The not-so-challenging challenge: 5 tips to set inspiring reading goals

RPL’s Reading Challenge is on! Finding time and motivation to read can be hard these days. That’s why we made our reading challenge open-ended. Reading for prizes doesn’t have to be challenging – just fun! Here are some tips on setting reading goals that will inspire you and keep you on track:

1. Start with your interests and preferences

The first step in setting reading goals is to identify what you actually like! Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction? Do you read to relax, escape, or learn something new? Are there specific genres or authors that interest you? Start with those. The library is happy to offer you suggestions!

2. Set specific and measurable goals

Once you identify your preferences, shape them into something you can work toward. The acronym ‘SMART’ was a management tool created in 1981 by George T. Doran, but it can work really well for setting personal goals too. 

• S - Specific: Instead of saying, "I want to read more," set a goal like, "I want to read one book a month."
• M - Measurable: Try to give yourself a limit, like “read at least 10 pages per day” or “read for 15 minutes in the morning.” Breaking it down can encourage you to keep it up on your busy days when you may feel like you need to skip it. 
• A - Achievable: Be realistic. If you can’t achieve your goal, you’re more likely to give up on it. For example, “read for one hour of reading each day” becomes “read for a total of one hour each week.” Adjust your goals if you find that you frequently miss your mark.
• R - Relevant: Set a goal that lines up with your reason for reading. If you want to replace your habit of doom-scrolling, “read the new series by my favourite author” will be more enticing than “read three differing perspectives on recent American politics.” But the opposite would be true if your reason was to be more informed before engaging in conversation on a particular topic.   
• T - Time-bound: Use a deadline to motivate yourself. For example, “read one book a month” becomes “read one book a month for the rest of this year.” Then, when you reach the deadline, you can see how you did. Maybe you’ll set that goal again, or maybe you’ll revise it.

3. Break down bigger goals into smaller ones

If your goal is to read 12 books in a year, break it down into smaller goals. For example, aim to read one book every month, or to read 10 pages a day. Think of every small goal as one step closer to your achieving you overall goal. Your dot grid tracker can help make these micro-goals visual so you can celebrate your progress along the way. 

4. Mix it up!

Try new authors, genres, or topics. If you know what you like and struggle with branching out, try to introduce one new thing at a time. For example. if you like romance and are interested in trying fantasy, look for a “romantasy” – a subgenre that features both elements. Try our Books4Me service for reading lists tailored to your preferences!

5. Create a routine

Establishing a routine can solidify your reading into a habit. Set aside a specific time for reading, like during your morning coffee, through your lunch break, or before bed, and leave your book in that spot so it’s always ready for you. Hot tip from habit expert James Clear: pair your reading with something you already do every day. You’ll always be reminded to pick up your book.

It’s time to get started! Find out more about the RPL Reading Challenge, including how to win some big prizes!