We have welcomed the new year and many of us are already trying to organize our lives in such a way that the new goals we set on the occasion of the change of the year “fit in”. I don’t know about you, but one of my staunchest, most often failed goals is to be able to read more books. The truth is that the craziness of everyday life sometimes makes reading seem like a luxury and, somehow, my involvement in this activity is left behind. This year, however, I want to change that.

If you are in the same phase, read some useful tips on how to achieve your reading goals this year:

  • Set realistic goals

Goal setting often tempts us to aim straight up too high. For example, reading more than 100 books a year sounds impressive, but you should consider your daily life and free time. Think about how much time you can realistically spend reading a book. Perhaps one to two books a month is an average achievable goal. For example, if you read 10 pages of a 300-page book every day, you can finish 12 books in a year. Adjust your goal according to your needs and obligations.

  • Track your progress

Consistently tracking your progress is vital to meeting your reading goals. There are several ways to track your reading, from digital to more traditional options.

Some digital options are:

Goodreads: A popular platform for creating a digital reading list, tracking progress and connecting with other readers.

italic type: An alternative to tracking progress, creating a wish list and setting goals.

Concept: A flexible digital notebook with templates for easy tracking.

Social media: Share your reading journey at #bookstagramin the #booktok or on #booktube, to become part of a wider reading community. Of course, while following book-related social media accounts can provide great recommendations and a sense of community, you can easily end up scrolling instead of reading. Whenever he noticed the fine line between their beneficial and excessive use.

Some traditional techniques are:

Reading Log: Record favorite moments and details about the books you read.

Mini library: Build a small library to create a visual representation of your reading journey.

  • Consider joining a book club

Joining a book club, in addition to many interesting books, will also provide you with a stronger motivation to stick to your reading goals.

  • Choose your preferred reading method

Do you prefer to read through the classic, paper, printed book or digitally, on your computer screen? Or do you prefer audiobooks, where a narrator narrates their plot? Whatever your preference, choose the format that suits you best and incorporate reading into your daily routine.

  • Don’t push yourself too hard

Remember that it’s totally okay if you end up not reaching your goal by the end of the year or if you need to adjust it. After all, reading shouldn’t cause extra stress, it’s a pleasant and relaxing activity and it should stay that way.