Setting My 2025 Reading Goals
Bea’s Books
As 2024 draws to a close, I am reflecting on unrealistic expectations and my attempts to address them. For as long as I can remember I have set my sights on goals that weren’t always achievable and almost never led to growth. It has been difficult to learn that starting small is the way to go, but slowly I have begun to discover that I am disappointed less and often find opportunities to achieve those bigger goals that were simply too much. I would like to share some of the things I have learned in this past year in the context of setting reading goals in 2025.
The bottom line is this: be realistic. Falling behind that Goodreads reading goal is so, so, so very easy. Have I said it is so easy? Setting a goal you know you will surpass (even barely) is completely okay and will give you more cause to celebrate when you go above and beyond those expectations. Making monthly goals can be just as effective, if not more. Yearly goals are easy to push off, but having a closer deadline can be more motivating.
Reading goals don’t simply have to be about reading a specific amount of books, either. There are a plethora of categories that will make you feel just as successful. I have found that I shy away from reading longer books because it puts me behind on my yearly reading goal. Granted, I don’t love long books, but know that they are enjoyed by many. Creating an overall page goal (i.e. I want to read 200 pages this month) can be a better fit. Some readers struggle with challenging books (hello, classics), so making it a goal to read one short classic and working up from that can be a rewarding experience. Non-fiction ties in closely with classic, as well. Some readers love putting off non-fiction (who, me?). These books can take time and effort, so I would recommend choosing your books wisely, knowing they will be a significant time investment no matter the length. Having a small, yearly goal of two or three non-fiction books is a really good start.
Creating these goals requires reflection on several factors, as well. Schedule comes first. How much time do you have on your hands? Are you constantly busy? Are weekends fully booked? Or do you find yourself in need of an activity to pass the time? If your schedule is nonstop, please, I beg of you, do not set your goal to 50 books per year. Please. Alternatively, if you have a relatively free schedule, don’t set your goal sky-high, either, find a healthy middle ground with wiggle room.
That’s it! Have a wonderful start to the New Year and think twice before typing up a reading goal—in a way you’re being kind to yourself this time next year.
