Just yesterday I went to the library. I rented an audiobook by the late Jim Rohn called, “The Art of Exceptional Living.” Interesting title, one that drew me in immediately.
Jim Rohn was known as America’s foremost business philosopher. He grew up as a farm boy in Idaho and became a millionaire by age 31. His story is as inspiring as they come. As I listened to his animated voice coming out of the cd player, I stood there completely transfixed. “This stuff is amazing!” I blurted it out to Michael.
Jim spoke of many wonderful things. There was one however that stuck out to me in a surprising way. Jim said that it is proven that most every house worth $500,000 (he actually references a $200,000 home which would be equivalent to about $500,000 now) or more has a library. What’s the point? Reading and gaining knowledge makes you more valuable.
Want to be successful? Read. Study all aspects of life from the Bible to law. Jim emphasized reading as one of the most important keys to pursuing an exceptional life. Yet, only about 3% of us even own library cards.
I have always loved reading. However, I have never pursued it in the way Jim talked about. I always read books with similar subjects and most times only for enjoyment. I haven’t wavered much from spiritual books, classics, or novels.
Here are 10 subjects on which he suggested we should all be well read.
1. History
2. Philosophy
3. Novels (the good ones that have life lessons in them)
4. Biographies
5. Autobiographies
6. Accounting
7. Law
8. Relationships
9. Gifts and Skills
10. Economics
I have never even read a book on accounting. Now I will. We have also never figured books into our monthly budget. I didn’t think they were that important. Now we will. We are now planning on turning our office into a library and start building a storehouse so we too can become more valuable.
Question: What role has reading played in your pursuit of an exceptional life?
So good. Jim Rohn’s material is classic. I could listen to him talk all day long, but that wouldn’t be his method. Jim was a man of action for sure. So read, read, read, then ACT, ACT, ACT!
Michael,
I hear ya! He is amazing!
Do you have any favorites that you would recommend?
Funny, the CDs I’ve listened to him on are a 2 CD set from my library as well! The same ones you got “The Art of Exceptional Living”. I also have Youtubed alot of his stuff, and Success magazine used to feature him alot on their free CDs. Success magazine is $25/year and is a steal for what you get…bonus CD in each month’s issue. I have to say I am impressed that you listened to him – I have tried to get my wife to listen to him, Zig Ziglar, other motivational guys, you name it and I always get “his voice annoys me!”. I’ve heard similar responses from others guys’ ladies. Kudos!!! It’s the voice that snagged me.
Michael,
haaha that is really funny b/c we went the same route! Success magazine (which I agree totally rocks) and then to the library to finally find Jim on audiobooks. Wow, I mean the stuff you learn in that little 2 cd set is absolutely priceless! Did you find any other audio books other than that one?
Yeah, I really do love listening to all those guys Zig, Dan Miller, Jim Rohn, Darren Hardy, Tony Robbins… I get tired of the ‘mom’ stuff constantly – I have this ever growing, gnawing desire to go deeper to the heart and soul of life. My kiddos will leave someday and I don’t want to be a shell of a person when they do. Jim Rohn says the greatest gift you can give anyone (including children) is your own self development, and I have found this to be true!
I was looking at your blog again, love what you are doing there. I noticed you wrote about autism, do you have a personal connection to someone with autism?
Claudia,
I haven’t gotten my hands on any other Rohn CDs than the Exceptional Living. I would like to purchase some of his stuff, but haven’t done so yet. After this year, we will have all our debt gone, and I will create a bucket of money for “learning” (a Brian Tracy idea) – seminars, CDs, DVD, college courses, whatever….
Thanks for the comment on my blog. My six year old daughter “CK” has high functioning Autism or Aspergers. It has truly turned out to change my life for the better. She is a miracle and blessing. A pure heart for sure. In an effort to make sure she thinks she’s “normal” we have never told my side of the family about her autism since we only see them twice a year (and they sometimes are very blunt! LOL), which is the anonimity you’ll see on my site. Plus, my wife isn’t crazy about us putting too much personal info out there.
Starting a Blogging is really new to me and I sense a growing need to share our experiences with others. Autism is on the rise and Fatherhood & Family are being laughed at. I have put my posts on Facebook as kind of a teaser to see if any of my family “catches on”. I think it’s about time to talk with them about it. Seems kinda weird since she’s been diagnosed for 4 years, but we wanted to protect her as much as possible from any potential comments down the road.
By the way, I enjoy the Video Sundays! You and Michael are a very cool couple. Look forward to hearing of your continued success.
Michael,
Oh, man… that is a great idea!
Thanks for sharing your story. It is intriguing. I have never had any personal experience with Autism but I have heard a lot about it. That is commendable that you have protected her for as long as you can. It’s too bad that family are often the ones to make negative comments and put people in a box. Why do we do that!? I guess we want to ‘protect’ our tribe and circle whether it is healthy or not. It is comfortable and we try to keep it that way.
I hear ya about the need to share your experiences! I am sure it will be a blessing to you and your family to connect with some like minded people that support your journey. We have found such amazing support through blogging! That is one thing we never expected. We just started with the intent of keeping ourselves accountable by putting something out there, and then – BAM – we have made tons of new friends 🙂 Amazing!
Thanks for your support btw!
so cool! inspiring.
Hey there Crystal!
Have you ever listened to any of Jim Rohn’s stuff? You would love it!
Hey how are you feeling?
No i haven’t but i jotted his name down and will have to check his stuff out next time i’m at the library. Right now i’m reading Tina Fey’s book Bossypants – probably not nearly as inpsiring or wise as Jim Rohn’s stuff but I must say, it’s kind of an enjoyable read 🙂
I’ve been feeling pretty good, last week was a tough week with Lyme, but i’m seeing a pattern, often the first week of the month i’ll experience alot of symptoms and then they’ll go away again for a few weeks. I’m still getting treated by Rita Rhoads. She’s expecting to wrap things up August/September which feels like awhile yet, but it’s so nice to have an end date to the treatment! woo!
Hah ha Crystal,
I have heard that book was pretty funny. You will have to give me the review when I see you at Daryl’s. 🙂
Hmmm it sounds like you have been on quite the roller coaster with your Lymes. So thankful that you have found help and support! That is huge!
You are a beautiful and courageous lady!
Sounds like I need to search the library for his book! Hopefully it’s on book-on-CD. 🙂
Yep, they have it. Or will in 1 week when it’s back in! The art of exceptional living [sound recording (book on CD)]
Jason,
Yup, that’s the one! Get ready to be blown away!! 🙂
Michael said you really blessed him in the commenting during the past FAA show. Thanks for the encouragement man! You rock!
I’m rooting for you guys! Can’t wait to hear about your Virginia trip. 🙂
Thanks bro! We can’t wait to hear about it either! 🙂
That it is 🙂 BAM – love those kind! – I can listen while walking or driving or doing dishes or changing diapers
Awesome…my house might be worth $1 million!
Woa, hahah Sweet! You need a Julian library card now.
That sounds really cool! I do love to read, but I don’t have much time so I resort to some audio books and podcasts. Maybe you all can start a list of books on hear so that I’ll know which ones are good to read when I have time! 😉
I hear ya Ryan! That’s what I do these days too 🙂
OHHHHH!!!! I would love to start a recommended book list!!!
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I also prefer real books! I was trying to consume less, but found I have a fond admiration for real books. I love to be able to reference a book. Can you do that with a Kindle?? I dont know.
Jenny,
I don’t know either… I have never had one. I just love the feel of the paper in my hands and being able to underline and pull it off the shelf for reference. It also helps to walk by and see the title and remember. If I don’t see things… I forget…
Jenny, I know you can highlight with the Kindle and then reference those.
We absolutely love to read! Great post Claudia!
Love it guys! Reading (especially reading the same books at the same time) has truly changed our lives!
Definitely!! 🙂