Most years I try to set SMART reading goals. I do this to have some accountability for personal improvement. At the beginning of high school, I really did not read for leisure much. If you are like me, most of the things you read pre-college was for English class and standard high school requirements to graduate. There were not many books in high school that I really enjoyed reading. I’m not quite sure if it was because the books were uninteresting or if competing priorities forced me to read quickly instead of for enjoyment.

I went through a 15 year reading slump. Honestly, I think it is because I did not really know what I enjoyed reading. I finally escaped my reading slump by exploring a bookstore and buying a $2 book. It was hilarious! Ever since, I have rediscovered my love of reading and continue to build an online book community.

Related Post: Why I created an online book community

Over the last few years, I have purposely diversified my reading selections. I can partially credit this to my friends that entertained the idea of starting a virtual book club a few years ago. We read fiction and non-fiction; although, during graduate school I was partial to fiction. From sci-fi and fantasy to self-help books, we have read many different genres; nevertheless, I will admit that I enjoy mysteries and thrillers the most! Now that I am in the working world my book selections continue to change.

Related Post: Develop the habit of daily reading

I track my reading goals (as best I can) on Goodreads. Typically I aim for roughly 2 books per month. In 2024, I listened to more audiobooks than I sat and read physical books. If you know me, this is extremely rare. I love reading an actual book because it gives me time away from the computer screen. Plus it is always satisfying to flip the pages of a good page-turner.

Do you set yearly reading goals?

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”

– Richard Steele

If the answer is yes, please comment a tip about how you tackle your reading goals! Reading is truly exercise to the brain. I started setting SMART goals in my professional life. They keep me accountable to set and complete achievable goals for personal growth (and a little fun). No matter how much I read, I’m always striving to read faster, consume more information, and enhance my vocabulary. Not to mention, setting yearly reading goals encourages me to intentionally reserve time to do something I love.

Interested in joining my online book community?

Please let me know how you are doing at fulfilling your reading goals for the year!

Until next time…