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This time of year is flush with resolutions, goals and intentions – including ambitious new year reading goals. As a runner, I used to dread January because I’d arrive at the gym after work and every treadmill would be full. As resolutions tend to do, the enthusiastic new runners faded out by February.
Reading goals often follow the same pattern.
Many people set audacious goals to read 50 (or more!) books a year, only to experience reading burnout by spring. Life gets busy. Other priorities pop up. Library wait-lists are long. And sometimes, you just aren’t in the mood to read the books on your TBR.
I get it.
So instead of pushing through another year of pressure-filled reading goals, let’s create space to have an enjoyable, sustainable reading life in 2026.
Here’s how to set yourself up for success.
Don’t Be Afraid to DNF (Do Not Finish)
Many of us grew up with the mindset: Finish everything you start.
I used to hear that voice too – until I realized that life is far too short to spend it reading books that aren’t serving me (read more about my mindset shift here). If you’re a few chapters into a book and dread picking it up, it’s OK to stop.
If you have a TBR pile (physical books, audiobooks or e-books) that’s a mile long, you can’t afford to spend time on books you don’t enjoy. Giving yourself permission to DNF is one of the fastest ways to fall back in love with reading.
So be free – you do no have to finish every book you start.
Reassess Your TBR (To Be Read) List
January is also prime time for decluttering, and your reading life can benefit from the same approach.
If you have unread books at home, take time to reassess them. Ask yourself:
- Do I still want to read this?
- Am I excited about it – or just keeping it out of guilt?
If the desire isn’t there, let it go. Donate the physical books. Remove audiobooks and e-books from your device. Clearing your TBR helps eliminate pressure and creates room for books you’re genuinely excited about.
A smaller, intentional TBR can be a powerful reading reset.
Create New Reading Habits and Routines
Instead of focusing on big numbers, focus on daily reading habits that fit your real life.
Here are a few simple ideas:
- Family reading time: After dinner, set a timer and read together for 20-30 minutes. Read a book aloud together or read independently.
- No phone after 7pm: Replace scrolling with a book.
- Read 5-10 pages a day: Small, consistent reading adds up.
You don’t have to finish a book in a week. You don’t have to read for an hour a day. The goal is consistency – not perfection. (For more tips on building reading habits, check out this post)
Remember: Reading is Supposed to be Enjoyable!
If reading feels like a chore or you feel trapped by an unrealistic goal, it’s time to pause and reset. Most of us read because we love it – not because we want another item on our to-do list.
As George R.R. Martin said,
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies… The man who never reads lives only one.”
Reading teaches us, entertains us, and transports us. Let 2026 be a year where your reading serves you – not the other way around.
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