“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
? Dr. Seuss
If you’ve been paying any attention to the news over the last few years, the general consensus seems to agree the act of reading is in decline. As avid readers and authors, the statistics make Marc and I cringe sometimes. But we’re optimistic for another reason.
Why? A readership catastrophe is really just a leadership opportunity. In other words, for people who know how to respond effectively, any “catastrophe” is just another way of saying “there’s an opportunity for improvement here.”
Marc and I have been avid readers for decades: self-improvement, business, history, spirituality, philosophy, current events, fiction, and then some. Most people think of us as writers, but we know the only way to be a good writer is to be a great reader first. Reading has enabled us to learn and grow into the leadership roles we fill today via our blog, book and course/coaching.
We’re not alone either. We know very few leaders who are uninterested in reading, regardless of their industry or profession. And many of them read even more frequently than we do.
The bottom line is that all readers are likely to become leaders in some capacity, even if they are simply leaders within their families and close social circles, or leaders of their own peace of mind and happiness. And with reading in decline, readers possess a comparative advantage in all walks of life.
The biggest advantage that reading gives us, I think, is the fact that it’s one of the most efficient ways to acquire new information, and we all need a lot of everyday information to keep things in perspective and seize good opportunities. But reading does more than just give us a new set of tools for thinking; it actually upgrades all of our existing intellectual tools as well, especially our problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
As readers, we not only learn more, but we are also more proficient at deciphering misinformation – our habit of reading gradually improves our judgment. And being able to correctly size up a situation is crucial for being effective at whatever we’re doing.
Speaking for myself, I know my reading habit has sharpened my edge. I’m always enamored when I’m working on a puzzling issue and some out-of-left-field piece of information comes to mind from something I’ve read that helps me put all the pieces together.
So with the importance of reading in mind, it’s time to read or re-read our 12 most popular posts (based on the number of reader views, social shares and comments) from this past year. If you give them a chance, each one of these quick reads has the power to change the way you think, live and love, so you can stay on track to living at your greatest potential…
- 12 Little Known Laws of Gratitude (That Will Change Your Life) – When Marc and I discus the importance of gratitude with our coaching/course students, we often get a “Yeah, yeah, I know…” response. But the truth is, most of us don’t know – because we’re forgetful. In the haste of our busy lives we neglect many of the basic laws of gratitude, and thus miss out entirely on their positive effects. This post is a good refresher, for all of us.
- 9 Things You Should Do Every Day Before 9 A.M. – The morning is enormously important. It’s the foundation from which the day is built. How you choose to spend your morning can be used to predict the kind of day you’re going to have. I’ve changed my mornings, so they work for me and not against me, with just a few simple rituals. And I’ve shared these morning rituals with thousands of coaching clients/students over the years, and many of them come back to me a month or two later and say, “Thank you!” Perhaps they will help you as well.
- 8 Toxic Beliefs Most People Think Are Normal – It’s not the circumstances of our lives that shape us, but our beliefs about what those circumstances mean. If you can relate to any of the toxic beliefs discussed in this article, you are not alone. We all have unhealthy thoughts and tendencies buried deep within us that have the potential to sneak up on us sometimes. The key is awareness – recognizing these beliefs and fixing them before they work their way into your daily routines.
- 7 Things You Should Insist On No Matter What People Say – Through a decade of life, relationship, and small business coaching, I’ve witnessed people reinventing themselves at all ages – 48-year-olds starting families, 57-year-olds graduating from college for the first time, 71-year-olds starting successful businesses, and so forth. How did they do it? They insisted upon making changes, and they followed through. You can follow in their footsteps.
- 10 Things Self-Loving People Do Differently – The most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself. For me, shifting from self-loathing to self-love has been profoundly healing. Now I see happy, successful people and I smile, knowing that their lives are products of a series of decisions that support their well-being. Here’s what they do differently.
- 5 Things to Remember When Someone You Love is Depressed – There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds. Marc and I have worked with dozens of depressed people over the years, and we have experienced bouts of depression ourselves. One thing I am certain of is that there’s no “one size fits all” kind of advice for depression. The reminders in this post aren’t universal clarifications, but simple guidelines that will hopefully give you a general starting point for helping your depressed loved one cope and heal, gradually.
- 10 Life-Changing Tips for Highly Sensitive People – Highly sensitive people are too often perceived as weak or broken. But to feel intensely is not a symptom of weakness, it is the characteristic of a truly alive and compassionate human being. It is not the sensitive person who is broken, it is society’s understanding that has become dysfunctional and emotionally incapacitated. There is zero shame in expressing your authentic feelings. Those who are at times described as being ‘too emotional’ or ‘complicated’ are the very fabric of what keeps the dream alive for a more thoughtful, caring, humane world. Never be ashamed to let your feelings, smiles and tears shine a light in this world.
- 5 Ways to Stop Worrying About What Everyone Thinks of You – You could spend the whole year worrying about what other people think of you, but it wouldn’t get you anywhere. Over a century ago, social psychologist Charles Cooley identified the phenomenon of the “looking-glass self,” which is when we believe “I am not what I think I am, and I am not what you think I am – I am what I think that you think I am.” This kind of external validation has insecurity at its core, and relying on it for even a short time chips away at our sense of self-worth and self-confidence.
- 10 Things to Remember About Toxic Family Members – Family is supposed to be our safe haven. Sometimes, however, it’s the place where we find the deepest heartache. Letting go of (or breaking up with) a toxic friend, boyfriend or girlfriend is one thing, and there’s plenty of advice out there for doing so, but what about letting go of a toxic family member? That’s the sensitive topic we cover in this post.
- 4 Toxic Behaviors that Tear Couples Apart – The best relationships are the best not because they have always been the happiest, but because they have stayed strong through the mightiest of storms. Over the years, through our coaching practice and premium course, Marc and I have worked with thousands of individuals and couples looking to fix their failing relationships, and we’ve learned a lot about what it takes to make this happen.
- 5 Powerful Rituals of Mentally Strong People – Nothing can dim the light which shines from within. Realize this. Realize that your mind is strong enough to cope with any circumstance that crosses your path. And you don’t have to be born mentally strong either. You can develop this vital trait with practice. Here are five key things people with remarkable mental strength do daily.
- 40 Powerful Mantras to Help You Think Positive – When things go wrong, don’t go with them. When you feel negativity creeping up inside you, I challenge you to replace your negative thoughts and words with positive alternatives. Take a look at the quotes from this post that we’ve selected from our blog archive. Pick one (or more) of them that relates to your present troubles, and use it as a mantra by repeating it to yourself when you need it most.
Closing Thoughts
A special thanks goes out to each of you for making 2015 an incredible year for Marc and me. This blog (and the mom and pop business it supports) continues to grow each year beyond our wildest expectations. And this growth has occurred entirely from the direct support of readers like you.
So thank you for reading and sharing our work with others this past year. But even more than that, thank you for sharing the belief that living a happy, fulfilling life is worth the effort.
Here are just a few successful happenings – business and personal – that Marc and I are thankful for as we close the door on 2015:
- Our Newsletter (subscribe here) now unites and inspires over 135,000 positive living advocates around the world.
- Our book, 1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently, has sold over 30,000 copies.
- Our coaching course, Getting Back to Happy, has over 600 students actively working together to improve their lives.
- Our live seminar, Think Better, Live Better, taking place this January in Austin sold out (digital tickets/recordings are still available and half price).
- Our son, Mac, is now walking, talking and expressing himself with the cutest toddler antics imaginable.
- We successfully settled down in South Florida and are now celebrating our first holiday season in our new home with our extended family.
Looking forward to the goodness 2016 has in store, for all of us…
Your turn…
How about you? What happened in 2015 that you are thankful for? In what way are you looking forward to improving your life in 2016? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
Gina says
I am grateful I found your blog this past February. Love your posts and your book. You’re a big source of motivation to me as I regroup after the loss of a loved one. Keep up the great work. You’re making a big difference in my life.
In 2016, I’m looking forward to implementing even more of the sound principles I have learned from your teachings. I just enrolled in your happiness course last night, and I’m looking forward to what that means for me and my daughters.
Marc Chernoff says
Gina, thank you for the kindness. We’re looking forward to working with you in 2016. Happy New Year!
Jan Ramsey Brick says
2015 was the year of huge and unexpected changes for me and I’m grateful!
– I left a job of 23 years and despite a big loss of income, I couldn’t be happier.
– We purged our home of at least 1/2 (probably more) of its “stuff”.
– We sold our big home and downsized to an apartment half the size (and love it!)
– I’ve been introduced to an online community that I didn’t know even existed and I’m learning so many wonderful things. I’m looking forward to reading all of the posts you have listed above.
2016 is starting off with a trip to Austin to experience your event, Think Better, Live Better, and I am psyched!
Thanks Angel and Marc. I am looking forward to seeing you next weekend.
Jan
Marc Chernoff says
Congrats on all the positive life changes you’ve made this past year. Truly inspiring!
See you in Austin, Jan!
Jamie S. says
As always, great work, Angel & Marc. Have a happy happy New Year!
Kevin says
Dear Marc & Angel,
Like Gina, Jan and Jamie, I truly appreciate your body of work.
Please keep up what you’re doing, and know that you are making a positive difference in many lives!
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!
Sharon says
Powerful stuff, Marc and Angel! And cheers to being a reader! I’m sincerely looking forward to reading these articles again, because they are worth another read.
Thank you for everything! The positive, honest guidance you both give is infectious. I am thankful for you and people like you who have the guts to put themselves in the spotlight for everyone else’s personal growth. May the year ahead bless you.
Dani says
Thanks so much for this post, the ideas and book recommendations will be added to my Reading Depository list 🙂
Things I have been grateful for this year:
1. My loving and supportive friends and family for propping me up when my husband of 15 years left me in June
2. My 10 year old son for being my best mate – and shining light – through the darkest days
3. My mother who has taught me some of life’s hardest but most fruitful lessons. She is in terminal stage of cancer.
4. Myself. The challenges I faced in 2015 reminded me how strong I am and that I CAN depend on myself, no matter what.
Happy new year to you all, may 2016 bring forth joy, love and happiness.
Rosemarie says
Thank you for a wonderful blog. I love reading it and find it very insightful – always seems to speak to me when I need it. I am very grateful for the wonderful work you both are doing – thank you and may 2016 be replete with abundance in your lives.
Hardeep says
Angel, you and Marc have been great and have changed my thoughts for the better this past year. Your emails are easy to understand and give me a true positive perspective on life.
I wish you a great 2016,
Hardeep
Sujing says
Hi Marc and Angel, I began reading your blogs every morning on my way to work few months ago and this has drastically changed my mood despite of what kind of commute experience I encountered. I arrive at work more focused and happier. Thank you for making the reading enjoyable. Happy New Year!
garima says
2015 has been a year of freedom for me – from Doing to Being!! I am deeply grateful for everything and everyone who is part of my journey. I found the courage to leave a corporate career, shave my head off , do Vipassana, enjoy solitude….. have simplified life, relationships and allowing myself to stay open to immense possibilities that lie ahead… your blog has been very inspiring and whenever I had doubts, the right message popped in to my mailbox with huge synchronicity… thanks and Have a beautiful 2016.
sarah says
thank you guys for the wonderful advice provided in your blog. after leaving my religion, it left a lot of stuff to deal with. now I’m in a much better place than I have been for a long time. there still stuff to work on, but I’m much happier. and can be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend to those who stuck around. I wish and hope the best for both of you and your family. Because of your work 2016 is going to be a lot better than the past thirty some years.
Dana Thompson says
Hooray for reading!! My husband and I are both avid readers and not a day goes by that you won’t find one, or usually both of us, with our noses in a book. Hubby loves music biographies and history books. I love self-help, business, biographies of strong women, the occasional novel, and history books.
This year I completed my Master of Arts in Leadership degree and took a two week dream trip to England. I also was gifted an early 1950s pink typewriter, something I’ve coveted for a long, long time, and it spawned a whole happiness project with one of my best friends. We started in October and the response has been overwhelmingly positive!
Wishing you both a wonderful, healthy, and prosperous new year!! Thanks for all you do. I’ve been enjoying your posts immensely!
Sara says
I love love love your blog. Do you have any self development books you recommend reading? A book list of books that inspire you?
Julie says
I am grateful I did not die in February 2015 when I awoke on an ventilator after an intentional overdose of alcohol and antidepressants. I had no idea my life could be all that it has become up to this day of New Year’s Eve 2016….. if I had died I would have missed so much good in my life…but I didn’t know that in February 2015.. I am grateful, so grateful today.
Braja Patnaik says
Thanks for spreading happiness, enthusiasm and positivity through your words and site. Wish you a great 2016!!
Armen Shirvanian says
Hey Marc and Angel.
You two are rolling and it is great. I met someone a while back who mentioned your stuff, which I have known of for years since I started my site in 2008. It is good.
You represent a positive theme of listicles and consistency. You could call it consisticles.
I look forward to more and possibly connecting in 2016.
saurav says
Thanks Angel. This post was awesome. I followed many of the resources and regretted that I missed them so far in life. So glad I’ve found them now.
Dhan Paul E. Aguilar says
Happy New Year Marc and Angel! 😀 I live in Philippines. I’m so happy reading all the time your productive and inspiring writings. It makes my life easier. I’ve been reading your blog since 2014. Just keep continue writing and inspire all the people in the world. Thank you so much! <3
Neeta says
Angel,
Thanks so much for sharing this compilation of some of the gems !
Lyndsay says
Fantastic list of reads! I’ve saved it for reference as I want to read them all. This year I discovered audiobooks, which I find is the perfect way to get through lots of books – quickly! I’ll see if any of these have audio versions.
Thanks again for the great list.
Lyndsay
Angel Chernoff says
Thank you, everyone. Marc and I are looking forward what 2016 has in store, for all of us.
Cheers to positive growth and the next step!
tiffany harrison says
Thank you for all you do. Just a friendly reminder to keep your posts on the shorter side. I love them but sometimes I get behind. It is helpful when I can read them quickly then start my day! It defeats the purpose when the long ones stress me out because of the time it takes to read them or if it is to much info to absorb at one time.
mahmur marganti says
Thanks, your post was awesome
janica says
I am so happy I got to read your posts. They are all inspiring and wonderful to read. Have a blessed and awesome 2016! 🙂
Glenn says
After losing my girlfriend in February on my birthday to a Suicide everything was falling apart. I believe she became my guardian angel and somehow a week or so later she put your email in my box & I started reading your blogs. Thanks for all your help you have inspired me to continue on & not blame myself for her decision. With the anniversary coming up in a few weeks I know it will be emotional.