The Bookish Mindset

We’ve talked a lot about reading goals already and how they stress some and leave others feeling not enough, so for transparency I wanted to share the goals I’m setting this year.

First up is that I’m not setting a number goal. It’s the first time in five years that I haven’t. I’ve read many books a year from a young child and for the majority of years I didn’t track them. There’s nothing wrong with tracking of course (as long as it feels good for you), I actually started keeping a list in my notes in 2020 of the books I read before I found bookstagram and it grew from there. I’m excited to see how it feels to not have a numerical goal.

Next up is one I started last year and my focus for this year: reading through my physical TBR. I’d actually like to end the year with no more than 30 unread books. That means I need to read a big portion of what I own but also be conscious in my buying too, more on the next goal. I have such a great backlist of books waiting to be read and I’m excited to work through them.

On the topic of buying books, last year I was really happy that I read every pre-order I bought and the majority of books I randomly bought too. Not perfect, but a great effort. So I wanted to continue that this year – ensure I read every pre-order I make and be a lot more mindful of the miscellaneous books I pick up. With my last goal in mind, I’m looking forward to see how I fare with these two.

Another newly introduced practice is around putting books down when I don’t enjoy them. I know when I’m not feeling a book so I just need to trust my gut and leave it be. I can leave for another time if it could be something I’ll enjoy when I’m feeling it. Or I can be done with it. And that’s okay. Even if it’s one I should like, or one that everyone else has loved. I’m allowed to spend more time reading the books I want to read.

There’s two more goals I’m mindful of that I want to work towards this year but I don’t want to put numbers on yet. Firstly I want to use the library more – I’ve already got three books checked out and multiple audiobooks saved and ready for when I’m ready. I also want to find and support more indie authors. I know this will come through good old bookstagram so I’m not pushing this.

It feels like it’s going to be another great year of reading and I’m excited to see where I sit with these gentler and more focused goals.

If reading more is something that you’re looking at doing this year then should check my reading challenge out here! Read nine books from nine prompts over the first six months of the year and be entered into a draw to win a bundle of bookish goodies.

If you like what you’ve read and would like to access more content, I’d love if you could take a look at my patreon and consider supporting my content on there too.

And don’t forget you can follow me on Instagram for more bookish content too.

Happy reading folks!

Last updated 10/01/2025