By: D. A. Slinkard
We are all familiar with the commercials from major credit card companies asking you, “What’s in your wallet?” In 2026, you might hear a similar question through a mobile app, a smartwatch, or even a digital assistant—but the question still sticks. And it got me thinking about the business world. My question for you is this: “What’s in your library?” The saying that “Knowledge is power” still holds true, and my question for you is, “What are you reading… or listening to?”
It is said that CEOs are some of the most intentional learners out there. Today, that doesn’t just mean physical books—it includes audiobooks, podcasts, digital libraries, and even curated learning platforms. Studies still suggest top leaders consume the equivalent of 50–60+ books per year. How does that compare to what you’re taking in? If you want to be great in the world of business—and I know you do, otherwise you wouldn’t have made it to paragraph two—you are going to have to start feeding your mind consistently.
To survive in today’s business world, you must equip yourself with a specialized skill set—or more accurately, multiple skill sets. Think about your business. What skills do you need to sharpen? You need to communicate effectively—not just face-to-face, but through text, email, and online platforms. You need to grow as a leader because we all know there are bosses and then there are leaders. And in a world filled with noise, comparison, and constant change, you must develop the right mindset to stay focused, disciplined, and forward-moving.
If you are in sales (and let’s be honest, every business is selling something), how much time have you invested in learning your craft this past year? Not scrolling… not watching random videos but intentional learning. It still amazes me how many people in sales roles have never seriously studied sales. How are you going to be effective? It makes me wonder how many people succeed not because of what they intentionally built but because of what I call “accidental success.”
Accidental success means you reached a level of success… but not on purpose. The results came from luck, timing, or circumstances falling your way. But what happens next week… next month… next year… when the breaks don’t fall your way? This is why you must build your library.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach in business. Walk into any bookstore—or open any online marketplace—and you’ll find thousands of resources on leadership, sales, mindset, marketing, and growth. No matter which format you choose—book, audiobook, podcast, or course—they all require one thing: intentional consumption.
Personally, I still love having a physical book in my hands, pen nearby, ready to underline, highlight, and write down those “a-ha” moments. But I also take advantage of audiobooks while driving or working. Many times, I’ll take one idea and shape it into something that fits my personality and my business. Before long, I’m building a strategy—not from one voice—but from many—and becoming a better leader because of it.
But here is where most people stop—and this is where the difference is made. Once you gain the knowledge, you must put it into action. This is the hardest part because it requires effort, discipline, and change. But it is also the most rewarding because this is where growth actually happens—in you, in your team, and in your business.
As your library begins to expand, your level of understanding will expand with it. Things that once confused you will begin to make sense. Decisions will become clearer. Direction will become sharper. And the more you learn—and apply—the more those “lucky breaks” seem to show up. But they’re not luck… they’re the result of preparation meeting opportunity.
When you see a book or any learning resource, I don’t want you to see the price tag. I want you to see the potential return. A $30 book, a $15 audiobook, or even a free podcast could be the very thing that unlocks hundreds of thousands—or even millions—in future revenue if you apply what you learn.
Start today. Build your library. Sharpen your mind. And change the way you do business and life in 2026 and beyond. We have one shot at life, and when it is over, it’s over. We have no do-overs, and we must live intentionally each day to make the most of our lives. How will you make your life count?
By: D. A. Slinkard
D.A. Slinkard would love your feedback. You can contact him at da.slinkard@gmail.com
