Five years ago, I set a goal to read 25 new books a year.

Five years ago, I set a goal to read 25 new books a year.

As soon as I finished one book, I started the next.

I kept a record of the books.

At the end of the year, I counted.

Every year, I took pride in accomplishing my goal.

But last year, something happened.

I was a quarter into a new book that I just bought.

The book seemed eerily familiar.

I went to the book list, and there it was.

I read the same book the year before.

Reviewing the list, I realized I barely remembered any of them.

So I kept reading that book, but I switched to my first copy.

I am an avid underliner.

And I have clear evidence of what I found especially meaningful.

Particular highlights were still relevant.

Others were not.

And I discovered new layers that were meaningful now.

The rereading experience taught me a lot about how I used to think.

How much I’ve changed.

I still have goals to read a certain number of books.

But I’ve cut the number.

Instead, I set a new goal.

Reread 10 books each year.

I remember more now.

And have been applying that knowledge better than before.

Before you head to the bookstore to look for your next great book, stop.

That book might be waiting for you on your bookshelf.