8 New Year's Resolution Strategies to Read More in 2024

Is it just me or did 2023 fly by? It feels like just yesterday that I was celebrating the new year, and here we are a whole year late in 2024! This has been a fast-paced year and I don’t know about you, but I found it hard to keep up with my reading. That is why this new year I am dedicating a new year’s resolution to reading more and staying consistent. To prepare both you and me for this new challenge, I wanted to share some strategic planning to increase our reading volume so that it is entirely achievable. 

Be sure to sign up for this year’s dedicated reading challenge. I share encouragements, reading tips, and recommendations for you to actually achieve your reading goal in 2024. Elevate your reading game in the new year with these actionable strategies that will help you devour more books and relish the joy of reading.

1. Prioritize Reading in Your Daily Routine

One of the most effective ways to read more is to designate specific time slots for reading in your daily schedule. For example, if you have a goal to walk more, listen to an audiobook. If you are waiting in line to pick up your kids from school, bring your book and squeeze in a few pages or chapters. Whether it's carving out 20 minutes during your commute, utilizing your lunch break, or winding down before bed, establishing a consistent reading routine helps weave reading seamlessly into your life.

2. Set Realistic Reading Goals

Setting achievable reading goals might be the best bet to check off your TBR list. Start with a logical goal—whether it be the number of books you aim to read in a month or a year. Start small and gradually escalate until you find your rhythm. Remember, it's about progress, not pressure. Be kinder to yourself and I promise you that you will make some far strides.

3. Embrace Audiobooks and E-books

Maximize your reading opportunities by exploring audiobooks and e-books. I must say, this is my favorite trick! I got into audiobooks when I was commuting to school and to visit my boyfriend. Those hours I spent driving made me feel guilty that I could have been reading during this time. So one day I got a subscription to Audible and I fell in LOVE. Audiobooks are the perfect companions during commutes, workouts, or household chores, allowing you to consume books while multitasking. 

As for E-books, they offer convenience and portability. With them, you can carry an entire library in your pocket. I have so many books stored on my ipad. My other goal this year is to save up for a kindle, and I am super excited for the day I get to hold it in my hands. 

4. Choose Books Wisely

This is important. Choose books that you WANT to read. Opt for books that genuinely captivate your interest. Whether it's exploring diverse genres, following recommendations from trusted sources, or delving into topics that intrigue you, selecting books that resonate with your preferences increases your enthusiasm to read and keeps you engaged.

I get it. With booktok and bookstagram, there are tons of books going viral so you might feel the pressure to read what others are promoting. But hear me out…it is okay to not want to read what everyone else is reading. And if you did try reading the book but you just aren’t into it, it is also okay to not finish it. You tried it, that’s still an accomplishment! The moral of the story, read what you want, no matter what everyone thinks.

5. Limit Screen Time

This is going to be tricky. I am a total victim of doom scrolling on social media, especially when I am researching on my own bookstagram, I just can’t help but forever scroll on my feed. Reducing screen time can open up more opportunities for reading. Allocate some of the time you spend on social media or streaming services to reading instead. This simple shift can significantly amplify your reading minutes throughout the day.

One thing I do is set an alarm for 15, 20, or 30 minutes (depending on the day) and use that block of time to be on my phone leisurely. This helps my guilt as I am scrolling through looking at all the beautiful photos from bookstagrammers or learning how to make a new recipe for dinner. 

6. Utilize Reading Apps and Communities

Excuse me, sorry, I'm just going to squeeze right in here and share a little plug in: if you sign up for my newsletter, I will send you guided tips and tricks for staying consistent on your reading goals. You will be included in a community with people just like you who love to read and want to challenge themself this new year. If you sign up today, you will get a FREE guided plan to start off your reading resolution. Hope to hear from you! Ok, now back to our regular schedule programming!!

To stick with your reading goals, I urge you to use reading apps and online communities to stay motivated and organized. Apps like Goodreads allow you to track your progress, set reading goals, and discover new books based on your interests. Engaging with reading communities can introduce you to fresh perspectives and recommendations. The best way to find these groups is on social media. Look for profiles within your reading niche and eventually, you’ll have a list of people who are looking forward to the newest book by your favorite authors.

7. Always Have a Book Handy

As a kid, I used to carry a book with me wherever I went. Yup. I was Rory Gilmore before I knew who Rory Gilmore was. To stay consistent with your reading, keep a book within reach at all times. Whether it's a physical book in your bag or an e-reader on your phone, having a book readily available ensures that whenever you have a spare moment, you can dive into a chapter or two. 

8. Participate in Reading Challenges

Hi again, dropping back in to say: you can get a free reading challenge template right here today by signing up for our newsletter. Okay, I’m done, carry on! 

Engage in reading challenges offered by bookstores, libraries, or online platforms. By joining these challenges, you will be in a book-loving community filled with motivating masses to help you succeed in your reading goals while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow readers.

To end this article, I wanted to reiterate the 8 New Year’s resolution strategies to read more in 2024. It is important to prioritize reading and set realistic goals. Play an audiobook and add books to your Kindle. Always read what you love, never read out of pressure. Put the phones down; unless you are talking with your reading buddies over your newest book obsession. Keep a book somewhere nearby so you always have a story to finish. And lastly, try reading challenges to keep you accountable. 

Hope this helps! Happy reading friends!! Cheers to the new year!!!

Pin this for later!