The gateway into a new piece of work should be met with something that is both engaging and easy to grasp.

The goal is to build confidence at a comfortable level with the assurance the unfamiliar has now become charted territory. From within this framework, the larger scope of what is available becomes apparent.

I, for instance, could take off my own head with a screwdriver if left unsupervised. The gateway upon which I needed to grow comfort were in simple tasks such as changing light bulbs, painting and assembling Ikea furniture (of which I’ve hit master status).

For those who are allergic to reading, a gateway book is what is necessary. Out of the pull of one text comes the desire to read more like it. Through this gateway of interest, a loving bond can be established.

However, it is not enough to remain stagnant with the comforts of your entryway.

One should always be putting up ladders to challenge themselves into more difficult territory. Keep in mind ladders have their limitations and one cannot step higher than the last step of the ladder… nor would it be safe to even stand on the top.

Back to the example of my inability to tackle home repairs – I cannot prop my ladder up on the wall for fixing my furnace should it break. That would be a recipe for disaster and many nights sleeping in the proverbial dog house.

In the instance of the non-reader, the next challenging book should be a side-step into a different genre and not necessarily an older, classic text that requires deep analysis to understand.

Wherever you find yourself, always be sure to find the ladder of challenge.

It is what will push you towards new heights and greater views that others simply would never attempt to see.