Committing to a three book diet

I’ve been invited–and you’re being invited now–to take part in a challenge of reading only three books over the next year.

Whose idea is this, anyway? And why would I want to even THINK about joining such a challenge?

Three books in one year? Are you kidding me? Who DOES that?!

For me, this challenge was a God-send. I have needed “permission” to stop the feeling that I need to feed my mind with book after book after book so that I can keep up with the world. I tend to buy books that I see recommended in my circles online and they almost always end up collecting dust on my bookshelf. Therefore, allow me to face my reality, if only for a moment:

How many books have I read resonated enough that I have been able to take something–anything!–away from it and use it to my advantage, whether it was for personal purpose or career-related?

Chris Brogan feels similarly, and that’s why he established this “3 Book Diet.”

On his blog, he says:

My reasons for trying this is because I’d like to see just how deeply I can go in my practice and experiences by revisiting the text of three books over and over. I’d like to see if I can implement what I’ve learned deeply enough for it to matter to my life. I want my choices to influence my success in my life.

How will the three book diet work?

We’ll choose three books to read from November 1, 2012 until November 1, 2013. We’ll read only these books for an entire year, implementing what we can. If you want to share links to your posts about your experiences, join us on Twitter–you can commit to your three book diet by including #3bd in your tweets. After you start, you have ONLY ONE WEEK to change your mind on ONLY ONE TITLE, so after that, you’re locked in; choose wisely! (Students have permission to read outside of the 3 books, but ONLY for school.)

What books am I choosing?

The Money Smart Family System: Teaching Financial Independence to Children of Every Age

New York Times best-selling authors Steve and Annette Economides raised their five kids while spending 77 percent less than the USDA predicted. And the money they did spend was also used to train their children to become financially independent. The MoneySmart Family System will show you how to teach your children to manage money and have a good attitude while they’re learning to earn, budget, and spend wisely. With clear steps for children of every age, The MoneySmart Family System proves that it’s never too early, too late, or too hard to start learning financial responsibility.

I chose to read this book because I am looking for a solid money system to work on with my kids. As a single parent for the past several years, I’ve been terribly irresponsible about saving money and following a budget. My heart has always been focused on “treating” my kids (and myself, sometimes) to material things that don’t matter in the grand scheme of life, instead of saving for emergencies and staying ahead of the game. I’d like to change that and become a better example for my kids and open up more doors to opportunities for us that haven’t been there before.

The One Year Family Devotions

The One Year Family Devotions offers a full year’s worth of delightful stories and relevant Bible passages to boost your family’s devotion time. Since the Scripture verses—taken from the eminently readable New Living Translation—are printed alongside the stories, this book is all you’ll need. It also includes a “How about You?” section to personalize each lesson, a Scripture memory verse, and a handy two- to five-word summary of the day’s message.

I chose to read this book because, along with wanting to become more disciplined in money management, I want to work on being a better example of a Christian for my kids. I want to give them the knowledge of God’s unconditional love and I want to solidify my beliefs with them.

The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future

In The $100 Startup, Chris Guillebeau shows you how to lead of life of adventure, meaning and purpose – and earn a good living. There are many others like Chris – those who’ve found ways to opt out of traditional employment and create the time and income to pursue what they find meaningful.  Sometimes, achieving that perfect blend of passion and income doesn’t depend on shelving what you currently do.  You can start small with your venture, committing little time or money, and wait to take the real plunge when you’re sure it’s successful.

In ancient times, people who were dissatisfied with their lives dreamed of finding magic lamps, buried treasure, or streets paved with gold.  Today, we know that it’s up to us to change our lives.  And the best part is, if we change our own life, we can help others change theirs.  This remarkable book will start you on your way.

I picked this book because I’m at a certain age of life where I need to read inspirational stories about people living the life they’ve always wanted to live. I’m interested in starting my own virtual assistant and freelance writing business and I need a compass–some sort of direction. I believe this book will be that tool for me, which will help me reinvent the way I make a living, help me do what I love, and create a new future for me and my family.

What about YOU? Will you join us on this 3 book diet challenge? If so, tell me in the comments what books you’ll be reading. If you are not joining in, tell me why you won’t.

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