A few years ago, the Goodreads app suggested setting a reading goal for the year. I had no idea how many books I could reasonably read in twelve months but set the goal high at 100.
That happened to be 2020 when there was plenty of time to settle in with one good book after another for months at a time. I met and exceeded that goal and was quite proud.
I have left this goal the same ever since, getting close but falling short every year. This year, though, that goal is going down in a blaze of glory. With some focus, 55 books will be the final tally.
And you know something? I’m ok with that.
I have read some great books and some mediocre ones since January. I have started and tossed aside some that simply weren’t for me. There were weeks when I barely touched a book because that degree of focus simply wasn’t possible while other times found me awake late at night and tearing through an enthralling tale.
This year found me on my usual adventures and on the hiking trail a lot more than normal, making it hard to sit and read. In other words, life got in the way, taking me to rewarding places where I didn’t even know I wanted to be.
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from the stories I have told on this blog over the years, it should be this: the best stuff in life is about the journey, not the destination.
Read the books you enjoy. Pass on the ones you don’t like. Take the trip, hike the hike, care for yourself and spend time with those who prove themselves your people.
If all that interferes with an arbitrary goal then so be it. Maybe I’ll do better in 2024
Having goals can be worthy, but I tend to do what appeals to me most in the moment. Your approach sounds realistic. I totally agree about not finishing books that are meh. Life’s too short! (PS. Hubby and I had one of those “can’t we hit “undo” events yesterday)
Oh dear! Hope the undo needs weren’t too great.
I will read more this winter. In fact, I’m looking forward to settling in with your book one cold winter day very soon!
Goals are like guidelines. It’s good to not lose track of why we set them in the first place and to try to find enjoyment along the way, otherwise what’s the point? Completing something for the sake of checking it off your list isn’t always satisfying. You’re right, it’s all about the journey rather than the destination.
Part of the intent behind the reading goal is just to keep me reading. It has been a big help in that regard. I’m at peace with it!
Great post and sound advice!
Thank you!!