Reading can feel like one of those habits that you really want to do, but always push off in preference for more urgent tasks. However, if you’re ready to make your learning a priority, then here’s how you can set reading goals and actually stick to them!
And in case you need that extra motivation, here are the benefits of reading:
- Improves brain connectivity.
- Empowers you to empathise with other people.
- Aids in sleep readiness.
- Lowers blood pressure and heart rate.
- Fights depression symptoms.
- Prevents cognitive decline as you age.
- Reduces stress and helps you relax.
- Improves concentration and memory.
- Vocabulary expansion and strengthens writing abilities.
- Enhances knowledge.
- Increases imagination and creativity.
First things first though, set your goal: I want to read ______ books in 2025.
Now, let’s set mini goals that will help you to achieve the overarching goal. This could be anything from how often you read to a number of pages per day.
Some ideas on how to achieve your reading goals :
- Join a book club.
- Create a bookclub with your friends.
- Read a certain number of pages a night and make it sustainable and consistent.
- Create a reading routine, whether this is reading while having your morning coffee, on your lunch break or before bed.
- Set a goal to read a certain amount of time per day and make sure it’s doable within your schedule.
- Create a “Books I’d like to read” list and put it somewhere you can see it every day to remind yourself.
- Set daily reminders at allocated reading times so you don’t forget.
- Every time you go to pick up your phone for entertainment, pick up the book instead.
Tools to help you read easier:
- Kindle tracks your reading time and speed, so this can help you to set challenges that keep you engaged.
- A bedlight so that you can read without bright lights / disturbing your partner.
- Make notes about lessons you are learning from each book to give you a tangible outcome and keep you motivated.
- Browse bookstores just for fun and take your time choosing your next book (the right book can make all the difference!).
- Audiobooks are great for if you struggle to sit still and read. You can listen to books while driving, going for a walk, or doing other tasks around the house.
- Sign up to a celebrity book club to stay engaged and held accountable, like Oprah’s Book Club or Reese’s Book Club.
Or you can even join the Dean Publishing reading challenge by reading one book of the designated genre per month. Tag us in your posts with your recommended reads!
