Ah the New Year’s resolution dilemma. It’s so easy to say you’ll work out more, eat healthier and of course, read more, but then February comes. You stuff your face full of chocolate covered strawberries while you watch your third Hallmark-presents rom-com in honor of Valentine’s day and wonder, “Why do my resolutions always seem to fail?” Sound familiar? Could it be a lack of will power that holds you back? Let’s instead say you need to set a goal that’s better suited for your life. So, set yourself a realistic reading goal for 2019, and by 2020 you’ll feel great knowing you finally kept your resolution.
Here are some reading goals you’ll love keeping. Find the resolution that fits you best and read on.
Read a Specific Number of Books this Year
This is a common goal. Whether it’s 300 or 3, you want to make the decision to read a specific number of books before the year’s end. You know better than anyone how many books is realistic to read. Don’t be ashamed if the number is “too small”, since that’s not possible. The most important thing is that you stick to your goal. So, set a realistic amount, then if you surpass it you’ll feel extra proud.
Try a Genre That’s Atypical For You To Read
You may love sci-fi, but this year you’d like to branch out and read more biographies. This is an exciting goal to have, because, you get to explore an exciting new world. The most daunting part of this goal is actually finding really good books in different genres. Your time is valuable and you don’t want to waste in on a sub-par reading experience. That’s where “Books That Make You” shines. Let us help you find a new book in a different genre. The reading list page makes finding terrific new books and authors easy peasy.
Share the Books You Read with Others
You love reading, you have great insight in the book you’ve just finished and you want to share it with others. Great! This year start writing book reviews, blogging and sharing your reading journey with like-minded book enthusiasts. This resolution is good for you, because you’ll have another way to experience the book loving community. You’re also being of service. You may even help inspire others to pick up a copy of the book you’ve just recommended. If you’re interested in blogging, start now and become a book blogger!
Read Everyday
You may not know exactly how many books you want to read this year, but you know you want to read every day. This is an easier goal to keep than you may think. It’s said that to create a habit, you have to do something everyday for 14 days, after that the habit will be set and be part of your daily routine. My suggestion is to set your initial goal to read everyday for 3 weeks. By the end of 3 weeks you’ll be used to reading every day and continuing to do it for the rest of the year will be a breeze!
Listen to Books
OK, you love to read, but honestly don’t have the time. This year try listening to audio books instead of reading. Start today by signing up for an audio book service, like audible. Listening to audio books still stimulates the imagination and improves speech, grammar and vocabulary, so there’s no need to feel like you’re “cheating” by listening instead of reading. You can listen to audio books on your commute to work or school. You can listen while you’re doing chores or running errands, working out, eating etc. Seriously, the possibilities are endless. If you’re looking for a book suggestion, try This Ain’t My Life, just released on audible!
Bottom line is that no matter which resolution you chose, make 2019 the year of reading.
