Reading just in time

There’s one quote about books that I really love.

I’ve tweeted it and referenced it (many times).

I’ve let it change my habits around books and reading.

I promised myself a long time ago that if I saw a book that interested me I’d never let time or money or anything else prevent me from having it. Not money, not time, not my own laziness.

— Ryan Holiday.

I’ve spent a lot of money on books over the years, and I continue to do so.

The potential ROI on a book is huge. A good book (or even an OK book) could help save you money, make you money, or completely change your life.

With an ever-growing library, already beyond what I have time to read, how do I choose what to read next? At least partly, I work from the just-in-time (JIT) inventory system:

Companies employ this inventory strategy to increase efficiency and decrease waste by receiving goods only as they need them for the production process, which reduces inventory costs. This method requires producers to forecast demand accurately.

I buy books knowing I may need to read them (forecasting demand).

And then, when the moment calls for it, I can select a book from my shelf that will help me today, tomorrow, and in the weeks ahead.

I keep the books ‘in stock’, only accessing that stock when it’s required.