Hello, and I hope you all had a lovely Christmas time. 

I spent Christmas prioritising self care, relaxation and calm time as I find this time of the year overwhelming emotionally. 

However, we've now got the thoughts of finishing our TBRs before midnight strikes on NYE, and planning to open a new book, turn a fresh page, start chapter 1 come January 1st. So, naturally a lot of us will be thinking about our reading goals for 2025, and I'm sharing my top tips to ensure we spend 2025 enjoying every page we turn, rather than getting burnt out or losing our reading mojo 😳  

As I said, as a new year begins, many of us feel the urge to set ambitious goals, but when it comes to reading, why not prioritize joy and relaxation? Setting cozy and calm reading goals for 2025 is about creating space for stories that nourish your soul, spark inspiration, and fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. This guide will help you craft reading goals that feel manageable, fulfilling, and perfectly tailored to your preferences.

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1. Reflect on Your 2024 Reading Year

Before setting goals for 2025, take time to evaluate your reading habits from the past year.

What did you enjoy most? Think about the books, genres, or themes that brought you joy.

What didn’t work? Consider the reading challenges or expectations that felt overwhelming or unachievable.

What did you wish you had more of? Identify the gaps, whether it’s exploring new genres, reading more diverse authors, or simply carving out more time to read.

Why It Matters: Reflection helps you understand your preferences and ensures your 2025 goals align with what truly makes you happy.

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2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Instead of focusing on how many books you’ll read, consider the experience of reading.

Set a smaller goal: Instead of committing to 100 books, aim for 25–50 thoughtfully chosen titles.

Embrace slow reading: Allow yourself to savor each story without the pressure of rushing to meet a target.

Focus on meaningful reads: Choose books that align with your interests, values, or long-term reading aspirations.

Cozy Tip: Select one or two long classics or literary works that you can read slowly throughout the year.

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3. Create a Cozy Reading Atmosphere

Your reading goals should feel like an indulgent escape rather than another task on your to-do list.

Build a reading sanctuary: Invest in comfortable seating, soft lighting, and warm blankets.

Pair books with ambiance: Light a candle, brew your favorite tea, or play soft background music to set the mood.

Why It Matters: A cozy environment enhances the reading experience, making it easier to stick to your goals.

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4. Embrace Themed or Seasonal Reading

Create goals that align with your moods and the seasons.

Winter: Cozy mysteries, heartwarming romances, or atmospheric classics.

Spring: Uplifting contemporary fiction or stories of growth and renewal.

Summer: Beach reads, fast-paced thrillers, or adventurous fantasy.

Fall: Dark academia, psychological thrillers, or historical fiction.

How to Start: Plan a seasonal TBR (To Be Read) list with 5–10 books that fit the theme for each quarter.

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5. Incorporate New Genres or Authors

Step out of your comfort zone by exploring unfamiliar territory.

Try one new genre per quarter: If you usually read romance, consider trying historical fiction or sci-fi.

Diversify your bookshelf: Include books by authors from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Why It Matters: Trying new genres keeps your reading fresh and introduces you to stories you might never have discovered otherwise.

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6. Set “Time-Based” Goals Instead of Numbers

If tracking the number of books feels stressful, focus on the time you spend reading.

Daily reading habit: Aim for 20–30 minutes of reading per day.

Weekend reading ritual: Dedicate Sunday mornings or evenings to uninterrupted reading time.

Why It Works: A time-based approach emphasizes consistency and enjoyment rather than productivity.

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7. Mix Formats to Match Your Lifestyle

Don’t limit yourself to just print books—embrace audiobooks, eBooks, and graphic novels.

Audiobooks: Perfect for multitasking during chores, commutes, or workouts.

eBooks: Convenient for travel or reading on the go.

Graphic novels: A quick and visually engaging way to add variety to your reading list.

Why It Matters: Multiple formats make it easier to fit reading into your daily routine, no matter how busy you are.

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8. Track Your Reading Progress Mindfully

Choose a tracking system that feels fun and motivating.

Physical journal: Create a beautiful reading log with notes, favorite quotes, and reflections.

Apps and websites: Use tools like Goodreads or The StoryGraph to track your progress and discover new recommendations.

Visual tracker: Try a book bingo or create a colorful bookshelf tracker to fill in as you complete books.

Cozy Tip: Focus on celebrating milestones rather than obsessing over unfinished goals.

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9. Join a Reading Community or Challenge

Enhance your reading journey by connecting with others.

Book clubs: Join a local or virtual group to discuss books and share recommendations.

Reading challenges: Participate in challenges like the Popsugar Reading Challenge or themed Instagram prompts.

Why It Works: A sense of community adds motivation and fun to your reading goals.

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10. Give Yourself Permission to Adjust

Life happens, and your goals should be flexible enough to adapt to changes.

Reassess quarterly: Check in with your progress and adjust your goals as needed.

Abandon guilt: If a book isn’t working for you, set it aside without regret.

Why It Matters: Reading should always feel like a joy, not a chore.

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Final Thoughts

Setting cozy and calm reading goals for 2025 is about embracing the joy of storytelling in a way that feels meaningful and sustainable. By focusing on quality, creating a warm reading environment, and incorporating flexibility, you can make reading one of the most fulfilling parts of your year.

What are your reading goals for 2025? Do you have a favourite tip from this list? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re planning your reading year!

Happy Reading,

– Dawn-Tracie xoxo