The Benefits of Reading or Listening to Something Educational

Why Learning Matters Every Day

In today’s busy world, it’s easy to let personal learning slip down the priority list. But making time to read a book, listen to a podcast, or watch an educational video can be one of the most powerful ways to grow — both personally and professionally.

Whether you spend 10 minutes a day with a book or listen to an audiobook on your commute, continuous learning helps sharpen your mind, broaden your horizons, and open doors to new opportunities.

Benefits of Reading or Listening to Something Educational

1. Expands Knowledge and Skills

Educational material exposes you to new ideas, techniques, and perspectives. For example:

• Reading a book on finance can help you manage your money more effectively.

• Listening to a podcast on leadership can improve your communication at work.

2. Boosts Brainpower

Just like exercise strengthens your muscles, reading and listening strengthen your brain. They improve memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills.

3. Encourages Personal Growth

Educational content challenges your thinking and helps you step outside your comfort zone. It can inspire you to adopt new habits, set goals, or reframe challenges more positively.

4. Saves Time and Multiplies Learning

Podcasts and audiobooks make it possible to learn while walking, driving, or doing chores. You can turn “downtime” into “learning time.”

5. Reduces Stress and Increases Focus

Reading or listening to something uplifting or practical can shift your mindset away from worry and toward solutions and growth.

The Role of the Reticular Activating System (RAS)

The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is a bundle of nerves in your brainstem that acts like a filter for information. Every second, your brain is bombarded with millions of pieces of data — but you can only consciously process a fraction of it.

The RAS decides what gets through. It focuses your attention on what you consider essential. For example:

• If you start reading about business opportunities, your RAS will tune into conversations, articles, or adverts related to entrepreneurship.

• If you listen to content on mindfulness, you’ll start noticing moments in your day where you can pause and breathe.

By feeding your mind with educational material, you effectively “prime” your RAS to notice more opportunities that align with your goals.

Examples of Educational Content to Try

• Books: Atomic Habits by James Clear (habits), Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman (decision-making).

• Podcasts: The Daily Stoic (philosophy and mindset), The Ed Mylett Show (personal growth).

• Audiobooks: biographies of inspiring leaders, guides on productivity, or psychology texts.

• Online learning: TED Talks, YouTube tutorials, or short online courses.

Final Thoughts

Reading or listening to educational content is more than a way to pass the time; it’s an investment in your growth. It fuels your brain with new knowledge, shifts your perspective, and activates your Reticular Activating System to spot opportunities that move you closer to your goals.

Even just 10–15 minutes a day can make a massive difference over time. What you feed your mind shapes your focus — and your focus shapes your future.

You can choose to spend your time watching trash or educate yourself; the power is in your hands.

I know this works. At the age of 21 years, I became the youngest person in the UK to achieve an international professional qualification. And to take on a role typically requiring a minimum of 25 years of experience, due to meeting the educational standard. I achieved this by focusing every day for a year on studying, not partying. My earnings increased fivefold, making it a year well spent. I still listen to educational material and various opinions/views.