Going online can expose you to even more stories of courage and inspiration.

You can find thousands of pieces to read on everything from online versions of print magazines to small personal websites. One advantage to reading online is the chance for interaction between readers. Whether you’re posting comments on a blog or adding your thoughts to a message board, you can get an added sense of having a support group behind you in your journey.

You can even find confidence through reading newspapers and magazines. There are stories of triumph from all corners of the globe that can provide inspiration. Look to stories of tragedy to help you put your own problems in perspective.

To make the most of your reading, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations, though. Use the strong, confident heroine of your favorite romance novel as an example of the person you’d like to be, but don’t expect a dashing Prince Charming figure to suddenly arrive in your life. Not everyone can be as successful as Bill Gates or Michael Jordan. That doesn’t mean there aren’t aspects of their work ethic and talent worth emulating, but you should keep it all in perspective to avoid disappointment.

You don’t always need to read books with an eye on imitating the characters. Sometimes you should just read for fun. The very act of reading can help relieve stress and provide you with an enjoyable pastime. The more you read, and the more variety you include in your reading, the better your fluency and comprehension will be. Good reading skills can also lead to good writing skills and better communication skills in general, all of which are essential for success in school and on the job.

You can also use books to learn a new skill or build your confidence in your knowledge of an area, whether it’s for school, work or your own personal enrichment. There’s a book out there on practically any subject; you just need to go out and find it.

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