How to Set and Achieve Reading Goals in 2025 (Complete Guide)

Once I started reading regularly, I realized I wanted to take it more seriously and actually set reading goals.

At first, it seemed like an easy task.

After all, I already loved reading, right? How hard could it be to just, you know, read more?

But let me tell you, it wasn’t as simple as I thought.

Every January, I’d scribble something like “read 52 books this year” in a shiny new planner, only to forget about it by February.

Life would get busy, Netflix would lure me in, and those untouched books on my shelf became decorations instead of tools for growth.

Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever struggled to keep up with your goals (I know most of us do), or if you’re just tired of constantly starting over—you’re in the right place.

In this post, we’re breaking down how to actually make those reading goals stick, using some lessons I’ve learned along the way. And trust me, it’s not as hard as it sounds.

Ready? Let’s get started.

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Why Setting Reading Goals Matters

I used to think reading goals were a bit overrated. Why add structure to something that’s supposed to be enjoyable?

But then one year, I realized I’d barely read five books, even though I’ve been meaning to read more. But, meaning to do something doesn’t always lead to action.

Without a clear goal, I wasn’t holding myself accountable.

The following year, I started aiming to read just 12 books—one per month. It completely changed how I approached reading and life in general.

First off, having reading goals sharpens your focus.

Instead of scrolling aimlessly for the next title, you have a plan, which keeps you on track and even reduces decision fatigue (yep, it’s real). Plus, when you’re working toward a goal, every book feels like progress—not just a pastime.

Personally, I noticed that setting goals pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. I explored genres I’d never touched before, like sci-fi and biographies, which ended up teaching me more than I’d expected.

Long-term goals, like reading 12 books in a year, help you think big and dream a little. Short-term ones, like finishing a specific book this month, keep things manageable and motivating.

You need both! It’s like building a bridge. Short-term steps lay the foundation, while long-term goals define where you’re headed.

Setting these targets transformed my casual habit into something intentional and, honestly, more fulfilling. If you’ve never tried it, start with a simple goal—you’ll thank yourself later.

How to Set Realistic Reading Goals

Setting ambitious reading goals is easy when you’re caught up in the excitement of a fresh start.

I’ve been there, staring at my bookshelf in January, vowing to conquer 52 books by December. I mean, it’s only 1 book per week. How hard can it get, right?

Well, I’ll be honest… I didn’t even get any close to my goals.

Assessing Your Current Reading Habits and Available Time

First, let’s take a look at what’s realistic.

Ask yourself: how much time do you actually spend reading each day?

Not the idealized version, but the real deal. Be honest with yourself!

If you’re juggling a lot of commitments, don’t be hard on yourself. Even if you can carve out just 10-15 minutes a day, that adds up over time. Maybe it’s reading a chapter while sipping your morning coffee or getting through a few pages before bed.

Another thing I learned the hard way is not to compare myself to others. Just because someone posts their 100-book reading challenge on Instagram doesn’t mean you need to follow suit.

Everyone’s schedule and lifestyle are different. So, focus on what fits into your life and what feels achievable for you.

Start where you are.

If you read two books last year, aim for four this year. Doubling your progress is still impressive!

Using the SMART Goal Framework for Reading

Here’s where the magic happens. SMART goals aren’t just for work projects—they’re perfect for reading too.

Specific: Instead of “I want to read more,” say, “I’ll read 12 books this year.”
Measurable: Break it down: that’s one book a month. Super manageable, right?
Achievable: Make sure the goal fits your schedule. If you only have 10 minutes a day, don’t commit to a book a week.
Relevant: Choose books that excite you. If you’re into fantasy, don’t force yourself to read business books just because they’re “productive.”
Time-bound: Set deadlines, like finishing one book by the end of January. Having a timeline keeps you focused.

Practical Reading Goals Based on Experience Level

Your reading goals should align with your current lifestyle and how comfortable you feel with reading as a habit. Here are some examples for different starting points:

1. Beginner

If you’re just getting into reading, keep it simple and achievable. Aim small and build confidence. A goal like “I’ll read one book every two months” is a great way to build momentum without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Intermediate

If you already read casually, try stepping outside your comfort zone. You could aim to explore six books across different genres or finish one book per month to create a steady rhythm.

3. Advanced

If reading is already part of your daily life, challenge yourself with something ambitious, like completing a series, diving into a specific author’s works, or reading a mix of fiction and nonfiction.

Strategies to Stay on Track on Your Reading Goals

Alright, so we’ve covered the easy part—setting your reading goals.

Now comes the hard part. This is where most people get derailed or completely ditch their goals. Because, like any goal, sticking to a reading plan is a lot easier on paper than in practice.

Here’s what I’ve learned that actually work to keep me on track with my reading goals, the hard way and the fun way.

Creating a Reading Schedule

One of the best decisions I made was creating a reading schedule. It sounds rigid, but it doesn’t have to be!

Setting specific reading times rather than just saying, “I’ll read when I feel like it.” It’s easy to push it off when you don’t have a clear time in mind.

For me, it was as simple as carving out 20 minutes before bed every night. I set a reminder on my phone, and even on those days when I felt too tired to read, I’d tell myself, Just one chapter. Often, that one chapter turned into three.

Leveraging Technology: Apps and Tools for Book Tracking

If you’re trying to hit a number goal—like reading 12 books in a year—seeing your progress can give you that extra push to keep going.

Plus, you can always look back and see your journey. Tracking gives you proof of your hard work, and who doesn’t love that?

I started with a plain notebook where I’d jot down the date and the number of pages I read. Then I moved to a spreadsheet (nerdy, but satisfying!) before finally discovering apps like Goodreads.

Goodreads allows you to track what you’ve read, set yearly reading challenges, and even join groups where people share recommendations and discuss books. The ability to update your status with just a few clicks makes it easy to keep your progress visible.

If you want something a little more organized and visual, Notion is a great tool for creating a reading dashboard where you can list books you plan to read, books you’re currently reading, and books you’ve completed. It’s customizable, and I love how it keeps everything in one place.

For those of us who sometimes just can’t seem to find the time to sit down with a physical book, Audiobooks deserve a special shout-out here. I didn’t count them as “real reading” at first (rookie mistake), but they’ve been a lifesaver during commutes or while doing chores.

It’s one of the easiest ways to get through more books without feeling like you need to carve out dedicated reading time. Plus, the ability to adjust the speed of the narration means you can power through books at your own pace.

Joining Book Clubs or Reading Challenges for Accountability

Accountability has been a lifesaver for me.

Joining a book club—whether it’s in person or online—has been one of the most effective ways to stay on track.

Not only do you get that accountability, but you also get to discuss what you’re reading, which adds a fun social element and turns reading into a shared experience.

And let’s not forget reading challenges! They’re everywhere, especially around New Year’s. These challenges can be simple, like reading a book every month, or more specific, like reading books from different genres or by authors from different countries.

I’ve joined several over the years, and it’s always surprising how much you can learn by pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. Plus, you get a sense of community when others are aiming for the same goal. It’s like having a little reading squad cheering you on.

So there you have it: strategies to stay on track with your reading. But here’s the thing—no matter how well you plan, obstacles will pop up.

In the next section, we’ll talk about how to tackle those bumps in the road and keep your reading goals moving forward, no matter what life throws your way.

Overcoming Common Obstacles in Your Reading Journey

You’ve set your reading goals, picked out a stack of books, and then… nothing. The pages sit there, gathering dust, while your mind keeps drifting elsewhere. It’s frustrating, right?

Between life getting busy, the book just not clicking, or your mind wandering to a thousand other things, it’s easy to feel like you’ve fallen off track.

I’ve definitely faced my fair share of obstacles, but there’s always a way around them.

How to Handle Reading Slumps

First off, slumps. Ugh, I can’t even count how many times I’ve hit a wall mid-book. Sometimes, it feels like I’m just not in the mood for reading, and other times, I start a book and can’t finish it. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone!

Here’s what helped me bounce back:

1. Switch it up

When you’re stuck in a slump, don’t be afraid to change genres. I’ve gone from reading heavy non-fiction to a light-hearted mystery novel just to reset my mind.

Often, a lighter book can reignite the spark and get you back in the game.

2. Take a Break

One thing that really helped me get out of a reading slump was accepting that it’s okay to take a break.

Sometimes, we put so much pressure on ourselves to read a certain number of books or finish a book in a specific time frame that we forget reading should be enjoyable, not stressful.

I found that stepping away from my book for a couple of days, without guilt, actually made me more excited to pick it back up.

When I did return, I gave myself permission to read at my own pace, even if it meant reading a chapter or two a day.

Tips for Managing Distractions and Staying Consistent

Distractions—don’t even get me started! Between notifications, pets demanding attention, or the constant pull of social media, it’s easy to put the book down and give into temptation.

Here’s what works for me:

Put your phone on silent or in another room if you can. The urge to check notifications is strong, but so is the pull of a good book!
Find a cozy, quiet space. I’ve made a reading nook in my apartment—nothing fancy, just a comfy chair and good lighting. Having a specific spot helps me get in the zone faster.
I also set goals for uninterrupted reading sessions. Telling myself I’m reading for just 20 minutes without checking my phone has made all the difference. And when that timer goes off? I’m usually so into the book that I don’t want to stop!

Celebrating Your Reading Milestones

Let’s talk about something that’s often overlooked in the hustle to reach your reading goals—celebrating the small wins along the way.

When you knock off that first book or hit a reading target, it’s easy to just move on to the next goal, thinking it’ll feel more “real” once you hit a bigger milestone. However, taking the time to celebrate your progress is crucial because it helps maintain momentum.

It’s like fueling up during a long road trip—those little moments of joy remind you why you’re putting in the effort.

Celebrating progress boosts motivation

The science behind celebration is legit.

When you recognize your progress, you’re basically giving your brain a dopamine hit that makes it want to repeat the behavior. It’s like positive reinforcement for your reading habit. Who doesn’t want that?

Usually when I finish a chapter, I’d give myself a mental high-five. And if I’m really in the mood, I might reward myself with something small, like a cup of coffee.

These little celebrations prevent the reading process from feeling like a grind.

Fun rewards for hitting reading goals

When it comes to fun ways to reward yourself, the key is finding something that genuinely feels like a treat.

For me, finishing a book in a week calls for a little binge-watch session of my favorite series, no guilt attached. Or if I hit a monthly goal, I might splurge on a new book or a reading gadget, like a cool bookmark or a fresh Kindle cover.

Some people might prefer rewarding themselves with a cozy blanket or a new journal to jot down reflections. The point is to make the reward personal and connected to your reading journey.

It builds a positive association with reading and keeps you coming back for more.

Share with others

I used to keep my reading progress to myself, thinking it was something I should just quietly work on. At first, I was hesitant. What if people see it as me showing off? And I wasn’t sure if anyone would even care.

But to my surprise, people were excited to hear about my progress. When I mentioned finishing my 10th book of the year, it sparked some awesome conversations, and I even got a few recommendations for new books to dive into.

It made me realize that sharing these moments isn’t about boasting, it’s about connecting.

Sharing your achievements can turn reading from a solitary task into a shared experience, and that little extra support can keep you going even when motivation dips.

Conclusion

When it comes to setting and achieving reading goals, the journey is just as important as the destination.

Maybe you’re sitting there thinking, “I’ll never hit my goal of reading 12 books this year,” and I get it. I’ve been there too.

But trust me, even if you only manage to read a fraction of what you planned, the impact is still huge. Setting goals pushes you to read more, to make time for books you wouldn’t have otherwise, and to experience worlds you might have missed.

It’s about progress, not perfection.

So, as you go ahead with your own reading goals, keep it real. Start small if you need to, but don’t be afraid to dream big.

Use tools that keep you accountable, track your progress, and celebrate those small wins along the way.

And don’t forget to give yourself some grace when life gets in the way. We all have those days when Netflix or social media just calls our name too loudly, and that’s okay. Tomorrow’s a new day to turn things around.

The best thing about reading is that there’s no one “right” way to do it.

Just take it one chapter at a time. You’ve already taken the first step by setting those goals. Now, it’s all about enjoying the ride.

How to Set and Achieve Reading Goals in 2025 (A Step-by-Step Guide)