10 Proven Ways to Reach Your Annual Reading Goals and Love Every Page

As we begin to think about setting reading goals for 2026, it can be both exciting and a bit daunting. Whether you want to read more for fun, personal growth, or book reviewing like I do at My Grandma’s Teacups, having practical steps can keep you inspired and on track. Here are 10 proven ways to reach your annual reading goals, making the journey enjoyable and rewarding.

1. Choose Books You Love

The foundation of any successful reading plan is picking books that genuinely excite you. Dive into your favorite genres—be it cozy mysteries, heartfelt romances, or uplifting nonfiction. When you love what you read, picking up your book feels less like a task and more like a treat. Consider looking on Amazon for new releases or special interests, and just see what calls to you. Joining a program like NetGalley will allow you to read many new titles for free.

2. Set SMART Reading Goals

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals help create a clear roadmap. For example, aim to complete a book every month or read 20 minutes daily. This structure balances ambition with realism, helping you stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed. That does not mean you have to stop once you meet your daily goal. If you have some extra time to indulge in a captivating book, take this as permission to treat yourself.

3. Break Books into Manageable Chunks

Big books can seem intimidating if you look at them all at once. Break your reading into small daily or weekly chunks, like 10 to 20 pages a day. This gradual approach keeps momentum going and helps you enjoy even the lengthiest stories without stress.

4. Explore Diverse Genres and Formats

Keep your reading routine fresh by exploring new genres or trying different formats such as eBooks and audiobooks. Switching things up invites curiosity and keeps your reading experience exciting. Have you tried a graphic novel or a memoir from a new author lately?

5. Establish a Reading Routine

Create a daily habit by tying reading to an existing routine. It could be a page with your morning coffee or a chapter before bedtime. Building this habit makes reading a natural, enjoyable part of your day. I find turning off the tablet and just reading until I am tired is a lovely way to end the day.

6. Join Reading Challenges or Themed Months

Give your reading list focus with book challenges or monthly themes. Maybe read a classic this month or pick books by diverse authors in the next. These fun prompts add variety and keep your reading goals fresh and inspiring.  

7. Track Your Progress

Logging your books and pages read can be hugely motivating. Use a journal, an app like Goodreads, or even a simple checklist. Watching your progress grow gives you little celebrations along the way, boosting your enthusiasm to keep turning those pages. I use Goodreads and Storygraph to keep my list online, and then I use trackers like pixels at a glance, bookshelf layouts, series trackers, and lists to keep a visual progress history, which fuels my motivation. There is nothing as rewarding as filling in a tracker with all your reading milestones.

8. Engage with a Reading Community

Reading is often more fun when shared. Join a local or online book club, or simply discuss your reads with friends or followers. These connections spark new ideas, deepen your love of books, and add accountability to your goals. If you do a group search on Goodreads, you will find hundreds of groups that would love to discuss any genre you are interested in. You don't have to limit yourself to Goodreads, though; Facebook and Instagram have vibrant bookish communities.

9. Use Audiobooks and eBooks for Flexibility

Audiobooks let you “read” while cooking, commuting, or exercising, making it easier to meet your goals during busy days. eBooks are equally convenient, letting you carry your library wherever you go, so you never miss a reading moment. I have to admit it took me quite a while to embrace audiobooks. I thought it was akin to just watching the movie. I was so wrong. I listened to the entire Fourth Wing series (I know The Empyrian) but I remember it better as the Fourth Wing Series, on Audible. It was so much fun. Every time that I jumped in my truck to run an errand or take my kiddo somewhere, I played it. It felt like a little treat to reward myself for actually getting out of the house and getting things done.

10. Set Realistic Expectations Based on Your Schedule

Lastly, be kind to yourself by setting goals that suit your lifestyle. Instead of pushing to read too much at once, find a pace that fits your day. Realistic goals ensure reading stays a pleasure, not a pressure.

By embracing these strategies, reaching your annual reading goals becomes an adventure rather than a daunting task. Whether you’re a casual reader or a dedicated book lover, these tips will help you grow a lasting reading habit filled with discovery and delight.

Do you keep track of your reading goals? Add any ideas to the comment section below. Feel free to leave links to any helpful articles.