The legacy of reading wanes as popular media entices young (and old) minds.  With the advent of communication tools like Twitter, Facebook and text messaging, I join Sven Birkerts who prophetically saw the eventual trivialization of careful reading we were taught to love as young students in light of electronic tools.  On the other hand, we have ready access to full-text books and documents in readily consumable format with light-weight readers.  The culture of learning depends on those who are willing and able to lead out in adopting the new technologies for enjoyment, while remaining true to the discipline and love of reading and learning.  I encourage you to focus on reading classic literature, accessing reference and anecdotal materials as appropriate, and encouraging young students to not miss the brilliance and insight of those who happened to write prior to today's tools. 

Your comments are welcome! 

 On my summer reading list, this book is old (2001!), but has great insights for authentic living and leading.  It is expertly summarized here, in case you're too busy to read it.  The basic idea is that the original drive and playfulness of youth can be the catalyst for positive leadership.  Using examples such as Martha Stewart, HP, John MacKay, Steve Jobs and others, the author focuses on how real leaders won't mind shaking things up a bit on the way to success and profitability.

 

1. I wrote a learning plan out for myself, following the advice of the author of a recent book.  I got one of those smaller 3-ring binders with sections.  The purpose is to map out what I am learning, what I want to study next and references.  A written plan for adult learning is a GOOD idea.

2.  Listen to audio books.  I am listening to one or two books at any given time on my iPhone.  I use Amazon.com and Audible.com for subscriptions.  This doesn't replace traditional reading for me, but it does augment it.  A great feature of the headphone jack for iPhone (I use "Skull-Candy" brand) is the button on the headset (to answer calls and hang up) also starts and stops the iPod portion of the phone, picking up exactly where it was left off, no matter when it was last accessed.  

3.  Keep a notepad handy at all times.  Sketch out ideas, take notes, and discover the benefit of a cheap "exocortex". 

4.  Read Carol Dweck, PhD., "Mindset" -- in it she describes two main ideas of learners: those with "fixed" notions of learning and knowledge, and those with a "growth" pattern.   Short version: a fixed mindset says that ability and intellect are set; repeating an exercise reveals our inferiority, so we don't take risks.  We have a fear of failure.  When unsuccessful, we eventually lose interest and stop trying. This is bad.  A "Growth" mindset says that intellect and abilities increase with effort.  We do NOT hide deficiencies, but adopt strategies for improvement.  We enjoy challenges and making progress.  We are resillient after setbacks.  This is good.  Our potential to learn and grow is unlimited.  Everyone can cultivate ability and creativity (perhaps at different rates).

5.  Listen to alternative music.  I listen to electronic ambient music -- no words.  This lets my mind wander and explore ideas.  I don't want to sing along to familiar songs.  I want to innovate and increase consciousness.  Specifically, I listen to "Groove Salad", a free internet radio station, using Winamp (on my laptop), and "ShoutCast" app on my iPhone.

6.  Set up your creative environment.  Look at where you work (I often work 'remotely', so it could be a bookstore, Starbucks, the library, the office or someone's living room).  But at home, I have a special place for creative work, ("the library").  There I have the best books, a comfortable chair, ambient lighting, pens, pencils and other comfort items to spur my thinking and let me focus.  There's a good stereo system (but I prefer headphones most of the time), a flatscreen t.v. (I hook it to the laptop with HDMI when working with clients), a leather couch.  I bring in hot tea.  Environment is important.

7.  More later?  Let me know your thoughts.  I have a lot more.

 

Books I am reading: "This is Your Brain on Music" -- the third book similar to this on my bookshelf; by Dan Levitin.  Excellent treatment of why and how we get benefit from listening to music and how everyone can do it more effectively.  

 

That's right, I am working on a novel.  This is one of those huge projects that looks easy when you start.  But, I have said for years that I want to write a novel, so real work has begun.  The story involves a group of college students who discover an ancient device that alters consciousness.  They discover more than they bargain for when they seek to understand its purpose and meaning.