143: How a Re-Reading Mindset Can Sharpen Your Wisdom as You Age

I recently joined Ryan Holiday's Read to Lead program. The stoic philosophy writer, speaker, and independent bookstore owner believes that leading an impactful life begins with being well-read.

One of the program's modules involves re-reading a book you love. The reasoning behind Holiday's encouragement follows the theme of the quote from Greek philosopher, Plutarch, "It is not possible to step into the same river twice."

What I read a few years ago will likely land differently than when I first read it. That's the way wisdom and its acquisition works.

Wisdom is an ever flowing river that combines your experiences with your ability to extract a new perspective, insight, or discovery from life...and, of course, the books you read.

I'll go on record as an advocate for reading—and I'm primarily talking books, to the exclusion of overindulging in social media, newsfeeds, and online articles.

Wisdom is the ongoing result of bringing fresh eyes and an open mind to your experiences.

It's essential that you re-read your life trajectory as if re-reading a book. Consider the wisdom you've gained along the way how it has improved, proves worthy an evaluation, and introduces you to new discoveries.

Improve upon what you've learned

In the process or re-reading a book I loved, I'm filtering my current life experiences through ideas and concepts I highlighted and ear-marked for future reference. I'm finding some previously marked quotations that remain useful and compelling. But I'm also realizing that I've improved in areas that once needed some attention.

To this day, I use the read and re-read principles in conversations, coaching opportunities, and moments when the principles are relevant. That's a sign that I've internalized the concepts and ideas—and that's improvement any way you look at it.

Whether re-reading a book or reflecting on where you stand in wisdom-based improvement be ever-aware of how you're putting into practice what you read, reflect on, or newly discover.

Evaluate how you've grown

What's measured improves. Evaluation is simply a deeper measurement.

Evaluating your growth is not only observing the changes you've made but getting beneath the surface to attach meaning to the methods you've used in your growth process.

As a runner, I know that stamina increases with miles logged. But the deeper evaluation of my training would point to pacing, diet, rest, and running consistency.

Points of evaluation are your wisdom growth-markers.

• Get beneath the surface of your growth or read between-the-lines and pick up on the themes contributing to your growth.
• Ask yourself harder questions if you want to develop physical and emotional stamina and longevity as you age. Look for the "why?" answer.

Stay open to new discoveries

The person who's not open or teachable will not grow or develop the wisdom that accompanies growth.

I approach most books I read or re-read with an open mind because there's always some contrarian point of view that might stretch my thinking.

The open-minded moments are where you fill the gaps in your thinking, your experiences, and growth potential. Beware of being so open-minded that you lose your mind in the process - that's gullibility not wisdom.

• Be teachable
• Be practical
• Be curious

That's a responsive trio that will expand your mind and your wisdom.

Commit to a re-reading mindset because the wisdom you acquire by reading, re-reading, or life experiences, in general, will enhance your aging journey and longevity.

Press on...

Eddie