Why I Finally Gave Up on Setting Reading Goals

Did you set a New Year’s resolution to read more books this year? How’d that go?
In previous years I’ve set many reading goals, both small, and way too large - I failed pretty much every single one.
But this year, I didn’t set a reading goal at all, yet I read the same number of books I read the previous year, and in this video, I’m going to explain why.
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[@GinaLuciaReads]

Did you set a reading goal this year?

[@nickjameslongo]

I set one but I didn't focus on it - instead, I focused on committing to a habit goal of reading at least 30 minutes a day - I have ended up reading much more than 30 mins a day and have already surpassed my reading goal in less than half the year! Crazy what setting up a reading habit can do! Reading Habit Goal > Books Read Goal

[@GinaLuciaReads]

@@nickjameslongo yes I love that! I heard a friend tried 50 pages a day and that also worked wonders!

[@paulinepbd3713]

I loved this video! I just realised not long ago that I was putting too much pressure on myself to read more than the year before, and in process forgetting to actually enjoy my books 📚 instead of rushing through them.

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Yesss I was exactly the same. Not setting a goal made a huge difference for me.

[@sukhigoomer9804]

I like the message of your video. Sometimes, I get so caught up in the numbers game that I forget the whole point of setting a numerical goal was to continue to grow as a reader and most importantly, enjoy reading more! I usually join the Goodreads annual reading challenge, and try to be honest about what I can probably do - in fact I set the goal to be the bare minimum I want to achieve in a year. Even then, the idea of a goal stresses me out, I read a lot at the start of the year, and then I burn out. I’m going to give your strategy a try and see how it works for me instead.

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Oh yes I've absolutely done this too. I think it kind of messes with what reading is meant to be about for me, which is enjoying stories. The goal isn't the point, the point is to just make more time for it. Anyway I honestly hope this strategy helps you!

[@mayworlddream]

I love the topic of this video, all that you are saying , can be easily apply to any ''Goals or Resolution'' that we are trying to achieve 💗Another great video very helpful and informative 💗 quot. ''Don't set a resolution on what you THINK you SHOULD do, but rather set it on what YOU WANT TO DO'', yes!💪

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Yesssss absolutely! I do this every year as a reading theme but also another theme too. Last year was the year of skin and I improved my skincare too!

[@mayworlddream]

@@GinaLuciaReads 💪YES, TY💗

[@WithLoveFeli]

I set a goal for 52 books and read 115 books so far. I like the feeling of hitting a goal, but make sure to keep it lower than I normally do so I know I won't have to stress to actually get it. But I try to never really set my goal much higher than the last year, because I don't want to feel forced or make unrealistic goals. I also set a goal to have less than 5 ongoing bookseries where I have unread books, but I kinda forgot about that until december 🙈

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Oh I love that. I think if you know what you're capable of reading without really trying then setting a goal probably doesn't hurt because you're going to meet it anyway, you know? The ongoing series thing is something I'm going to aim to do next year too. I always leave the last book for way too long.

[@arobinreads]

I'm leaving my comment in the Discord group

[@GinaLuciaReads]

I'm thanking you!