By Ashley Rands, Marketing
The start of a new year often brings a wave of inspiration and motivation to improve our lives. One of the most common and rewarding resolutions people make is to read more books. Setting reading goals not only broadens your horizons but also allows you to escape into new worlds, gain knowledge, and sharpen your mind. However, achieving these goals can be a daunting task without a proper plan. In this blog, we will explore the importance of setting reading goals for the new year and introduce you to online resources that can assist you in reaching them.
Why Set Reading Goals?
Before delving into the how of setting reading goals, let’s briefly explore the why. There are several compelling reasons why:
- Personal Growth: Reading challenges us to think critically, explore new ideas, and gain a deeper understanding of the world. It’s a surefire way to foster personal growth.
- Stress Reduction: Books provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
- Improved Focus: Reading regularly enhances concentration and focus, skills that can benefit you in various aspects of life.
- Enhanced Knowledge: Every book you read is a source of new knowledge and insights. By setting reading goals, you ensure continuous learning.
- Entertainment: Of course, reading is an enjoyable pastime, and achieving your end goal can be incredibly rewarding.
Now that you’re motivated, let’s explore the online resources that can help you set and achieve your goals for the new year.
Online Resources for Setting and Achieving Reading Goals
Goodreads: The Reading Challenge
Goodreads is a widely popular platform for readers to discover new books and track their reading progress. The Reading Challenge feature allows you to set a target number of books to read in a year. It’s an excellent way to stay motivated and see how you’re doing compared to your goal.
Bookly
Bookly is a reading app that not only lets you track your reading but also analyzes your reading habits. It helps you set realistic reading goals and provides detailed statistics about your progress. There are great features and it can track your reading time and speed. There is also a bookly readathon that happens 4 times a year.
Reading Rockets
Geared for young readers, Reading Rockets offers a variety of reading-related resources, including goal-setting templates. If you have children, this resource can be a valuable tool to help them set and achieve their reading goals. It offers information and resources on how young readers learn to read and why they may struggle, and how a parent can help.
Online Book Clubs
Joining an online book club can provide you with a sense of community and accountability. Websites like Meetup or even social media platforms like Facebook and Reddit have countless book clubs to choose from, catering to various genres and interests. There is a website titled Book Club that has numerous book clubs to choose from. You are sure to find your right fit quickly.
Library Websites
Many local libraries have their own online platforms where you can create book lists and set reading goals. They may also provide access to eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital resources, making it easier to achieve your end goal. Some libraries even host book clubs, whether they be virtual or in person. Check out your local library today to see what reading resources are available.
Book Recommendation Sites
Websites like Goodreads, Amazon, and BookBub offer personalized book recommendations based on your reading history. This can help you discover books that align with your interests and keep you excited about your reading goals. Check out some of our previous blogs to find some great book recommendations.
Tips for Setting and Achieving Your Reading Goals
Before you rush off to set your reading goals and use the online resources available, remember there are a few things to keep in mind when setting your goals:
- Be Realistic: Set achievable goals based on your schedule and reading speed. It’s better to surpass an attainable goal than to fall short of an ambitious one.
- Diversify Your Reading: Make your reading goals more interesting by including a variety of genres, authors, and topics. This will keep your reading experience fresh and engaging.
- Prioritize Reading Time: Set aside dedicated time for reading, whether it’s in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bedtime.
- Stay Accountable: Share with a friend or on social media. Knowing that others are aware of your goals can motivate you to keep going.
- Adjust as Needed: Life can be unpredictable, so be prepared to adjust if necessary. The key is to keep reading, no matter the pace.
Setting reading goals for the new year is an excellent way to embark on a journey of self-improvement, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you aim to read 10 books or 100, the joy of discovering new stories and ideas will enrich your life throughout the year. So, get ready to open a new book and start your reading adventure today!
