How to Start Reading Everyday

March is National Reading Month.

Harry S. Truman has been quoted as saying, “Leaders are readers.” If you want to make reading a daily habit, one of the simplest ways to start is with daily reader books.

These “devotional” style books have a one-page reading for each day of the year. If it is March 1st, turn to that day and read that page.

While daily reading books often focus on religious or spiritual topics¹, there are many others out there that cover leadership, philosophy, and creativity. Here are some that I have read:

Leadership: The Maxwell Daily Reader (2007)

John Maxwell is a world-renowned leadership expert who has written over 70 books on the topic. He defines leadership as influence. Because we all have influence somewhere, we can all learn something from his work. In The Maxwell Daily Reader, he teaches, encourages, challenges, or prompts readers to become better leaders. Each daily reading includes an excerpt from one of his books that readers can apply to their own leadership.

Philosophy: The Daily Stoic (2016)

Stoicism is an ancient Greek school of philosophy that teaches the virtues of courage, discipline, justice, and wisdom. In Christian theology, these four virtues are also known as the “Cardinal Virtues.” Ryan Holiday has written extensively on Stoicism. In The Daily Stoic, Holiday discusses how this ancient philosophy is applicable to modern life. Each daily reading includes a quote from an ancient Stoic philosophy and a reflection from Holiday. There is also a supplementary journal available for readers to record their own reflections on the daily readings.

Creativity: The Daily Pressfield (2023)

Steven Pressfield was 53 years old when he published his first book, The Legend of Bagger Vance (1995). In addition to being a best-selling fiction author, he has also written several non-fiction books on creativity, including The War of Art (2002). In The Daily Pressfield, he guides readers through the creative process. Each daily reading includes a reflection on creativity, an encouragement to battle procrastination or imposter syndrome, or a tool that readers can use in their own creative process.

_{Originally posted on March 1, 2024. Last updated on October 6, 2025.}

---

1. If you want a daily reader on religion and spirituality start with the Book of Proverbs. ↩︎