Setting reading goals is one of the most rewarding ways to stay on track with your personal growth, but we all know it can be difficult to follow through. Whether you’re aiming to read more books this year, finish a specific series, or simply create a regular reading habit, the journey can be overwhelming if you don’t have a solid plan in place. If you’ve found it hard to stick to your reading goals, don’t worry—you’re not alone. I’ve compiled my best reading tips to help you achieve your goals with ease, stay motivated, and get through that book list you’ve been eyeing.
Ready to dive into the world of books? Here’s how to stick to your reading goals and make the most of your reading experience!
1. Set Realistic and Specific Reading Goals
The key to success is setting clear, achievable reading goals. It’s tempting to say you want to read 50 books this year, but if that feels overwhelming, it’s okay to start smaller. Aim for something like “Read 2 books a month” or “Finish one book a week.” Having specific goals helps make reading manageable, and setting realistic targets means you’re more likely to stick with them.
Pro Tip: Break down larger goals into smaller, bite-sized targets. For example, if your yearly goal is to read 24 books, try to read 2 books a month. This makes your goals feel more attainable and keeps you motivated throughout the year.
2. Create a Daily Reading Routine
To stick to your reading goals, consistency is key. Make reading a habit by setting aside dedicated time every day to dive into a good book. Whether it’s in the morning with your coffee, during lunch breaks, or before bed, find a time that works for you.
Personally, I love reading in the evening before bed—it’s the perfect way to wind down after a busy day. If you only have 15-30 minutes to spare, that’s completely okay. Little by little, that time adds up, and before you know it, you’ll be crossing books off your reading list regularly.
3. Track Your Progress and Stay Accountable
Tracking your progress can keep you motivated and focused on your reading goals. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a curated list of books you want to read, and tracking each one as you go. If you’re looking for a way to keep all your book recommendations in one place, check out my 100 Book Recommendations. These lists help me keep track of everything I want to read, while also offering a place to find great new reads.
By checking off books from your list, you get that extra boost of motivation. Whether you track your progress on paper, digitally, or with a bookshelf, keeping tabs on your achievements will make your reading goals feel more attainable.
4. Mix Up Your Genres and Formats
If you’ve been setting reading goals and feel stuck in a rut, try switching up your genres or formats. Reading the same type of book can feel monotonous, so it’s a great idea to alternate between fiction, non-fiction, self-help, memoirs, and even audiobooks.
Audiobooks are perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to sit down and read. You can listen while cleaning, cooking, or commuting. I personally love listening to audiobooks when I’m on the go, and it helps me stay on track with my reading goals even on the busiest days.
5. Join a Reading Community
Reading doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Being part of a book community can keep you accountable and motivated. Whether it’s a virtual book club, an online reading challenge, or just connecting with friends who love books, sharing your goals with others can help you stay on track.
Joining a reading challenge or following a monthly book challenge online can be a fun way to mix up your reading habits. It pushes you to read outside of your comfort zone and introduces you to books you might never have picked up on your own.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to DNF (Did Not Finish)
Not every book is going to be your cup of tea—and that’s perfectly okay. Sticking to your reading goals doesn’t mean finishing every book you start. If you’re not enjoying a book, feel free to put it down and move on to something that excites you.
Pro Tip: Don’t let one “DNF” stop you from reading. If a book isn’t working for you, give yourself the freedom to move on and try something else. After all, reading should be enjoyable!
7. Celebrate Small Wins
Every time you finish a book, take a moment to celebrate. Whether you’ve reached a monthly reading goal or completed a book off your to-read list, it’s important to recognize your achievements.
Celebrating small wins along the way can motivate you to keep going and make your reading goals feel more rewarding. You could treat yourself to a new book from my 100 Book Recommendations or share your progress with your community. The more you celebrate, the more fun the journey becomes!
8. Keep Your Bookshelves (and TBR) Full of Inspiration
A well-stocked bookshelf is a great way to stay inspired and excited about your reading goals. Keep the books you’re eager to read within easy reach. Having a colorful bookshelf or a neatly organized TBR list is not only motivating but also a constant reminder of all the great reads awaiting you.
Create a list of books you can’t wait to dive into next, and add to it whenever you come across a new title. This way, you’ll always have something to look forward to when you finish a book.
My Takeaways
Sticking to your reading goals doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stressful. By setting realistic goals, creating a reading routine, tracking your progress, and mixing things up, you’ll stay on top of your goals and find reading to be even more enjoyable.
The key to success is to keep it fun, rewarding, and motivating. So whether you’re reading 1 book a month or 10, celebrate every achievement and enjoy every page along the way. You can do this!
If you’re looking to expand your reading list, Kenzie Elizabeth offers a curated “Top 100 Books Masterlist”:
This masterlist provides a diverse selection of books across various genres, helping you discover new titles to enjoy.
Top 100 Books Masterlist
CLICK THIS LINK TO DOWNLOAD FOR FREE
Happy reading!
Until next time,
Kenzie
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