Balancing Life And Literature: My Reading Plan For The Year
As a self-proclaimed bookworm who has always had their nose buried in a good book, I can tell you that there’s something truly magical about the world of literature. It can transport you to far-off lands, introduce you to fascinating characters, and teach you lessons that will stay with you for a lifetime. I’ve always loved to dive into the pages of a good book. But as I grew older and responsibilities piled up, I found myself reading less and less. When Life gets busier and more demanding, it’s easy to let our reading habits fall by the wayside. That’s why I’ve made it my mission this year to read more, and let me tell you, it’s been an adventure so far.
The Struggle of Maintaining a Reading Habit
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “I just don’t have the time to read.” And trust me, I get it. Between work, family, and social obligations, it can feel like there’s no time for anything else. But the truth is, reading is one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself. It’s a chance to escape the stresses of everyday life and lose yourself in a good story. So, I challenge you to make reading a priority in your life. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Starting Small and Working Your Way Up
But how do you get started? Well, the first step is to set achievable goals for yourself. Maybe you want to read a certain number of books in a year, or maybe you just want to finish that series you’ve been meaning to get to. Whatever your goals are, make sure they’re realistic and achievable. Don’t set yourself up for failure by trying to read a book a day if you know you don’t have the time. Start small and work your way up.
At the beginning of the year, I decided to start small and read for at least 2 minutes every day, thanks to the wisdom I gained from James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits. And it worked like a charm! For a while…
The Benefits of General Goals for Reading
But as life got more demanding, I found myself struggling to keep up with my reading routine. I felt disappointed and frustrated with myself, wondering if I had failed at yet another goal. However, with a bit of introspection, I realized that I was still reading, even if it wasn’t always in the traditional sense. I was reading work emails, industry articles, and news pieces. And that still counted!
That realization sparked a shift in my mindset about setting specific and challenging goals. Instead of pressuring myself to read a certain number of books each month, I decided to give myself a general goal: read 50 books a year. Some months I’ll read 10 books, other months only one or even none at all. It varies, just like life.
Now, you may be wondering, “Why bother setting a goal at all if you’re not going to hold yourself accountable?” And that’s a fair question. But hear me out. By giving myself a general goal, I’ve allowed myself the flexibility to adapt to life’s unpredictability. Some days, I may only have time to read for 2 minutes, while other days, I may get lost in a book for hours. And that’s okay. The point is that I’m making time for something I love, without adding unnecessary pressure or guilt.
So, if you’re someone who has struggled with setting specific and rigid goals for reading (or any other aspect of your life), I encourage you to try setting a general goal. It may not be for everyone, but it’s worth exploring. And who knows, maybe you’ll rediscover the joy of reading without the added stress of meeting a strict quota.
Embracing the Journey of Reading
Remember, reading is not a competition or a chore. It’s a pleasure and a privilege. So, let’s make the most of it and embrace the journey, wherever it takes us.
So, if you’re ready to embark on this journey of reading more, I’m right there with you. Let’s rediscover the magic of books together, and open our minds and our hearts to the stories waiting to be told. And if you’re new to reading, I promise you won’t regret giving it a try. There’s a whole world of wonder and imagination out there, just waiting to be explored.
Learn More: For those seeking to expand their knowledge of ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear,
