Cash Pyle and the Bookmarked Habit

 

Cash Pyle was at the library one afternoon when a colorful display caught his attention: “Summer Reading Program — Sign Up Today!” It was meant for kids, but it gave him an idea.

He'd heard that many successful people made reading a daily habit. He’d also been meaning to work through the stack of unread nonfiction books collecting dust on his digital wishlist. So why not start his own grown-up reading challenge?

Back at home, Cash created a simple plan: one nonfiction book every two weeks. He’d check them out from the library first. If a book resonated with him—if it had ideas worth revisiting—he’d buy a used copy to add to his slowly growing home library.

The first week, he picked up a book about habit formation. It had a waiting list, so he had to borrow the large-print edition. “Bigger letters, bigger insights,” he joked to the librarian.

By the end of the month, Cash had finished two books and purchased one—used, of course, with a coupon and free shipping. He even labeled it with a sticky note: “Worth the shelf space.”

As the summer rolled on, Cash kept reading. His goal wasn’t to impress anyone. It was about investing in himself without overspending. And with each page he turned, he felt more focused, more inspired, and just a little bit smarter.

Sometimes the best rewards didn’t come from a prize chart or a summer reading sticker—but from building a habit that paid off in the long run.