It’s that time of year again . . .
Everybody is making New Years Resolutions
I don’t make resolutions. I don’t know about you, but those feel like too much pressure to me. There’s also the easy to fall into trap of making unattainable resolutions or ones that society deems acceptable.
Ahem, I’m looking at you . . .
“I’m going to get bikini body ready for summer.”
“I’m going to make $1 million this year.”
No judgment if those are your goals and you have specific and healthy steps to attain them, but I’m thinking more specific and personal this year.
That’s why goals work so well for me. Goals seem to take the pressure off, while also encouraging me to focus on what’s truly important to me.
So let’s get into my Bookish Goals for 2019
- Read only 100 books in a year (max of 120)
Why? In 2018 I read 160 books, but the focus was more on quantity versus quality and savoring the reading experience. Limiting myself a bit also allows me to focus on other areas of life. And let’s be honest, 100 books in a year is still a lot.
- Request/be accepted for 5-7 NetGalley books per month
As many new book bloggers do, I requested & got accepted for way too many ARC books from NetGalley. While this is great (FREE BOOKS), I didn’t have as much flexibility to read what I wanted when I wanted. The reading schedule was REAL
- 7 months or more of an average of 4.0 star rating
Why? This was my goal in 2018 as well. It helps to put my focus on reading books that I think I will really love.
- Participate in the Book Riot 2019 Read Harder Challenge
I’ve been doing this for the past few years and really loved being introduced to books I never would have known about. I’m not forcing myself to finish the challenge or read books that I know I will strongly dislike just for the sake of completing the challenge.
- Participate in the 2019 Reading Women Challenge
I just recently found out that this Reading Challenge existed, but I’m super excited to participate. My reasoning is similar to the Book Riot Challenge.
- Focus more on *POC/AOC, **county of origin, and LGBTQIA+ content in books
I’ve had these goals for the past few years, but I’m continuing with them. I usually aim to hit 20% for each goal. It helps keep my reading well rounded and I am introduced to books I never would have found otherwise.
*POC- People of color (usually the main characters), AOC(Author of Color).
**Country of Origin: Countries other than the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia
Do you agree or disagree with my goals? What are your reading goals for the year?
Let me know in the comments. I’m always really interested in what people prioritize in their reading journeys.
Books, Life and Everything Nice 
I agree that when you make resolutions you don’t always attain them. This year I’ve stopped making plans for the yr, including signing up for book challenges. I’m going to read what I want when I want and not worry about trying to make my tbr smaller or anything. I am going to avoid Netgalley because I have a few books I’ve requested and not got around to reading. I am not going to worry about my blog. Planning and to-do lists haven’t worked for me. So I have stopped. I have a writing goal and then two goals: read books I keep meaning to read and cook new recipes. Fun rather than do this and do that. Best of luck with your goals
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I like the fun way that you’re going about your goals. Do you have any recipes you’re looking forward to trying?
LikeLike
I’ve been meaning to make a corned beef pie for ages. Usually my goals feel like work and since I never get around to cooking things I keep saying I will like Corned beef pie I thought I’d do it this yr. I don’t know what else to try yet, maybe I’ll make a blog post.
LikeLike
Good luck with your goals, Amanda! They all look good, although 7 months with an average 4-star rating is the hardest to achieve as you never truly know how much you will like a book until you have read it. Hope they are all amazing reads!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person