"Becoming a Better Reader and Harnessing the Power of Community: Strategies for Personal and Professional Growth"

"Becoming a Better Reader and Harnessing the Power of Community: Strategies for Personal and Professional Growth"

Introduction:
Reading and community engagement are two powerful tools that can significantly impact our personal and professional lives. However, it's not enough to simply read or participate in a community; it's equally important to do so in a meaningful and intentional way. In this article, we will explore strategies that will make you a better reader and person, while also delving into the concept of community return on investment (CROI) and its significance.

1. Stop Reading Books You Aren't Enjoying:
   Life is too short to spend time on books that fail to captivate us. As Epictetus wisely stated, it's not just about reading, but also about what and how we read. Applying the rule of 100 pages minus your age allows you to assess whether a book is worth your time. If it fails to capture your interest by that point, it may be best to move on to something more engaging.

2. Keep a Commonplace Book:
   Tobias Wolff's character in "Old School" exemplifies the practice of keeping a commonplace book, where he types out quotes and passages from great books. This allows him to experience the power of great writing flowing through him. Similarly, former President Ronald Reagan had a collection of handwritten quotes and thoughts on note cards. By curating these meaningful snippets, we can create a personal repository of wisdom and inspiration to draw from.

3. Reread the Masters:
   Seneca emphasized the importance of immersing ourselves in the works of a limited number of master-thinkers to derive lasting ideas. As both individuals and the world around us evolve, revisiting influential texts allows us to gain new perspectives and insights. By revisiting the masters, we can deepen our understanding and apply their teachings in our lives.

4. Seek Book Recommendations from Admirable Individuals:
   Ralph Waldo Emerson once suggested that we ask individuals of rare intellect about their reading choices. By seeking book recommendations from people we admire, we open ourselves up to a diverse range of ideas and perspectives. If a book has profoundly impacted someone's life, regardless of the topic or style, it is likely worth exploring.

5. Learn from Others' Experiences:
   General James Mattis asserted that it is essential to read extensively to avoid functional illiteracy. Learning solely from our own experiences limits our growth and understanding. The experiences and wisdom of others, captured in books, offer valuable lessons that can guide us in our personal and professional lives. By studying history, philosophy, and other disciplines, we gain access to a wealth of knowledge and invaluable insights from those who came before us.

6. Overcoming a Reading Dry Spell:
   Sometimes, we may find ourselves in a reading slump. In such instances, revisiting a book that has resonated with us in the past can help reignite our passion for reading. The familiarity and connection to a cherished book can help us rediscover the joy and benefits of reading.

Connecting Reading and Community Engagement:
In addition to cultivating our reading habits, engaging with communities can have a profound impact on our lives. The concept of community return on investment (CROI) highlights the financial value gained from community investment. Just as marketing ROI is crucial for organizations, measuring CROI allows community functions to justify their investments and demonstrate accountability.

Different techniques can be employed to measure CROI, such as tracking incremental sales resulting directly from community involvement or measuring the difference in churn rates between active community members and non-participating customers. By understanding the financial impact of community engagement, organizations can allocate appropriate resources to community programs and activities.

Conclusion:
Reading and community engagement are powerful tools that can enhance our personal and professional growth. By adopting strategies like reading books we genuinely enjoy, curating our own collections of wisdom, seeking recommendations from admirable individuals, and learning from others' experiences, we can become better readers and individuals. Additionally, understanding the significance of CROI in community engagement allows organizations to make informed investment decisions and leverage the power of communities for their growth and success.

Actionable Advice:

1. Prioritize reading books that genuinely captivate you and abandon those that fail to engage you after a reasonable amount of time.
2. Start keeping a commonplace book to document quotes, passages, and insights from books that resonate with you.
3. Seek book recommendations from people you admire to broaden your reading choices and explore new perspectives.

Remember, reading and community engagement are lifelong pursuits that can enrich our lives and contribute to our personal and professional development.