60 Minutes tonight, Alan Greenspan was ones of the featured personalities. The previous Chairman of the Federal Reserve in the U.S., Greenspan was largely responsible for creating the environment in which the financial markets recovered from 9/11, as well as the massive growth – and current problems – of the U.S. real estate market. Greenspan’s now in promotion mode, with the release of his new book scheduled for tomorrow (Monday). Aside from hearing some of the interesting insight he had with respect to monetary policy and his experience with the various U.S. Presidents that he worked with, what I found most revealing about the story was when they talked about his hobbies when he wasn’t working. Leslie Stahl, the interviewer, found it quite amusing what Greenspan’s favorite activity when he was relaxing — it was reviewing governement reports, and getting into the nitty-gritty economic and statistical details of thick, boring documents. I found this interesting primarily because of the fact that one of my favorite hobbies and ways to relax when I’m in off-time, is to read books related to investing, wealth management, and business topics like growth, leadership and marketing. It drives my wife nuts when I read business magazines and books when we’re on holidays. She begs me to buy some fiction books and read something other than business and investing things.. but I truly do love it, and I find it relaxing. I have to say that I’ve had this interest and love of business and investing topics for many years, and I’m a big proponent of judging something based on the results, or the outcomes. In this case, I’m very proud and satisfied with the accomplishments I’ve made with my investments, as well as my business history. With Greenspan, it’s no wonder he’s been one of the most powerful men in the U.S. for many years, and even now that he’s retired from the Fed, STILL wields incredible influence on the markets. Part of his success is that he truly loves what he does, and he does it even when he doesn’t get paid for it. In my case, I certainly credit most of my success to the fact that I’m an avid reader, and that I voraciously consume as much information as I can related to investing, business, wealth management and growth. One of my 5 key personal values is ‘education’, and that’s why I read dozens of books a year and spend tens of thousands of dollars on education programs and improving my knowledge base. So, my advice is, if your habit is to read the ‘tatty tale’ magazines that give you the latest run-down on Angelina and Brad, or you read nothing but science fiction novels, think about mixing in some of the stuff that makes you better at what it is you do professionally. I was told once that if you spent one hour a day reading on the subject you’re interested in, you will become one of the world’s experts on that topic within 3 years. I can definitely say I read at least an hour a day related to my businesses and investments, and I think that’s a key reason why I find myself where I am now. Aside from surrounding myself with incredible people – which I would say is the most important thing I’ve done to create success – educating myself has definitely paid more dividends than almost anything else I’ve done.]]>