In 2016, Kevin Delaney, a reporter for Quartz, met with Bill Gates.
When Gates arrived, Delaney couldn’t help but notice the massive tote bag slung over his shoulder.
Curious, Delaney asked, “What’s in the bag?”
What could one of the world’s most powerful men possibly be lugging around in a tote bag?
Books.
Intrigued, Delaney delved deeper into Gates’ reading habits.
Gates shared that he reads about 50 books a year, a habit he considers essential to his success.
This story piqued my curiosity.
How does one of the busiest people on the planet manage to read 50 books a year when I struggle to finish even 10?
After digging through countless articles and interviews, I think I’ve uncovered his secret.
The only rule Bill Gates has about reading is
“It’s my rule to get to the end.”
Read books cover to cover.
Seriously? What if the book is terrible?
Bill isn’t saying you should finish a lousy book.
Instead, his rule implies deciding what to read before you start. Consider whether a book is worth your time before opening it.
Finishing every book you start doesn’t mean forcing yourself through a bad one. Instead, choose wisely and then commit to completing the book.
Even if it’s challenging, contradictory, or daunting.
This is what makes his reading habit so powerful.
Because Bill selects quality books he believes he’ll enjoy, he’s motivated to read more, and this keeps the streak going.
He makes time to read every day because he wants to, because he enjoys it, and he learns a lot from it.
He carves out time for reading because it’s something he loves.
