Our lives basically change in three ways; through the people we meet, the places we travel and the books we read.

I made that statement many years ago, and I still believe it today.

Television, computers, the internet and even radio were supposed to be the replacement for conventional books when each first became popular. But more books than ever are being published, and more copies are being sold.

Inscribed on the Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress are the first eight words of this quotation by Henry David Thoreau: “Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations. Their authors are a natural and irresistible aristocracy in every society, and, more than kings or emperors, exert an influence on mankind.”

National Book Month is held each October. The monthlong celebration focuses on the importance of reading, writing and literature.

Norman Cousins was one of America’s most famous editors. He ended his career teaching medical students, when he wrote this about books: “There is a simple non-medical technique for increasing longevity. This system goes by the name of ‘book.’ Through it, man can live hundreds of lifetimes in one. What is more, he may enjoy fabulous options. He can live in any age of his choosing. He can take possession of an experience. He can live inside the mind of any man who has recorded an interesting thought, any man who has opened up new slices of knowledge, any man who has engaged in depths of feeling or awareness beyond the scope of most mortals.”

When it comes to personal growth, books are a treasure trove of knowledge, insights and wisdom that can help shape our perspectives, improve our skills and inspire us to become better versions of ourselves.

Here is why reading is so crucial for personal development:

It expands your perspective. Books open you up to new cultures, philosophies and ways of thinking. By exposing yourself to a broad range of topics and authors, you can challenge your preconceptions and gain a more nuanced understanding of the world.

It enhances self-reflection. Reading about characters, situations or ideas can prompt you to reflect on your own life, values and behaviors. This self-reflection is a key component of personal growth, as it can lead to greater self-awareness and a clear sense of your goals and priorities.

It improves problem-solving skills. Many books, especially those focused on personal development, provide strategies for dealing with challenges. By learning from the experiences and advice of others, you can develop a toolkit of techniques for navigating obstacles in your own life.

It boosts creativity. Reading stimulates the imagination, encouraging you to think creatively and explore new possibilities. This can be particularly valuable in personal development, as it enables you to envision and pursue goals that you might not have considered otherwise.

It builds knowledge. At the most basic level, reading is a powerful way to acquire knowledge. Whether you’re learning about psychology, health, productivity or any other topic related to personal growth, books can provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your life.

It enhances communication skills. Reading regularly can also improve your vocabulary and comprehension, which in turn can enhance your communication skills. Being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and persuasively is a valuable asset in both personal and professional growth.

In my own life, I’ve found that reading has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of business, leadership and human behavior. Books like Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” and Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” have not only informed my professional practices but have also influenced my approach to personal relationships and self-improvement.

As the author of seven New York Times bestsellers, I unashamedly promote the value of books -- largely because of the effect that books have had on my life and career. I could never personally see or hear all the authors who have influenced me, but their written works fill my bookshelves and hard drive. And I can revisit them at my convenience.

Truly, books are gifts that keep on giving.

Mackay’s Moral: Leaders are readers. If you want to continue to grow and develop, make reading a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.

A little girl came home from her first day at school and proudly exclaimed, “Mom, I was the brightest one in my class today!”

“That’s great, Janie,” her mother said, “but tell me how it happened.”

“Well,” Janie replied, “the teacher told each one of us to draw a picture on the blackboard, and then the others were to guess what the picture was. Mine was the only one no one could guess -- but I knew exactly what it was all the time.”

Ah, the confidence of youth. But adults know that knowledge works best when it is shared.

The world’s store of knowledge is growing at an ever-increasing rate, partly because more people are working to find more answers than ever before and partly because we have better tools for learning than ever before, such as the internet.

Knowledge is absolutely critical in business, especially when it comes to decision-making and innovation. In my experience, having a deep well of knowledge allows business leaders to make informed decisions that can steer their companies toward success and away from potential pitfalls.

When it comes to decision-making, knowledge about the market, competitors and internal operations helps leaders assess risks accurately and make decisions that mitigate potential negative impacts. Understanding industry trends and consumer behavior allows for the development of strategic plans that are forward-thinking and adaptable.

Knowing where to invest time, money and human resources can make or break a business. Knowledge helps prioritize these investments for maximum benefit.

In innovation, identifying opportunities is crucial. A thorough understanding of the market can reveal gaps and opportunities for innovation that can set a business apart. Knowledge of the latest technologies and customer preferences is crucial for developing new products or services that meet and exceed expectations.

Always keep a close eye on your competitors. What are they doing well? Where are they falling short? Use this information to find your competitive edge. Conduct thorough research to understand market demands and customer needs and preferences. This can include surveys, focus groups and analysis of consumer data.

Use customer insights to tailor your products or services to better meet the needs of your target audience. Align your marketing strategies with the preferences and behaviors of your customers. Personalize your communications and offers.

In a rapidly changing world, businesses must adapt to survive. Knowledge about emerging trends and technologies enables a business to pivot quickly and stay relevant.

In every aspect of business, from the way we interact with customers to the way we manage our teams, knowledge is the foundation upon which we build success. It is not just about having information; it is about having the right information and knowing how to use it effectively.

In my own career, I have seen the power of knowledge firsthand. By staying informed and continuously learning, I have been able to make strategic decisions that have kept my businesses agile and competitive. Knowledge has also been the key to fostering a culture of innovation, where new ideas are encouraged and nurtured.

In the world of business, knowledge isn’t just power -- it is profit, progress and the pathway to innovation.

Here's another story to illustrate my point. A history class was studying the Battle of Saratoga, which was probably lost because General William Howe chose to remain in Philadelphia. The teacher then asked the class to explain this major British defeat.

“Lack of no Howe,” answered a voice in the back of the room.

Don’t get caught in that same trap. If you have the “know-how” that will matter, go to where the action is. Sharing your knowledge with those around you makes everyone smarter. Be humble and remember this old saying: “Knowledge is like underwear. It is useful to have it, but not necessary to show it off.”

Because no one likes a smarty-pants.

Mackay’s Moral: Knowledge is the rocket fuel for business growth, but only if you ignite it with action.

A political candidate’s wife dropped heavily into an easy chair at home, kicked off her shoes and sighed, “Boy, what a day. I’ve never been so tired in my life.”

“Why should you be tired?" growled her husband. “Think of me making seven speeches to voters. You didn’t have to do that.”

“That’s right,” agreed the weary wife, “but remember, I had to listen to them.”

Public speaking is one of my favorite pastimes -- and it should be, considering all the speeches I’ve given over my lifetime. I’m often asked for advice on making effective and interesting presentations. Seems a lot of folks out there are fairly terrified at just the thought of speaking in public. Let me share a little secret: It wasn’t always easy for me either.

The day after I graduated from the University of Minnesota, my father, Jack Mackay, pushed me to join King Boreas Toastmasters in St. Paul, the oldest Toastmasters club in the United States.

This October, Toastmasters International will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and now boasts a membership of more than 364,000 in 16,600 clubs in 143 countries. Many formerly red-faced, white-knuckled speakers owe a debt of gratitude to Toastmasters, a club whose main purpose is to help members hone their public-speaking skills.

Along with that, members learn about preparation, appearance, self-confidence, self-esteem and thinking on their feet ... or how to be interesting. Toastmasters can help anyone in any profession because those skills are in universal demand. And with surveys showing that public speaking ranks at the top of the list of fears -- even above death -- a little refresher course is in order. You can reach Toastmasters at www.toastmasters.org.

Many of my good friends on the knife-and-fork circuit in the National Speakers Association tell me they are asked the same question over and over again: How can you stand up there and do that?

We all know the secret: Practice.

You don't start at the top and work your way up in public speaking. Has anyone pulled on a pair of ice skates for the first time and the next day won Olympic gold? Of course not. But I want to drive home a point: Great speakers are made, not born.

Public speaking is a performance. All performances generate angst and trepidation. Every actor, writer, comedian, musician, athlete, lecturer and magician can tell you all about performance anxiety.

The idea is not to get rid of your nerves. The idea is to convert them into energy.

How do you do this? You practice. You start small. You stand up and lead a discussion group for your department. You take speaking engagements with industry groups, civic associations, community groups and charity organizations. You oblige teachers if they ask you to discuss your profession in their classrooms.

Here's another secret: If you do become an accomplished speaker and no longer feel butterflies before you speak, get out of the game. You've lost your edge. You won't be any good at it anymore.

I have a very useful tool to make speech-making easier. It's called the Mackay 35 to Stay Alive. It's one of many handouts that are available free on my website, www.harveymackay.com. Here are some of the most important points.

The most important are the first three:

1. Room size.

2. Room size.

3. Room size!

If 100 people are going to attend, the room should seat 75. If 500 people are expected, the room should hold 400. You want the excitement of a standing-room-only, bumper-to-bumper crowd to build chemistry.

Another hint: Set the podium back a few feet from the audience so you can walk in front of it. You want to create intimacy with the group at critical moments.

Ask your introducer to request politely that the people with their backs to the stage stand up and turn their chairs forward so they can see you better without distractions. Introducers are critical. Always try to have a real pro introduce you. Be wary of someone who is a poor speaker being given this honor.

Outside noise from the adjoining rooms and hallways is the No. 1 killer of meetings. If you can’t hear a pin drop, you’re in the wrong room.

And finally, make sure you have a spectacular ending. Summarize with a memorable phrase or two to wrap it up. As P.T. Barnum said, “Always leave them wanting more!”

Mackay’s Moral: The person who rises to the occasion should know when to sit down.