How to Stick to Your Reading Goals: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever set yourself a reading goal, only to find yourself falling a bit short? It happens to the best of us, including me! But fear not, because this article is here to share a step-by-step guide for how to stick to your reading goals. Whether you’re aiming to dive into more books this year, want to be more selective about your reading list, or simply crave some extra motivation to hit those targets, stick around! Let’s make sticking and reaching those reading goals fun!

What are reading goals and why are they important?

Let’s start with the basics. What are reading goals and why are they important? Reading goals are personal targets that you set for yourself that are meant to challenge you to read more books or have new reading experiences. These can vary from person to person. Some people like to focus on the number of books read while others set goals to challenge themselves to read from various genres. You can also do a mix!

Need some ideas for your reading goals? Here are some easy goals to get you started:

• Set a specific number of books you want to read each month
• Set a specific number of books you want to read by the end of the year
• Try a new genre you haven’t read before
• Read more books from authors local to you
• Try books that you normally wouldn’t pick up based on the cover

How to Stick to Your Reading Goals

Whether you just set your reading goals or need the extra push to help stay motivated to reach them, this step-by-step guide will help you get there. Let’s get started!

Step #1: Set Realistic Reading Goals

It’s important to really understand your current reading habits and book preferences when setting your reading goals. Are you the type of person who can read for multiple hours in a row? Do you tend to consume books more via audiobooks than reading physical books? Are you interested in more high-fantasy novels that tend to be 600+ pages long?

These are all valid questions to think about when you set your realistic reading goals. Set your goals based on your lifestyle and the type of books you usually read. Remember, you don’t need to set goals to compete with others to see who can read more books. Set your reading goal for yourself and have it serve as a motivation to have reading as a habit.

Step #2: Make Reading a Daily Habit

Your routine can vary from day-to-day which can make it hard to find the time so read your book. Try your best to allocate dedicate time for your reading each day. Whether it’s for 15 minutes before you get out of bed each day, or you make it a habit to listen to audiobooks on your way to work – there are ways to sneak a bit of reading throughout your day! Here are some ways you can make reading a daily habit even if you have a busy schedule:

• Tune into an audiobook while you are cooking your meals
• Read for 15 minutes before you go to sleep every night (which is actually really good for sleeping habits anyways – check out this article from Sleep Foundation for more information on the benefits)
• Swap your music for an audiobook during your daily workout or walk
• Read to your children as a part of their nighttime routine if you’re a parent

Step #3: Create a Motivating Environment

Creating an environment that you’re inspired in is essential to sticking to your reading goals. Creating a dedicated space to read can help you feel excited about reading! Here are some of my favorite items that have made my reading space comfortable and motivating:

Step #4: Track Your Progress

Having a visual way to track your reading progress is a great way to help you stick to your reading goals! Here are some ideas to help you track your reading progress:

• Use Apps: Track your reading on apps like Goodreads or Storygraph to mark what book you are currently reading, set yearly goals, create book wish lists, and more!
• Keep a Reading Journal: Bring out your creative side! Grab an empty notebook or journal and write your reviews about books you’ve read or
• Organize Your Bookshelf: Separate your books on your bookshelf by books you’ve already read, and books that you haven’t read yet – your TBR (to be read) books. It’s also a great way to crack down on your book buying when you have a visual representation of the books that you already own but haven’t read yet!

Step #5: Build a Support System

Reading is so fun; especially when you have someone to share it with! When you are actively engaging in conversations about books you love or trending books, reading will always be top of mind. Here are some great ways to build your support system to help you stick to your reading goals:

• Join online communities or social media platforms like the BookTok community on TikTok or Bookstagram, the book community on Instagram! If you are interested in creating a Bookstagram account, check out our blog 10 Posts Ideas for Your Bookstagram (With Examples!) to help you get started.
• Share your reading goals with friends or family and keep them updated on your progress.
• Join or start your own book club and make a themed party out of it! Make themed snacks, drinks, and have activities to the book you read to make your book club a fun and memorable experience.

Step #6: Eliminate Distractions

It’s so easy to get side tracked when reading, especially if you have a busy schedule! By eliminating common distractions you are more likely to continue reading, and in the end will help you stick to your reading goals. Here are some common distractions and how you can eliminate them:

• Doom Scrolling: It’s so easy to get sucked into your phone when reading. Try putting your phone on the other side of the room to hep you stay focused on your book.
• Noise: External noises such as traffic, conversations, or construction work can disrupt your reading. Try finding a quiet space to read or use noise-canceling headphones and play white or brown noise to cancel out the noises around you.
• Physical Discomfort: Discomfort from factors like an uncomfortable chair, hunger, or being too hot or cold can make it hard to focus. Create an environment that makes you feel comfortable!

Do you have reading goals? What do you do to help yourself stick to your reading goals?

What are your reading goals and what are your plans to achieve them? Do you have any other tips to share with other readers? Share in the comments!