitchen counter—wherever you’re most likely to flop down and need a break from the chaos of life. And hey, if the idea of reading for hours makes you want to nap instead? Just set a timer for 15 minutes and call it a mini book date. That’s like… half a sitcom episode. Totally doable.

Morning reader? Great—books are a caffeine-free brain boost. Nighttime reader? Perfect—stories make way better lullabies than doomscrolling. Try a few things and see what sticks. There’s no wrong way to do it—as long as it feels like something you want to come back to.

Step 5: Let Tech Be Your Reading Sidekick

Look, your phone doesn’t have to be the villain in your reading journey. With the right apps, it can totally be your sidekick—cape optional.

If lugging a book around isn’t your thing, download a reading app like Kindle or Libby (pro tip: Libby hooks up with your local library, so free books = yes please). Audiobooks? Total game-changer. You can “read” while driving, cleaning, pretending to work out—whatever your life looks like.

Wanna keep track of what you’ve read or find your next obsession? Goodreads and StoryGraph are like little digital book clubs, minus the pressure to wear pants or make small talk. Set goals, log your reads, and feel like a productive genius every time you finish a book.

When it comes to audiobooks, why pick just one? I recommend both Audible and Libro.fm. Audible offers a massive library packed with options and perks, while Libro.fm lets you support independent bookstores with every listen. Whether you want endless variety or to back local shops, these programs give you great choices.

Step 6: Let Curiosity Be Your Guide

Forget reading lists that feel like homework. The best way to figure out what to read next? Follow your weird little obsessions.

Hooked on space documentaries? Snag a sci-fi novel and launch yourself into another galaxy. Can’t stop binging true crime podcasts? There’s a juicy thriller just waiting to keep you up at night (you know you love it). Feeling all the feelings? Grab a memoir or poetry collection and ugly cry with pride. Anxious, burned out, or just trying to survive being a human in 2025? There are so many books out there ready to help you breathe, cope, and maybe even chill for five minutes.

Reading gets way more fun when it connects to what you actually care about right now. You don’t need to be “well-read.” Just be wildly, unapologetically curious.

Step 7: Join a Reading Community

Reading alone is cool and all—but let’s be real, it’s way more fun when you’ve got a squad.

Join a local book club, crash a library event, or lurk (and chat) in online hangouts like Reddit, Discord, or Instagram. Throwing around hot takes and swapping opinions can light a fire under your reading habit—and maybe even make you look smarter at parties.

Even better? Grab a reading buddy. Trade book recs, share your “WTF did I just read?!” moments, and nerd out over coffee or group texts. Because nothing beats having someone to fangirl (or fanboy) with when the plot twists hit just right.

Step 8: Don’t Force It—Follow the Flow

Look, life happens. Sometimes you’re crushing books, and other times you’re binge-watching shows or just staring at the ceiling. And that’s totally fine.

If a book isn’t grabbing you by the eyeballs, ditch it—no guilt, no drama. Not every story is gonna be your soulmate, and that’s okay. Reading isn’t a test, it’s a vibe.

Keep a “to be read” list stocked with goodies, so when one book loses its mojo, you’ve got your next fix ready to roll. Remember, reading is a marathon, not a sprint. So chill out, enjoy the ride, and let your brain binge on whatever feels right.

Step 9: Watch Your Life Start to Change

Keep reading, and soon you’ll notice some pretty slick upgrades happening—like your brain’s getting a glow-up.

You might catch yourself explaining things better, actually listening (shock!), or dreaming up fresh ideas that make coworkers wonder if you secretly hired a genius. Bonus points if you start understanding yourself and other humans a bit more—because, yeah, reading can do that.

The more pages you turn, the more your brain powers start stacking up. It’s not magic—just some seriously awesome brain fuel.

Step 10: Make Reading Part of Who You Are

At some point, reading stops being just a thing you squeeze in and starts becoming who you are.

You’ll catch yourself thinking, “Yep, I’m a reader now,” someone who’s all about growth, reflection, and flexing that imagination muscle. And trust me, that kind of identity shift? It’s powerful stuff. Readers are the ultimate lifelong learners—they’re the thinkers, the creators, and yeah, the leaders too.

By making reading a regular part of your life, you’re investing in your most valuable asset: yourself. So go ahead, wear that “reader” badge loud and proud. You earned it.

Welcome to the next level—congratulations, you’ve officially leveled up to Bookwom status. (Yes, that’s a thing now.)

Final Thoughts: Your Story Starts Here

You don’t have to be a genius, an introvert, or someone with a dusty degree in literature to fall in love with reading. All it really takes? A curious brain and a willingness to crack open that first page.

The first step is the hardest—but also the most exciting. Whether you’re reading to escape, to learn, to heal, or to dream bigger, your perfect book is out there just waiting to blow your mind (or at least make your commute slightly more tolerable).

So go find it. Your leadership journey, your next chapter, your Bookworm era—it all starts with one page.

📘 If you’ve read this far, congrats—you are a reader. Now let’s level up and turn that into something even bigger: becoming a leader.