My resolution for last year was to read a book a week. I made this resolution because it dawned
upon me that if I lived to my statistically expected life expectancy, I only
had about 40 years left. And in 40
years, that meant I’d only read another 2080 books in my life, if I
managed to read a book a week that entire time. Out of all the millions of books in the world, only 2080
more to go, and that many only if I was super diligent about reading a book a
week? Better make that two books a
week!!!
Happily, I kept my resolution, completing 56 books in 52
weeks last year. Doing so taught
me several important things. One,
achievement required constant, disciplined attention to the task. If I slacked off for even a week or
two, catching up required herculean efforts. I soon realized that my goal was only going to be met if was
disciplined, and worked towards excellence every day.
Second, even though reading is a solitary endeavor, I was
helped towards my goal by many people.
Dozens of people gave me great book recommendations. Many more offered encouragement. And one true friend suffered through
reading a monthly book report, which kept me accountable to someone for
completing my task and where I could share my thoughts on my reading. My “team” made me better than I was
alone.
Third, and most importantly, I learned that I should do
something worthwhile with every limited minute that I have. Rather than wasting time playing Guitar
Hero, I could be reading. And
through reading, I could broaden my mind, live multiple lives in multiple
places, and rehearse empathy by living the emotional lives of others.
If I knew now to constantly read, I would have had a book holster to draw a book in my spare moments. I would have the quickest knowledge on the block. Be disciplined, Luther Ultimate, and work towards excellence
every day. Be great individually,
but be greater as a team. And do
something worthwhile with every precious minute that you
have.
David Lietz
Washington D.C. Lawyer
Luther Board of Regents
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