Do you love reading but struggle to find the time or motivation to finish the books you start? Do you want to read more books this year, but don’t know where to begin? If so, you might benefit from setting SMART reading goals.
SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It is a framework that helps you create clear and realistic goals that are easier to track and accomplish. In this blog post, we will show you how to apply the SMART criteria to your reading goals and give you some examples of SMART reading goals you can set for yourself.
Specific
A specific goal is one that answers the questions who, what, when, where, why, and how. A specific goal is not vague or general; it tells you exactly what you want to achieve and how you will do it. For example, instead of saying “I want to read more books”, a specific goal would be “I want to read 24 books this year by reading at least 30 minutes every day before bed”.
Measurable
A measurable goal is one that has a quantifiable indicator of progress or success. A measurable goal helps you track how much you have done and how much you have left to do. For example, instead of saying “I want to read more classics”, a measurable goal would be “I want to read 12 classic novels this year by reading one book per month and keeping a list of the titles and authors”. Read this article how to make reading a habit
Achievable
An achievable goal is one that is realistic and within your reach. An achievable goal challenges you but does not overwhelm you. It takes into account your current situation, resources, abilities, and interests. For example, instead of saying “I want to read all the books in the world”, an achievable goal would be “I want to read 50 books this year by joining a book club, borrowing books from the library, and using an e-reader”.
Relevant
A relevant goal is one that aligns with your values, needs, and aspirations. A relevant goal is meaningful and important to you; it motivates you and inspires you. For example, instead of saying “I want to read more books because everyone else is doing it”, a relevant goal would be “I want to read more books because I enjoy learning new things, expanding my vocabulary, and escaping into different worlds”.
Time-bound
A time-bound goal is one that has a specific deadline or timeframe. A time-bound goal helps you stay focused and accountable; it creates a sense of urgency and prevents procrastination. For example, instead of saying “I want to read more books someday”, a time-bound goal would be “I want to read 24 books this year by reading two books per month and marking them on a calendar”.
Examples of SMART Reading Goals
Now that you know what SMART reading goals are and how to create them, here are some examples of SMART reading goals you can set for yourself:
- I want to read 12 non-fiction books this year by reading one book per month on topics such as history, science, psychology, and biography.
- I want to read 20 books from different genres this year by reading at least one book from each genre such as fantasy, mystery, romance, horror, and historical fiction.
- I want to read 10 books by authors of color this year by reading one book every six weeks and following diverse book recommendations online.
- I want to read 15 books in a foreign language this year by reading one book every four weeks and using a dictionary and an app to help me understand the words and grammar.
- I want to read 18 books from my personal collection this year by reading one book every three weeks and donating or selling the ones I don’t want to keep.
Conclusion
Setting SMART reading goals can help you improve your reading habits, skills, and enjoyment. By making your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, you can increase your chances of achieving them and becoming a better reader. Remember to review your goals regularly and celebrate your progress along the way. Happy reading!