In a world dominated by gadgets and social media, Americans don’t read nearly as much as they should. In fact, statistics cite that 33 percent of high school graduates never read another book after finishing school, and a whopping 42 percent of college graduates join them four years down the road.

That means those who do read have an immediate advantage over nearly half the population. Influencing skills can make or break just about any business dealings and reading is the most popular way people learn to influence others. No matter your plans in life, reading is going to help you get there directly or indirectly.

Here are 10 reasons why people who read are more successful:

1. Reading improves mental dexterity.

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. Researchers have found that stimulating the brain in the way that reading does can actually…