Reflecting on Your Reading Year & Setting New Year's Reading Goals
As the year draws to a close, let’s chat about something that gets us book nerds excited: setting reading goals and creating a reading routine that actually sticks. Whether you're a seasoned bookworm aiming to conquer your TBR or someone looking to rekindle their love of reading, setting some bookish intentions can make all the difference.
Why Reading Goals Are Your New BFF
Let’s be real—life gets busy, and sometimes our reading time takes a backseat to, well, everything else. Setting specific reading goals keeps you motivated and gives you that extra nudge to prioritize what you love most: getting lost in a good book. Plus, studies show that having clear goals (like tackling 12 books in 12 months or finally diving into a new genre) can boost your focus and productivity. Bonus points for the warm fuzzies when you check off each milestone!
But let’s first start with…
Looking Back: Reflecting on Your Reading Year
Reading Habits: Find Out How You Read and Why It Matters
Let’s get reflective for a sec—how did your reading habits hold up this past year? Were you on a roll with your reading routine, or did life’s chaos throw your plans out the window? Taking a moment to think about your patterns can really help you set more realistic reading goals moving forward.
Think about when and where you love to read most. Are you an early-morning-with-coffee bookworm, or is cozy bedtime reading more your thing? Knowing your sweet spot can make all the difference when you’re trying to carve out more reading time.
For more on this topic, check out these two articles:
10 Ways to Create a Daily Reading Routine
Morning vs. Evening Reading: Exploring the Benefits of Different Reading Times
Discover What You Love to Read
What kinds of books ruled your TBR this year? Did you stick to your tried-and-true genres, or did you dabble in something totally new? Look back on the themes and tropes that gripped you and the stories you couldn’t put down. Identifying what you love (and what didn’t quite hit the mark) can help you set goals that feel less like a chore and more like a treat.
Celebrate Your Favorite Authors
Who won your heart this year—did you find a new fave author? Or maybe you reunited with an old one? Pinpoint the authors who wowed you this year and think about why their stories stuck with you. This can give you a head start in picking more amazing reads next year.
Celebrate Your Reading Wins
Let’s celebrate! What milestones did you hit on your reading journey this year? Maybe you tackled a hefty classic, completed a book challenge, or finally finished that one series everyone’s obsessed with. Big or small, these wins deserve recognition—go ahead and do a happy dance, you earned it
Set Reading Goals You’ll Actually Stick To:
Goal Setting and Tracking Progress
This is where the magic happens. Set reading goals that excite you—whether it’s reading a certain number of books, branching out to diverse authors, or exploring new genres. Remember, it’s not about quantity; it’s about choosing goals that fit your life and make your reading experience richer.
Remember, it’s not about hitting an ambitious number but choosing goals that fit your life and bring you joy.
Fun and Easy Reading Goals You Can Steal
Need inspiration for your 2025 reading goals? Here are a few to get you started:
Read one book from every continent (hello, armchair travel!)
Join a book challenge—monthly themes are a great way to mix things up
Start a year-long reading challenge with a friend (bookish accountability = fun!)
Conquer that intimidating classic you’ve been side-eyeing for years (looking at you, Moby-Dick 👀)
Focus on works by marginalized voices
Swap screen time for story time. Even 10 pages a day adds up!
Try New Genres and Expand Your Bookish Horizons
Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone! Love fantasy? Try sub-genres like fantasy romance or magical realism. Big on romance? Explore romantic historical fiction. Prefer thrillers? Maybe dip into historical mysteries or psychological horror next year or trade your usual thrillers for some heart-pounding nonfiction.
Start small—pick one book in a new-to-you genre. Browse bestseller lists, ask for book recommendations, or let an intriguing cover pull you in. You might just find a new favorite!
Plan Your Best Reading Year Yet
Don’t forget to track your progress! A cute reading planner or printable tracker (check out my shop for ideas!) can be a game-changer. Use it to organize your TBR, reflect on your reads, or plan cozy reading sessions. Bonus points for jotting down favorite quotes—it’s like making your own mini time capsule of your bookish adventures!
Make Choosing Your Next Book Fun
The never-ending question: What should I read next? That’s where TBR games and reading challenges come in. They turn decision-making into a fun adventure. Try a random book draw, a themed bingo board, or even roll dice to choose your next read.
Looking for ideas? My guide on choosing your next book is packed with fun tips to make this process a breeze.
Turn Reading Into a Relaxing Ritual
Create Your Reading Corner
Design a cozy reading nook you can’t wait to sink into. Think soft blankets, twinkling fairy lights, and your favorite mug of tea or coffee. Your perfect reading nook awaits!
👉 Need inspo? Check out: How to Create a Reading Nook
My Secrets to Building the Perfect Reading Routine
Consistency is the key to building a strong reading habit. A solid reading routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what works for me and might just work for you too:
Set the mood. Light a candle, grab a blanket, and brew your favorite tea. Make your reading nook the place to be.
Carve out time. Whether it’s 15 minutes before bed or an hour on Sunday mornings, find a pocket of time you can dedicate to reading.
Track your progress. Use a journal, a reading app, or a fun printable tracker (hint: I’ve got one in my shop!). Watching those pages add up is oddly satisfying.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my blog post: 10 Ways to Create a Daily Reading Routine. It’s packed with practical tips to help you fit reading into even the busiest days.
Mindful Reading Practices
Let’s talk about slowing down and savoring the magic of reading. In a world buzzing with distractions, practicing mindfulness while reading can make a huge difference. Put your phone on silent, log out of social media, and create a calm space where it’s just you and your book.
Focus on the words, the emotions they spark, and the imagery they create. Let yourself get completely absorbed in the story. It’s not just about finishing the book; it’s about truly enjoying your reading time. Think of it as a mini escape—just you, your book, and a cozy corner of peace.
Enjoy the Adventure of Your Reading Journey
At the end of the day, reading should bring you joy. Set reading goals that inspire you, but don’t let them box you in. Be flexible, explore new worlds, and, most importantly, have fun!
Here’s to a year full of page-turners, bookish adventures, and moments that take your breath away. Happy reading!
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