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5 Unusual Tips For Reaching Your Reading Goals

In this post, you’ll discover five creative and unconventional tips for reaching your reading goals. From book swaps to themed reading months, these strategies will keep your reading routine fresh and exciting!

One goal I set for myself year after year without fail is a reading challenge. It’s typically around 50 books but has been as many as 100 one year. After doing this for close to a decade, I have some ideas to share to help you reach your reading goals.

Let’s face it, finding time to read can be a real challenge. With endless distractions and a never-ending to-do list, it’s easy for reading to fall by the wayside. Yet, for many of us, diving into a good book remains one of life’s greatest pleasures and a goal worth pursuing. If you’re struggling to meet your reading targets, you might just need a fresh approach to help you reach your reading goals.

Did you know the average person reads about 200-300 words per minute? This means it takes the average person about 30 minutes to read 20 pages. Your reading speed might be faster or slow – either is totally okay! There are so many benefits to reading that even if you’re reading one book a month, you’re doing great!

In this post, we’re going to explore five unconventional tips to help you reach your reading goals. These creative strategies go beyond the usual advice and can inject a bit of fun and novelty into your reading routine. Whether you’re aiming to read more books, explore new genres, or simply make reading a daily habit, these tips will inspire you to turn those pages and achieve your literary aspirations.

woman reading in the park

5 Unusual Tips For Reaching Your Reading Goals

Reaching your reading goals can be fun and engaging with some creative strategies. Here are five unusual tips to help you ace your reading challenge year after year:

1. Book Swap with Friends:

Organize a book swap with friends or coworkers. This not only gives you access to new books without spending money but also introduces you to genres and authors you might not have picked up otherwise. Plus, the social aspect can motivate you to read and discuss what you’ve read.

2. Audiobook Challenges:

Incorporate audiobooks into your routine, especially during activities like commuting, exercising, or doing household chores. Challenge yourself to finish an audiobook in a week or set a specific time each day for listening. Audiobooks can be a great way to “read” more without needing extra time in your day.

Tips For Reaching Your Reading Goals

3. Reading Roulette:

Create a list of books you want to read and assign each a number. Use a random number generator to pick your next read. This adds an element of surprise and can make choosing the next book exciting rather than overwhelming.

Use a free online tool to create your own roulette wheel or kick it old school and write all the names of books you want to read on a piece of paper and put them in a jar. Pull a new choice whenever you’re ready for a new book!

4. Themed Reading Months:

Dedicate each month to a specific theme or genre. For example, you can have “Mystery March,” “Sci-Fi September,” or “Biography July.” This focused approach can help narrow your choices and keep your reading experience fresh and engaging.

I’ve always loved keeping spooky books and thrillers for around October as we lead into fall and Halloween. Similarly with December, I like to pack that reading schedule with holiday themed books and romances.

5. Social Media Accountability:

Share your reading goals and progress on social media or join a book club on platforms like Goodreads or Reddit. Publicly stating your goals and updating your progress can provide a sense of accountability and encouragement from your social network.

You can also start a “bookstagram” or “book-tok” account where you discuss your thoughts and post what you’re reading to engage with the reader and writer communities on Instagram and TikTok.

Tips For Reaching Your Reading Goals

How Will You Reach Your Reading Goals This Year?

Reaching your reading goals doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By incorporating a few unconventional strategies, you can make the process enjoyable, engaging, and highly effective. Whether you’re swapping books with friends, embracing audiobooks during daily activities, letting a random number generator choose your next read, dedicating each month to a specific theme, or sharing your progress on social media, these creative approaches can transform your reading routine.

The key is to keep things fresh and exciting, ensuring that reading remains a pleasure rather than a chore. By stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new methods, you’ll not only achieve your reading goals but also discover new genres, authors, and communities along the way.

So, why not give these tips a try? Whether you’re a seasoned bookworm or someone looking to reignite their love for reading, these unusual strategies can help you turn the page towards a more fulfilling and diverse literary journey. Happy reading!

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About the Author

Nicole Booz

Nicole Booz is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of GenTwenty, GenThirty, and The Capsule Collab. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is the author of The Kidult Handbook (Simon & Schuster May 2018). She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s probably hiking, eating brunch, or planning her next great adventure.

Website: genthirty.com