ForgeX Celebrates World Book Day: Leveraging Daily Commutes for Learning and Growth

A Personal Message from Natasha Anderson, Co-founder and CEO of ForgeX

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Hello, ForgeX Community!

Today, on World Book Day, we celebrate the transformative power of books and the joy of lifelong learning. As an entrepreneur and a working mother, finding time for personal development amidst the whirlwind of daily responsibilities can be challenging. However, I've discovered a treasure trove of learning opportunities during one of the most unexpected times of the day—my daily commute.

Johannesburg traffic is notorious for turning a simple 20-minute drive into an hour-long ordeal. While it's easy to view this as a frustrating loss of time, I chose to see it as a golden opportunity. Here’s a fascinating fact: By dedicating just 45 minutes of commute time each day to listening to audiobooks or podcasts, you can accumulate nearly 18 full days of learning over ten months. That's almost an entire month of work dedicated to your personal growth!

This Year’s Reading Insights

This year, my 'commute curriculum' has included some incredible books that have profoundly impacted my approach to leadership and personal development:

• "Find Your Why" by Simon Sinek has deepened my understanding of the importance of purpose in both life and business.

• "How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age" by Dale Carnegie and Associates offered timeless wisdom adapted for today’s connected world.

• "The Infinite Game" also by Simon Sinek encouraged me to think long-term and foster a sustainable business culture.

• "4 Disciplines of Execution" by Chris McChesney provided a powerful framework for achieving business goals.

• "Change Anything" by Kerry Patterson revealed strategies for overcoming personal and professional obstacles.

How I Make It Work

• Ensuring safety first, I set up my playlist before hitting the road, allowing me to focus on driving while absorbing valuable insights.

• A reliable data plan and keeping my phone charged ensure uninterrupted learning.

• Most importantly, consistency in this practice has helped me discover content that truly resonates with me and enhances my daily productivity and mindset.

The Power of Books

Books, whether physical, digital, or audio, are more than just sources of information. They are gateways to new perspectives, catalysts for change, and tools for empowerment.

This World Book Day, I encourage you to explore different ways you can integrate reading into your routine, transforming potential downtime into powerful learning sessions.

Let's embrace the spirit of World Book Day not just today but every day. Who will you transform into with continuous development? I hope each of us will become an even more enlightened and inspired version of ourselves, driving change and innovation in every area of our lives.

Happy reading, and here's to growing together!

With inspiration,

Natasha Anderson Co-Founder & CEO, ForgeX