It started with a strange habit - especially when you consider the boy was only 14.

But it laid the foundation for a life-changing, earth-shaking impact - one that he still shares today.

The boy was Rick Warren, and his book "The Purpose Driven Life" has sold more than 60 million copies, not to mention make him one of the most well-known and influential leaders in all of Christianity.

Here's the strange habit that made Rick Warren a household name:

"When I was 14 years old, I started reading two books a week," he says. "At one point in my life, I was reading a book a day. I now have more than 35,000 books in my library. Why? The people you hang out with and the books you read will determine your future."

And there it is!

Books are almost an afterthought in today's always-on, endless-scroll-of-social-media-updates environment.

And yet, they (and the people you surround yourself with!) are the key to your personal and professional success.

I don't know about you, but I often "feel guilty" for making reading part of my "work day," thinking instead I should be doing a bunch of tasks, but I love when people like Rick Warren steer me back to this timeless truth about how to really get ahead in work (and life).

As the son of two English teachers, you think I'd never forget the importance of reading! ;)

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