Navigating Annual Reading Goals: Strategies and Intentions for a Viable Approach

Writing versus reading: for many voracious readers, these two activities often feel like a seesaw. As a content creator obsessed with writing books, the question of setting annual reading goals becomes more of a personal journey of discovery. In today's digital age, where distractions are endless, it's easy to get bogged down with rigid reading quotas. However, as we delve into the heart of this challenge, we uncover the importance of setting clear intentions and embracing a flexible approach.

Setting Clear Intentions

Instead of imposing strict annual reading goals, choosing to set clear intentions can lead to a more meaningful and enjoyable experience. This year, for instance, the focus was on learning from characters who have drastically improved or overcome insurmountable challenges. The key here is to allow creativity to dictate the journey, rather than strict guidelines. This approach not only keeps the reading experience fresh and engaging but also deepens the impact of each book read.

How the Right Books Find You

Contrary to popular belief, it seems that the perfect book for the moment always finds its way to you. As a relentless reader, the process of picking up books feels almost instinctive. When I sit down to read, I am always ready to dive into a diverse range of genres. Two to three lighter reads like mysteries or love stories, paired with at least one challenging book such as naval history, math, politics, or war classics, forms the backbone of my reading routine. This balanced approach ensures that the mind remains engaged and receptive to various forms of knowledge and entertainment.

The Importance of Daily Reading

Daily reading is my ultimate goal, and I make a conscious effort to achieve it. Generally, I aim for a minimum of two or three easy to moderately difficult reads per day. Mixing in challenging texts like those from historical naval studies, mathematical theories, or political and war literature helps maintain mental agility. It's not about hitting a particular number of books or pages; instead, the focus is on the quality of engagement and the objectives derived from the reading experience.

The Three Major Outcomes of Reading

When engaging with a book, three primary outcomes typically emerge: acquisition of new knowledge, validation of prior beliefs, and personal inspiration. Each of these is a valuable takeaway that enhances one's understanding of the world and oneself. For example, last year's read Railroader sparked a personal interest, leading to the discovery of three more related books I would not have read otherwise. Similarly, a book like American Icon opened doors to a series of closely associated works, all of which contributed to a richer understanding of the theme and enhanced my appreciation for the subject matter.

Flexibility and Modified Reading Schedules

In the digital age, book recommendations come in many forms. Amazon suggestions and recommendations from friends are invaluable sources of inspiration. I follow these leads without strict adherence to a predetermined schedule. Recently, a friend's recommendation of The Trick led to a delightful read, highlighting the joy of book recommendations and the value of flexibility in one's reading journey.

Choosing Objectives Over Goals

For readers like myself, who consistently hit more than fifty books annually, the notion of reading goals can sometimes feel overwhelming. Instead of setting rigid quotas, it's more beneficial to establish objectives. These objectives are loosely defined and guide the selection of books over time. This method of quarterly placement of titles ensures a sustained and engaged reading experience. If one were to speak to a younger version of myself, who read less frequently, the recommendation would be to read one book per month or one per quarter. That's goal-centric, and goals can be worthwhile at different stages of life.

However, for those already in the habit of reading more than fifty books annually, the natural inclination already ensures a fulfilling reading life. In this phase, the focus shifts from goals to objectives, allowing for a more spontaneous and creative approach to reading.

In conclusion, while rigid reading goals can sometimes feel constraining, setting clear intentions and objectives can lead to a more enriching and enjoyable reading experience. Embracing flexibility and following one's interests can unlock a world of possibilities, making reading a lifelong adventure.