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Shareef Abdur-Rahim

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The Transformative Power of Reading

The Transformative Power of Reading

Life’s journey is filled with challenges and obstacles. I gain inspiration and motivation from a number of different sources–my personal board of directors, my family, and my faith all provide me with deep wells of support. Beyond that, reading has served as a source of guidance, knowledge, and inspiration throughout my adult life.

I never thought I would enjoy reading as much as I do, but as I grow older, I have come to realize the transformative power of books.

Reading has shaped me both personally and professionally–it has expanded my perspective, helped me develop critical thinking skills, and allowed me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. For myself, and, I’m sure, many others reading is a source of inspiration and motivation, guiding us along this journey and empowering us to keep pushing forward.

Through the experiences, triumphs, and failures, of others, we can begin to form our very own library of wisdom. We can learn from people who have come before us and gain insights into how we can navigate our own lives.

A Library of Perspectives

Books aren’t just words on paper; they’re portals to diverse worlds and perspectives. Autobiographies from historical figures such as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela have allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of their struggles, values, and motivations—and, in turn, the power of resilience and determination.

I recently read Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin–it served as a powerful reminder of the importance of surrounding oneself with a diverse team and the strength that comes from working together in pursuit of a common goal.

Life in the G: Minor League Basketball and the Relentless Pursuit of the NBA by Alex Squadron is another book that spoke to me recently. In it, he dove into the history of the G League as well as the current environment after spending a year with one of our teams. Through this book, I gained a renewed admiration for how far the league and our players had come. I was able to appreciate aspects of the game and players’ lives that continue to evolve.

Reading has also allowed me to connect with people from different backgrounds and experiences, expanding my understanding and empathy for others. Through books, I have traveled to different countries, experienced different cultures, and gained a greater appreciation for the world around me.

A Journey Toward Personal Growth

Lastly, reading has been a journey towards personal growth for me. It’s allowed me to reflect on my own beliefs, values, and goals in life. It has challenged me to think critically about the world around me and how I can make a positive impact.

Books have also served as a form of self-care for me—a way to disconnect from the “busy-ness” and stress of daily life and focus on my own personal growth. Whether it’s through fiction, non-fiction, or personal development books, reading has provided me with an escape and a source of inspiration.

Gaining Momentum in Your Reading Journey

If you’re not already an avid reader, I highly encourage you to start your own reading journey. It doesn’t matter what genre or type of books—just find something that speaks to you and dive in.

What and who do you find interesting?

What do you want to learn more about?

These are great places to start.

As you may have guessed, I enjoy learning about people and their journeys. So, my library consists of a combination of biographies, personal development, and historical non-fiction.

However, everyone’s reading journey is unique. Don’t feel pressured to read certain types of books or in a specific way—just enjoy the process and let it guide you toward personal growth.

Closing Thoughts

Reading has been an integral part of my journey.

And I know life gets busy. I get quite a bit of my own reading done during my commute or traveling for work.

It takes commitment, but the rewards are immeasurable.

A Catalyst for Action

It’s not just about absorbing information, but about taking action and implementing what we learn.

The inclusive leadership style of Abraham Lincoln, described in Team of Rivals, has influenced my approach to collaboration. The strategic thinking and patience gleaned from Nelson Mandela’s journey have inspired thoughtful and considerate decision-making. Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power granted me insight into the leadership styles of some of history’s most prominent figures and shaped my understanding of power dynamics.

Reading has played a significant role in shaping me personally and professionally, and I believe it can have a similar impact on anyone who opens themselves up to it.

So here’s my challenge to you—pick up a book, read a chapter, even just a few pages every day. You never know where it may take you on your own journey toward personal growth and transformation.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: Reading

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About Shareef
Abdur-Rahim

You might know me as a former NBA athlete. During my 12-year career as a pro athlete, I played for the Vancouver Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Sacramento Kings. I was also a member of the U.S. Olympics Men’s Basketball Team that won gold in 2000.

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