Do you want to challenge yourself and read more books in the new year? Are you looking for a way to make time for reading even though you have a busy schedule? Do you want to prioritize your reading goals and focus on what’s important to you? In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to create a plan that will help you reach your reading goals while still making time for the other things that matter. You'll read more books this year.
Set SMURT Goals for Reading
Setting reading goals is a great way to challenge yourself and stay motivated to read more books in the new year. The key is to make sure that your goals are SMURT: Specific, Measurable, Unrealistic, Resourceful, Time-Bound.
For example, if your goal is to read more books in 2023, a SMURT goal would be to read 12 books in the next 12 months if you’re accustomed to reading six books. You can also break down that goal further to read a book a month, or even a book every two weeks.
Whatever your goal may be, make sure it's SMURT and that it's something that you can realistically accomplish. You can also break down your goal into smaller, more achievable goals that you can work towards throughout the year.
Writing your goals and keeping track of them is also a great way to stay focused and motivated. Consider creating a reading list of the books you want to read and tracking your progress. This way, you'll always have something to look forward to and a way to measure your success.
Have you read?
0.1%: Join The Club of The Richest, Healthiest by Simeon Ivanov
Find Books That Resonate With You
It’s easy to set a goal of reading 12 books in the new year, but it’s not always so easy to actually accomplish that goal. That’s why it’s important to choose books that resonate with you. Whether it’s a classic novel, a self-help book, a biography, or a work of fiction, make sure the book is something you actually want to read.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Ask friends and family for recommendations, or look for reviews online to help you find books you’ll enjoy reading. There are so many great books out there, so take the time to find the ones that are right for you.
It helps if you have a purpose for each book you read. How will the book help you? What will you be able to do after reading a book?
Create a Reading Plan
The best way to ensure that you read as many books as you want in the new year is to create a reading plan. This can involve setting a goal for how many books you want to read and creating a timeline for when you want to finish them. You should also create a list of books you want to read and decide ahead of time how much time you want to devote to reading each day. Once you have a plan in place, you'll be able to stay on track and make sure you reach your reading goals.
Make Time for Reading Every Day
Finding time to read can be a challenge, especially with our busy lives. But it’s important to make time for reading every day. Even if it’s just 15 minutes, that’s 15 minutes of learning and growing. Schedule your reading time into your daily routine and stick to it. Having a consistent reading time is one of the best ways to make sure you reach your goal of reading more books. And if you find yourself with extra time, use it to read! You’ll thank yourself later.
Mix Up the Books You Read
Are you the type of reader who only reads books in one genre? If so, it's time to break out of your rut and explore other types of books. Reading books from different genres will help you expand your knowledge and stimulate your brain in new ways. You could read a romance novel, an autobiography, a business book, and a science fiction book. You could even read books in different languages. Try to mix it up and explore as many genres and types of books as you can. You never know what you might discover.
Learn to Enjoy Audio Books
Audio books are a great way to get in some extra reading time. Listening to an audiobook can help you stay focused and engaged, even if you’re not able to sit down and read. You can even listen to audiobooks while you’re doing other tasks like cleaning the house or running errands. Find audiobooks that have a narrator that you enjoy listening to, and you’ll find that you can get through more books in a shorter amount of time. Take notes while listening if you’re using audiobooks for educational purposes.
Take Notes While Reading
Many readers don’t take notes while reading, but it can be a great way to increase your learning and understanding of what you read. Taking notes allows you to remember key points and ideas and also helps you to better focus on the material. It also allows you to go back and review the material at a later date. Try jotting down key phrases, quotes, or ideas that stand out to you. You can also use post-it notes or index cards to help you remember certain points or to organize your thoughts. Taking notes is a great way to make sure you get the most out of your reading.
Participate in Online Discussions
Reading books can be a great way to expand your knowledge and gain valuable insight. But you don't have to keep all of your thoughts and opinions to yourself. Taking part in online discussions and virtual book clubs can help you connect with other readers and learn even more about the books you read.
Look for book clubs, forums, and social media groups centered on the books you read. You can also check out online reviews and ratings to get more insight from other readers. Taking part in online discussions is a great way to engage with books on a deeper level and make the most of your reading experience.
Reward Yourself for Finishing a Book
It’s always exciting to finish a book, and it’s a great feeling to have that sense of accomplishment. After finishing a book, why not reward yourself? You can do something special like treat yourself to a nice dinner or a day out.
Alternatively, you could buy yourself a new book or a subscription to your favorite magazine. Whatever brings you joy, give yourself a pat on the back for finishing a book and take the time to recognize your accomplishments.
