If you are hoping to read more this year, you are not alone. January always inspires a fresh start, a slower pace, and a desire to spend more time with stories that fill you up. But traditional reading goals like “read 52 books” or “finish a classic every month” can feel overwhelming fast. The good news is that you do not need a huge challenge to make reading a bigger and more joyful part of your life. You simply need a plan that fits your real life, your actual energy, and the kind of reader you want to be.
Below are gentle and practical tips to help you set reading goals you will actually keep while building a ritual you look forward to.
1. Focus on Why You Want to Read More
Before setting a number or joining a challenge, ask yourself what reading gives you:
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A calm moment before bed
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A creative spark
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A break from scrolling
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A way to connect with friends
When you start with why, your goals become easier to maintain. If your motivation is to feel more grounded, even 10 minutes a day can make a difference.
2. Choose a Goal That Fits Your Season of Life
Instead of focusing on big, year-long commitments, try goals like:
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One chapter a day
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Twenty minutes before bed
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One book per month
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A genre you want to explore
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Three books from your TBR shelf
Small goals are more sustainable and they grow with you.
3. Create a Simple Reading Ritual You Look Forward To
A consistent ritual helps you stick with any goal. Try pairing your reading time with something cozy such as a blanket, a quiet corner, or a warm drink.
A beautiful mug can become part of the ritual. The Sense and Sensibility Mug feels like a gentle reminder to slow down and savor the moment. It is perfect for a nightly reading wind-down or a weekend reset.
4. Track Your Progress in a Way That Works for You
Tracking does not need to be complicated. Simple tools often work best. Use a Reading Journal to write down:
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What you finished
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Thoughts or favorite quotes
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How the book made you feel
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Books you want to read next
A handwritten list feels grounding and low pressure and it can be surprisingly motivating.
5. Make It Social If That Helps Your Motivation
Reading can feel easier to maintain when it becomes part of your community. Joining a book club, either in person or online, gives you built-in encouragement without feeling like homework.
A Book Journal Set that includes a pencil, bookmark, and pouch makes it easy to keep everything together when you meet with friends or take your book on the go.
6. Leave Room for Mood Reading
One common reason people abandon reading goals is that they feel boxed in. Instead, think of your goals as a flexible guide rather than a strict rule. If you suddenly want cozy fantasy or a gothic classic, follow that feeling. Reading is personal, and the more you honor your mood, the easier it becomes to stay consistent.
7. Celebrate Your Progress
Finished one book this month? That is wonderful. Started journaling your thoughts? That counts. Made reading a calming part of your routine? That is a big win.
Your reading goals do not need to be impressive to be meaningful. They simply need to be yours.
