Reading Life #10: Gentler reading resolutions

For a more fulfilling year of reading

This is Reading Life, a monthly series featuring a short essay on reading reflections, tips, and the bookish life. Start finding book recommendations you love by upgrading to paid today!

Hello, readers! It's that time of year when everyone is talking about resolutions, love them or hate them. Where do you stand with them?

I personally love a fresh start. But I also believe in self-compassion and gentleness when setting goals. I love the idea of continuing habits that already work for you. I don't thrive with strict goals, but I benefit from some overarching ideas that help point me in a direction. 

And when it comes to reading resolutions, you can go in so many different directions.

The first time I set a reading goal was in 2015 after I had the most abysmal reading year in 2014. I had read just two books in 2014. Who even knows how I was spending my free time that year?! It was my first year working a full-time salaried job and the first year I got into Instagram, so I was likely spending too much time on my phone. 

So, in 2015, I set a goal to read 12 books, and off I went into the year. I started frequenting my local library and made a list of books I was interested in. Before I knew it, reading was a regular part of my life again. Having a numerical goal in that first year was so helpful in establishing a reading routine. 

Since then, I still set a numerical goal each year. But I don't pay much attention to it because now that I've established a reading routine, I'm always reading enough. Now, my goals are about ensuring my reading life is fulfilling.