Throughout Comfortably Uncomfortable, there are references to and quotes from other writers. These, as is obvious from their inclusion in the book, informed and helped explain the philosophy that shapes my approach to personal growth. Some I sought out to support a point I knew I wanted to make. Some seemed to find me both before and during the writing of the book to reveal a point I needed to make.

My reading life has shaped me since I was very young. Hours spent shut away in my room reading provided one of the earliest and clearest indications of my introversion as well as my desire to expand myself beyond my small, rural world.

Reading has impacted me in many ways, and my growth in almost every way was strongly influenced by what I read. Though I’ve largely only referenced nonfiction in my book, fiction has also had an equally powerful impact.

First came Ralph, Charlotte, Lucy, and Aslan. Then The Fellowship, the answer to “life, the universe, and everything,” Harry, and Mark Watney. Today, these same genres still largely make up my reading for pleasure.

Since writing Comfortably Uncomfortable, several articles and a couple of books connected with its content to corroborate as well as deepen and expand many of my ideas. Some of them will likely show up in future books and posts.

One book, Slow Productivity, discusses many of the topics I discuss in Comfortably Uncomfortable but in deeper and more practical ways. It stimulated a pull toward fewer but deeper pursuits in my life.

Another, 12 Rules for Life, also discusses many of the same topics I write about but to far greater depth. Peterson does so from psychological, historical, sociological, and religious perspectives in ways I could not. He also challenges me to challenge my writing by considering ideas in deeper ways and from more perspectives.

Reading has been one of the primary ways for me to explore new ideas and the world before implementing change into my own life. Even fiction provides a way to see the value of interaction, connection, challenge, and growth. Whether or not you’re a reader, the benefit of reading for learning and even self-discipline is undeniable.

Reflection: What role has reading played in your life? Share in the comments below.

---

Enjoyed this post? Pass it along!

Deeper conversations are worth continuing! If this post resonated with you, share it with a friend or on your favorite social platform. It might spark something meaningful for someone else. If you’ve received this post from a friend and would like more thoughtful insights delivered straight to your inbox, sign up here to receive regular posts.