For some people, the idea of ​​a summer reading list conjures up all the panic of a high school student trying to absorb all of A Tale of Two Cities the night before school starts. For me, a reading list (no matter the season) is an exciting opportunity to continue to be my best self.

If you remember being a kid who avoided summer reading until the last minute, I invite you to rebuild your relationship with reading. It's not about checking a box or taking a quiz. It is about embracing your curiosity and the continuous development process that all leaders must keep in mind.

Curating your growth mindset

Professional development can take many forms, but effective leaders know that reading is a vital part of their plans. Reading has such a high return on investment because it's a strange dual activity: it increases your knowledge while helping your brain relax, recharge, and refresh.

The first step is to create a reading list that aligns with your goals as a person and as a leader. Whatever interests you, no matter how warm, there is many books to explore. If you're not sure where to start, embrace crowdsourcing and ask for advice. I trust my network, and their search to add to my reading list yielded more than a dozen thoughtful recommendations to guide my reading.

The first book on my summer reading list was a recommendation from a trusted colleague and franchise superstar, Mary Kennedy Thompson, CEO of BNI. CEO Next Door by Elena L. Botelho and Kim R. Powell explores the four most common traits identified in CEOs. The trait that resonated most with me was the importance of determination. I followed that thread and got into it determinative by Chip and Dan Heath as my next read. Reading a book can pique your interest and lead you to the next book and the next book for as long as you want to follow the thread.

Encouraging creativity and innovation

Innovation requires knowledge and curiosity. Reading ignites both. An exploration of a topic throughout the book allows you to dive into the topic and examine it from multiple perspectives in a way that shorter formats do not. When leaders give their brains new information and time to explore, evaluate, and make connections, they create an environment primed for NEW.

IN decisive, the Heath brothers advise that when faced with a problem, “one of the most basic ways to generate new options is to find someone else who has solved your problem.” This is a great first step in problem solving, but the guiding principle has even broader applications. When we seek new information and a better understanding of how other people experience and affect the world, we expand our abilities.

Related: 3 Big Reasons Why Leaders Should Embrace the Joy of Absence

Advantage well read

Deep reading doesn't just add facts to your store of knowledge. It is also a study of storytelling, persuasion and psychology. A large body of research shows that reading has a profound positive impact on adults.

Reading is related to high creative performance and a wider one Glossary. Reading is also closely related to increasing emotional intelligence by strengthening SENSITIVE AND theory of mind. Plus, studies suggest that reading has a protective quality for our brains as we age. Adults who read more are less likely experience cognitive decline.

Leaders looking to take advantage of these benefits should not limit their reading list to the business section. Exploring stories outside your usual realm is a must for creativity. Matthew Haller, President of the International Franchising Association, gave me such a recommendation just outside my wheelhouse. Eric Larson The demon of unrest is the story of the turbulent few months between the election of Abraham Lincoln and the start of the American Civil War. I don't plan to lead an army anytime soon, but I'm always looking to learn more about interpersonal dynamics and the art of navigating crises—lessons that apply to any leadership role.

Related: How reading books helps recharge your brain

Make reading a strategic priority

Be flexible – read a paragraph at a time or allow yourself to start with the chapters that interest you most. Embrace audiobooks during your commute, exercise routine, or errands. It's a worthwhile challenge to fit reading into your schedule. Staying up to date on the latest trends may be part of your job (looking at you, marketers), but consider how much value you can add to your routine by swapping 30 minutes of movement for 30 minutes of reading each day.

Prioritize reading just as you prioritize other essential leadership development initiatives. When employees see their leader committed to growth, they are encouraged to adopt the same approach. By prioritizing development through reading, you cultivate your leadership skills and contribute to a culture of continuous learning within your team.

Related: 3 steps to create a framework for leadership development