The Book I Never Thought I’d Read… And Why It Changed Me

Can I be real with you for a second?

For most of my adult life… I’ve struggled to love reading. Like truly enjoy it. If I was going to sit down and read something, it had to have a clear return on investment. 😅 I wanted growth. I wanted insight. I wanted bullet points, breakthroughs, and maybe even a better business by the end of chapter five.

Reading for fun? That just wasn’t something I knew how to do.

Maybe you’re like me—a high-achiever, a go-getter, an Enneagram 3 to the core. Or maybe you’re in a season where your brain feels like it’s firing on all cylinders and you just need a way to unplug. That was me too, especially these past nine months.

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What Moving Taught Me About Slowing Down

Since we moved, I’ve found myself doing a lot of things I never thought I’d do—or enjoy. Something about that big shift stirred up this beautiful season of unlearning for me. I started questioning all the little rules I’d made for myself. The ones that kept me locked into hustle mode.

Then one day, I was chatting with my sweet friend Lindsay. She was sharing what her nighttime routine looked like during a particularly stressful season. She mentioned that she had started reading lighthearted fiction before bed—just something sweet and simple to help her unwind.

That idea stayed with me.

That night, I ordered a novel off Amazon. My first fiction book in forever. And I’ll be honest—I was shocked by how much I loved it.

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Finding Joy in Fiction

Now, every night, I actually look forward to curling up with my book. Not to learn. Not to check something off a list. But just to enjoy the moment.

And it’s been healing something in me.

The younger version of Chelsey—the one who struggled with dyslexia, who believed reading was only worthwhile if it led to something—she’s slowly being replaced by a woman who knows that joy, presence, and fun are productive in their own way.

So if you’re in a season of unlearning too…

If your life feels a little too loud or your brain’s a little too tired…

This is your permission slip to try something new. Break your own rules. Surprise yourself.

Whether it’s planting a garden, trying a hobby you’ve never made time for, or yes—even picking up a fiction book just because it makes you smile… you’re allowed to explore new parts of yourself.

We are meant to keep evolving. And honestly, this tiny change has made a big impact on me.

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My Favorite Lighthearted Fiction (So Far!)

I’ve been building a little list of books I’ve loved lately. If you’re curious or need a starting point, you can check it out here (link goes to affiliate page or book list if applicable).

And if you have a favorite fiction book that made you smile or helped you unwind—please tell me! I’d love to add it to my list.

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✨ CEO TIP: Fiction Might Be the Productivity Boost You Didn’t See Coming

Now, I know some of you are reading this and thinking: “This sounds sweet, Chelsey, but I don’t have time for bedtime novels.”

I get it.

But let me drop a little wisdom that totally reframed this for me—something I first heard from Tony Robbins:

“The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment.”

That hit me.

Fiction fuels imagination. It teaches empathy. It helps you feel lessons, not just understand them. And for us as entrepreneurs? That’s gold. Because storytelling, creativity, and connection—that’s what moves people.

So no, fiction might not give you a five-step funnel plan. But it might just spark your next great idea—or give you the peace you need to actually show up for the rest of your life.

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With Love & Curiosity,

Chelsey Diaz

P.S. If this blog found you in a season of burnout or big transitions, I see you. And I’m cheering you on. Don’t be afraid to pick up the book. Or plant the seeds. Or chase the joy. You’re allowed. 💛

P.P.S!!! 

Did you know we have a FULL list of books Stephen and I read on our path to 8-figures? Shop now on Amazon, click here!