The importance of reading and learning from the mistakes and successes of others

07/02/2023

Reading time:

In a world full of information and with an ever-accelerating pace, reading and learning by simulation or by learning about the mistakes and successes of others have become essential elements that give us a shortcut to achieving our goals.

We are talking about some tools that allow us to understand the world around us and adapt to it in an efficient way and without unnecessary suffering.

We have access to the Internet, that is, to an entire encyclopedia that we carry with us in our pockets, everywhere we go.

The information is unlimited, but we must learn to filter it very quickly. It’s impossible to be good at everything, that’s for sure. And at the same time, it is impossible to be able to read all the books from only one field, but lies from all fields.

However, reading is like a window to other people’s experiences and knowledge.

With every book we open, we have the opportunity to see the world through someone else’s eyes, to better understand their perspectives and learn from their experiences.

It is a way of experiencing, on a mental and emotional level, what others have already experienced.

One of the lessons I’ve learned and realized is that we don’t need to read books in their entirety, nor do we need to immerse ourselves in absorbing information to improve ourselves in all aspects of life.

Although reading is very beneficial, I believe that we must have periods of learning (that is, consumption) and periods of rest, when we act and put into practice what we have learned.

Education without action is useless. It’s nice that we learn things and feel good, inspired, motivated and educated after a good read. But as good as this is, it can also be a huge waste of time.

Learning through simulation or learning about the experiences of others

Instead of repeating the same mistakes others have already made, we can learn from them and adapt.

This allows us to avoid the suffering and costs associated with making mistakes and to continually improve our lives.

“Learn from the mistakes of others. You won’t have time to make them all yourself” – this is an old proverb that emphasizes this principle. Every mistake another person makes is an opportunity for us to learn and adapt.

But let’s not forget that reading is not just about learning and avoiding mistakes. It is also a source of inspiration, a way to enrich our imagination and expand our horizons.

Through books, we can travel to other worlds, explore new ideas, and live lives we might not otherwise experience.

So no matter where we are in our journey through life, reading and learning from the mistakes of others remain two of the most effective tools at our disposal.

By using them, we can develop, adapt, and above all, live richer and more fulfilling lives.

It’s not just a matter of being smarter or wiser – it’s a matter of being more human, being more connected to the world around us, and living to our fullest potential.

“I read over 500 pages a day. That makes all the difference.” – Warren Buffett, successful investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Buffett is known for his habit of spending much of the day reading.

So, whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or already have a well-defined route, this wave of knowledge is essential to keep you moving.

However, we must not forget that this ocean of information can quickly become a whirlpool that swallows us if we do not know how to set our compass well.

It is true, we have access to a vast universe of knowledge, but without clear purpose and discipline, we can easily be led adrift.

Reading, learning and applying knowledge in everyday life must be in balance, just like breathing – we breathe in new knowledge, then breathe out by applying it to concrete actions.

A balanced rhythm between the consumption of knowledge and its application allows us to sail confidently through the waves of life.

Just as each experience is unique, so too is each individual a unique way of learning and absorbing information. There is no right or wrong way to learn. The important thing is to discover our own rhythm, our own path.

Some of us may feel a stronger connection to non-fiction books, where they can be found in case studies and concrete examples.

Others, on the other hand, may find more inspiration in works of fiction, which can lead them on an imaginary journey through which they can explore the world and people from different perspectives.

But keeping in mind the 4 pillars of life, don’t immerse yourself only in business or fiction books, but also try to inform yourself about health and relationships.

Learning and reading have their charm because they are a journey that never ends, a path that allows us to develop and evolve, explore and discover, face new challenges and enjoy every success.

“I look at every book as an investment that can save me weeks of work.” – Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft. Gates is known for making time to read several books a year and even publishes a list of his reading recommendations.

So no matter which path you take, remember that every step you take is a step forward, a step towards a brighter future.

Reading and learning are not only tools to improve ourselves, but also the key to a fuller and more fulfilling life.

They are tools that help us to know ourselves better, to understand ourselves and the world in which we live.

How to read better

The first step is to identify your purpose.

Why are you reading?

You can read for pleasure, for learning, or both. Set a goal and you’ll have a guide to navigate through the great waves of texts and books.

Next, it’s essential to choose what you read carefully.

Not all information is valuable or relevant to you. Choose books or articles that align with your goals and interests.

Don’t judge a book by its cover, but don’t be fooled by extravagant titles and the fact that those books have become international bestsellers.

In recent years people have been putting out books just to get rich off of them, without much substance in their content.

Some of the best books to read are bibliographies, books by experts in their fields, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Walton, or others of their ilk.

And last but not least, practice active reading. Don’t just run your eyes over the page. Ask yourself what you have learned, underline the main ideas, and make summaries. Learning is an active process, not a passive one.

And don’t even read a book head-to-tail from the first one. Reading a book should be like relating to a human. Sometimes you go through only 5 minutes, other times you spend 4-5 hours reading.

You can skip chapters and pages without fear of missing relevant information. Eventually, you’ll come across the gold mine you’re looking for between the lines.

When not to read

While reading is beneficial, there are times when it may be better to take a break. When you feel tired or stressed, your body tells you it needs rest. In such moments, it is better to listen to your body and charge your batteries.

Also, you shouldn’t read just for the sake of reading. If you don’t enjoy what you read or find value in it, it may be better to change your reading or devote your time to other activities.

What to avoid reading

Avoid reading things that are not aligned with your values or goals. For example, if you aim to improve in a particular area, reading books that are not related to it would not be effective.

It is also good to avoid sources of poor-quality information. The internet is full of irrelevant, inaccurate, or misleading content.

Be selective with what you decide to read and learn. Learn to distinguish between reliable and non-reliable sources of information.

Therefore, reading is a journey full of discovery and learning, but knowing how to navigate and make the most of this journey is essential. Remember, every page turned is a step forward toward growth and development.