The Power of Brevity, Books, and Boundaries

One of the things I truly admire about my wife is her love of reading. She’s a full-on, passionate Avid Reader, with a capital “A” and “R.” At any given time, she’s working her way through a new novel, memoir, or business book. And not just a handful each year, she sets her personal goal to hit nearly 100 books annually. It’s impressive. It’s inspiring. And honestly, it’s contagious.

Now, I’ll admit: I don’t quite share the same level of reading discipline. I travel frequently, and my lifestyle keeps me in airports, studios, meetings, and events across multiple cities. So while I occasionally crack open a physical book, I tend to lean heavily on audiobooks. They fit into my schedule better and allow me to “read” while I move. However, recently, one book struck me in a way that made me pause and change my approach entirely.

A good friend of mine, someone I speak with weekly and value deeply, recommended I read Brief by Joseph McCormack. I had the physical copy sitting in my Baton Rouge office for a while, but I never opened it. Eventually, I decided to buy the audiobook, thinking I’d give it a try during my next drive. That decision changed more than just my approach to reading; it reshaped how I manage my time, communicate, and lead.

Let me say this upfront: Brief is a game-changer.

The core message is simple but powerful: communication doesn’t have to be long to be meaningful. Being brief and straightforward is often more impactful than long-winded explanations, slide decks, or hour-long presentations. The book doesn’t just discuss brevity in communication; it embodies it. The message is sharp, tight, and bright.

For the first time in my life, I activated the “Do Not Disturb” feature on my phone. That might sound minor, but trust me, it was a revelation. I didn’t realize how many times my day was being interrupted. I overlooked how many unnecessary phone calls I was answering simply out of habit or politeness. But once I cut the noise, I felt the clarity.

Here's the truth: many of us are stretched thin not because we don’t have enough time, but because we waste too much of it. After a week of setting boundaries and being mindful of how I spend my minutes, I could see how much time I was giving away to conversations that weren’t necessary or productive. I’m not saying people don’t matter, but intentional time matters more.

I also had to look in the mirror. I realized that some of my meetings and conversations were too long. Sometimes I would talk just to fill the space. And that’s when something from the book hit me hard: silence can be loud. When you stop speaking, you give others the space to say what they mean, or to say nothing at all. And when that silence lingers, it’s often an indicator that the conversation has already reached its point. There’s no need to keep going just for the sake of going.

This week, my team and I are focusing on shorter meetings. That’s the new goal: get to the point, make it matter, move forward. I’m optimistic about the results we’ll see from this shift.

Back to reading, while I’m still nowhere near my wife’s 100-books-a-year pace, I’ve made a new commitment to read at least 35 books this year. I know myself. I may not always choose the thickest novels, and I still prefer non-fiction, especially books that teach, motivate, or challenge me. I tend to reread books that strike a chord with me, allowing them to resonate a little deeper the second or third time around. And while fiction isn't my go-to, I’ve come to understand there is value in it. Fiction stretches the imagination, fosters empathy, and, when written well, delivers timeless truths through storytelling.

Watching my wife devour books has inspired me. She reads with joy, curiosity, and a sense of intention. It’s not just a hobby for her, it’s a habit of growth. And I want more of that in my life.

So here’s what I’ve learned lately:

·       Be brief, but be powerful.

·       Silence reveals truth.

·       Boundaries protect your peace.

·       And books, whether on paper, in audio, or via Kindle, can still transform you.

Let this be your reminder: the next significant shift in your life may start with a simple book, a new boundary, or a fresh intention. Keep growing. Stay focused. And don’t be afraid to turn the page.