Peer Pressuring Myself to Reach My 2024 Reading Goals | P.S. It's for Funzies

We're 3 quarters into 2024, and I'm 16 books behind my reading goal of 52 books for the year. Why? Well, it turns out I'm a mood reader. Mood readers often struggle with sticking to a TBR (to-be-read) list, as they like to choose books based on their current mood or feelings. There are books I've started reading but couldn't get into because it's not what I was drawn to at the time.

When I ignore my inner mood reader, the simple act of picking up a book becomes a chore. I find myself avoiding reading altogether until I either suck it up and read the book I've committed to, or I give up and select something else.

I suppose if I simply listened to my intuition, I'd be further along in my reading goal by now. Alas, I cannot undo what was, I can only move forward and plan my reading accordingly.

So, here's how I plan to approach my end-of-year reading:

1. Finish one book a week. With 21 weeks left in the year, that means I can finish at least 16 books without feeling too pressured.

2. Stick to my genre preferences. I love mystery and thriller novels, but recently I've been trying to expand my horizons and read more non-fiction. While it's great to challenge myself, I've realized that if I'm not genuinely interested in a topic, it becomes a struggle to finish the book. So for the remainder of the year, I will focus on reading within the genres that truly captivate me.

3. Allow myself to DNF (do not finish) books without guilt. Life is too short to waste time forcing ourselves through books we don't enjoy. If after giving a book a fair chance, I still can't get into it, then it's okay to put it down and move on. I used to feel guilty about not finishing a book, but now I understand that it's important to prioritize my enjoyment and mental well-being.

4. Participate in a book club or join an online reading group. Reading can sometimes be a solitary activity, but being part of a community that shares the same passion for books can make it more enjoyable. It also provides an opportunity to discuss different perspectives and interpretations of the story, which adds depth to the reading experience.

5. Explore different genres and authors. While it's great to have go-to genres or favourite authors, branching out and trying new books can introduce you to new worlds and perspectives. It may even surprise you with a new-found love for a genre you never thought you would enjoy.

Wish me luck.

What are your end-of-year reading plans?