Over the years I have developed a reading routine that I want to pass along to you. Because I love to read I could easily get caught up in reading only contemporary fiction, Christian teaching, or Psychology. However, in order to discipline myself and to broaden my horizons, I have established the following reading plan. I read at least one book from each of the following categories:

• Classic Fiction
• Apologetics
• Biographies/History
• Psychology/Counseling/Life Coaching
• Contemporary Fiction
• Motivational

I started this reading plan in 2022 and have been consistent with it ever since. I am reading books and gaining insights that I would never have gained otherwise.

As you can see, I include at least one book a year written by a motivational speaker/writer. These might include books by John Maxwell, Norman Vincent Peale, John O’Leary, Gary Keller, and others. Here’s the thing: I’d say in at least 80% of these books there is some reference to the benefits of developing routines in our lives. I will agree 100% with this idea.

Why am I sharing this reading plan discipline with you? Because I want you to gain the same kinds of benefits by establishing your own form of self-discipline(s). In fact, I want to encourage you to start a new discipline in the next few months. I know that the holiday season is rapidly approaching and that it can be hard to squeeze something new into our already busy days. But even if you don’t begin a new routine in the next few weeks or months, you can look to the New Year and have your plans in place for January 1!

Here’s what I’m planning for myself. Since I already have somewhat of a morning routine I plan to get more specific in how I spend my morning hours. Right now my morning consists of coffee (absolutely!), reading the morning news, my Bible reading and exercise (currently at 4 days per week). My goals include writing my blog twice a week rather than sporadically, getting more specific in my reading plan to include more of the topics that I haven’t been reading as much, and spending time each work day researching (which will include counseling, coaching, and material for my next book. My first book, Becoming An Inviting Target: Steps You can take to make yourself more loveable will be available soon on Amazon.)

I find that spelling out my personal objectives helps me accomplish them. I usually have a to-do list for things around the house which also helps me keep things in mind and get them done…most of the time!

So, what will you do do develop a new routine? It might be getting projects done around the house. Or, focusing on new ways to show your love to someone important to you. Maybe you want to write a book. Or poetry. Maybe you want to develop a new discipline toward your own reading plan.

Please get this: I am not talking about New Year’s Resolutions! Would it be fair to say that, on average, 100% of resolutions fail? How many weight loss plans are sold in December to well-intentioned people who don’t follow through? And how many pieces of exercise equipment end up collecting dust? No, I want you to think in terms of a new and important routine that will make a difference for you and maybe those around you. Plan now for it to be your new ROUTINE. Map it out. Be intentional. Decide what you want to accomplish and why. Gather resources if needed. Start allocating finances where necessary. Perhaps enlist your mate, best friend or family member.

I want to look back at the end of next year and see all that I have accomplished. I could do nothing new and be okay. Or, I can enact a new routine and see more and better things in the New Year. You can, too! If you want to join in this pursuit send me a note about what you plan to begin and when. We can encourage one another.

And if you want help and support it might benefit you to work with me as your Life Coach. Whether its Marriage & Family, Leadership, Men’s Roles, etc. we can work together to help you reach your goals!

Chuck Phillips, Licensed Christian Pastoral Counselor, N.C.C.A. Board Certified Advanced Christian Life Coach, I.B.C.C.

LifeChoicesCLC.Com LifeChoicesCLC@gmail.com 573-280-5093