Happy New Year, book lovers! If you’re like me, the start of a new year means that it’s time to set some reading goals for the year ahead. But let’s be honest, sticking to those goals can be pretty difficult, right? The key to successfully meeting your goals for the year is to make sure you keep your goals realistic and fun! Realistic goals are those that fit your schedule and reading pace, like aiming for 30 books instead of 100 if time is tight. Fun goals could include themed challenges or rewarding yourself with a cozy reading night after finishing a book. Realistic goals find that sweet spot between challenging yourself and not overdoing it. And fun? Well, that’s what keeps us coming back for more books! Consider your past reading habits and any upcoming life commitments when deciding on your goals for the year. Reflecting on how much time you’ve had for reading in the past, the types of books you enjoyed most, and any patterns of consistency or breaks can help you set a goal that feels achievable. For example, if you noticed that shorter books kept you more engaged, you might focus on reading more novellas this year. And remember, it’s okay to adjust your standards as the year progresses!
I’ve got a few tips to help you set goals that you’ll actually stick with. I’ll also be sharing my personal reading goals for 2025 to inspire you along the way. Oh, and if you have ADHD like me, don’t worry! I’ve included some ADHD-friendly tips at the end of some sections to help you tailor your goals to work best for you.
1. Set a Specific Number of Books
Having a clear target can help you stay focused. Knowing exactly what you’re working toward makes it easier to prioritize your time and stay motivated throughout the year. For 2025, my goal is to read 50 books. This number feels achievable based on my typical reading pace. I know myself, though. Sometimes I’ll go weeks without picking up a book, so I’ve planned for that when picking my goal for the year.
If you’re a planner like me, divide your goal by months or weeks. Breaking your big goal into smaller milestones, like reading 10 or 25 books by certain points in the year, makes achieving your year-end goal feel less intimidating. And if you crush your goal early? Even better!
ADHD Tip: Instead of focusing on larger increments, focus on reading one book per week or even a few chapters a day. By breaking it down, you create steps that feel more achievable and help keep you motivated. For example, instead of aiming to “read 50 books this year,” try focusing on finishing one book every week or dedicating 15-20 minutes to reading each day.
2. Stay Organized with a Reading Tracker
Keeping track of your progress can make your reading journey even more rewarding! Make a reading tracker your best friend this year. Whether it’s an app like StoryGraph or Bookly, a spreadsheet, or a physical reading tracker, find something that gets you excited to log your progress. Add stickers, color-code your genres, or pick a cute theme—it’s your tracker, so make it yours. Personalizing your tracker not only makes it more visually appealing but also turns the act of logging your reading into something fun and engaging, helping you stay motivated.
Reading trackers can also be a great way to find patterns in your reading habits. Maybe you’re loving a certain author or genre, or maybe it’s time to branch out. I’m using the 2025 reading tracker from Novelly Yours this year and it’s been a game-changer so far. Not only does it help me stay organized but it allows me to track so many different reading stats and create my own graphs and lists. I love being able to see a colorful, visual representation of all the different genres I’ve read throughout the year.
ADHD Tip: Use apps with notifications to remind you to log your progress. The Bookly app is great for this! If you’re using a physical tracker, keep it somewhere you’ll see it often—on your desk, on the fridge, or even as your phone’s wallpaper. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
3. Mix Challenge with Fun
Want to make your reading year extra exciting? Try setting mini-challenges for yourself. Maybe it’s reading one book per month from a different genre, tackling a classic, or picking up a debut author’s work. These challenges can keep you engaged by adding variety to your reading list and helping you stay motivated throughout the year. Adding variety can also prevent reading slumps by keeping things fresh and exciting, making the entire process more enjoyable. I love doing themed months like Spooky October or Romance February. It’s such a fun way to mix things up.
One of my goals this year is to read older or lesser-known books more often. While it’s tempting to pick up newly released books, discovering hidden gems can be just as rewarding. By doing this, I’ll finally dive into some of the older gems I already own and hopefully reduce my ever-growing TBR list. I’m really looking forward to giving those older titles the attention they deserve this year!
ADHD Tip: Turn everything into a game. Use a random generator or “wheel of genres” to pick your next read—it’s a fun way to avoid decision fatigue and keep things fresh. You can create a wheel of genres using free online tools like “Wheel Decide,” where you input your favorite genres and spin to see what comes up. It adds an element of surprise and makes choosing your next book exciting!
4. Branch Out and Explore New Books
Sometimes the best books are the ones you wouldn’t normally pick up. They broaden your perspective, introduce you to unique storytelling styles, and often lead to unexpected favorites that stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Challenge yourself to try new genres, explore indie authors, or revisit older classics. It’s all about broadening your horizons and finding those hidden gems. This year, one of my personal goals is to read one ARC (advanced reader copy) every month. Reading ARCs is so rewarding because it’s a chance to discover new stories before they’re widely available and support authors by providing early feedback and buzz for their work. It’s a great way to discover new stories before they’re out and support authors.
Not sure where to start? Ask friends for recommendations or join a book club. Book clubs enhance the reading experience by fostering discussions and shared enthusiasm, making your journey even more enjoyable. Book clubs are an awesome way to meet fellow readers and discover books you might not have picked on your own. This year, I’m focusing on exploring lesser-known titles and indie authors. There’s so much brilliance out there, and I can’t wait to dive in.
5. Celebrate Your Progress
Celebrating your achievements doesn’t have to wait until the end of the year. Big or small, every goal you hit deserves a little celebration! Finished a challenging book? Hit a milestone in your tracker? Treat yourself! Whether it’s a cozy reading night, a new bookmark, or a trip to the bookstore, rewards make the journey even more enjoyable.
Sharing your progress with others is another way to keep the good vibes going. Post updates on social media, join reading challenges, or just chat with friends about what you’re reading. Platforms like Goodreads, Bookstagram, or Facebook book clubs are great places to share your progress and connect with fellow readers for encouragement. The support and encouragement from a community can make all the difference. The camaraderie and encouragement from others can make your journey even more enjoyable. I’ll be sharing my journey here on my account, and I’d love for you to join me!
ADHD Tip: Immediate rewards work wonders. After finishing a task, enjoy a favorite snack, take a quick break, or watch a short video. These immediate rewards help reinforce positive habits by creating a sense of accomplishment and encouraging you to keep going, especially for those with ADHD. Positive reinforcement keeps you motivated and ready for the next step.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, reading goals should be fun, not stressful. Focus on what brings you joy, whether that’s devouring thrillers, diving into fantasy worlds, or soaking up spicy romances. Tailor your goals to your lifestyle and don’t be afraid to adjust them as needed. And if you hit a reading slump, remember—it’s okay to take a break. The books will always be there waiting for you.
I’ll be sharing my 2025 reading journey here, and I’d love to hear about yours too. Drop your goals or progress in the comments—let’s cheer each other on and make this the best reading year yet!
