Have you ever set a reading goal for yourself only to fall short and become frustrated? Same. Often, the problem is that we aren’t setting the right reading goals. Instead of committing to reading a certain number of books, opt for one or more of the following.
Test Drive Some New Genres
If you tend to narrow your reading selection to a specific genre, try branching out. You may not enjoy all of them, but others could be five-star reads. Who knows, your next favorite book may be from a genre you swore you didn’t like.
Support Local Authors
Consider reading a book written by someone in your community. As a bonus, you may learn some interesting history about your town or attend a book signing, reading, or meet and greet. Not sure where to start? Many local libraries have a “local” section. If not, librarians and local bookstores are great resources.
Read More & Be A Page-Pusher
Commit to spending more time reading. Squeeze in pages during lunch, in the carpool line, before bed, or whenever you can find a cozy spot to curl up and read.
Make it your goal to read a book over 500 pages.
Join (or Start) a Book Club
Book clubs bring together like-minded people together to read, talk, laugh, and share book recommendations. Check if there are book clubs at your local library or bookstore. You can also look for online/virtual book clubs or start your own.
Challenge Accepted
Read a book that challenges your beliefs. This helps you keep an open mind in literature and life.
Track Your Reading (But Make It Fun)
Keeping a reading journal, illustrating your bookshelf, or turning mini versions of books you read into Christmas ornaments are all unique ways to track your titles. If you aren’t interested in these options, we’re sure you can create a unique way to track your progress.
We’re With the Banned
Book banning has become even more outrageous in recent years. Find out what all the fuss is about by reading only banned books.
Eyes on Your Own Shelf
If you’re like us, you might have a solid TBR shelf. Another reading goal could be to finally get to all the books you’ve been meaning to read. An added benefit? Your wallet will thank you!
Pick a Memoir, Any Memoir
Some juicy celebrity memoirs have been released recently, so whether you’re just branching out or need your guilty pleasure fix, make it your goal to read one memoir or biography.
Support Local Bookshops
Make it a point to support your local indie bookstore. Sure, buying books is one way to do so, but you can also give them a good review, attend their events, join their loyalty program, follow them on social media, or sign up for their emails.
Go Ahead, Judge a Book By Its Cover
Have you ever spotted a book with a cover so magnificent that you wanted to give it a chance based on the cover alone? Do it! Read books just because the cover was pretty – no matter the author, genre, title, etc.
Spread the Love
Once you’re done with a book, donate it to your local library, thrift store, used bookstore, or Little Free Library in your community.
How to Stick to Your Reading Goals (Whatever They May Be!)
- Schedule reading time to prioritize the hobby you love.
- Never get too far away from your book. If your book is nearby, you can spend your downtime reading.
- Read books that sound interesting to you; don’t just read books because BookTok tells you to.
- It’s okay to DNF (did not finish) a book.
- Reevaluate your goals as needed. Sometimes, a goal isn’t relevant or feasible anymore, and that’s okay. Reading should be fun, not a chore, so do what works for you.
- Instead of doomscrolling or binging Netflix, pick up a book. Sometimes, getting lost in a book is just the welcome distraction you need.