Resolutions vs. Goals: Which Will Help You Read More This Year?
As the new year dawns, many of us reflect on the past and dream big about the future. For book lovers, this often means setting ambitious plans to read more, tackle a specific list of books, or branch out into new genres. But when it comes to planning your reading life, should you make resolutions or set goals? Let’s dive into the differences and decide which approach might work best for you.
Resolutions: The Big Picture
Resolutions are broad, aspirational statements about how you want to change or grow. They’re about setting intentions for the kind of person you want to be. When it comes to reading, resolutions might look like:
"I want to read more books this year."
"I will embrace more diverse authors."
"I’ll prioritize making time for reading."
Resolutions are powerful because they tap into your values and overall vision. They act as guiding principles that can shape your habits and decisions. However, they often lack specificity, which can make them harder to achieve. Without a concrete plan, your good intentions might fade as daily life takes over. Resolutions often require self-reflection and continuous effort to stay aligned with your broader aspirations.
Goals: The Specifics
Goals, on the other hand, are actionable, measurable, and time-bound. They turn resolutions into tangible steps. Reading goals might look like:
"I will read 50 books this year, averaging about one per week."
"I will read at least five books by authors from countries I’ve never explored before."
"I will spend 30 minutes reading every night before bed."
Goals are great because they’re clear and structured. They allow you to track progress and celebrate achievements along the way. Unlike resolutions, goals focus on specific outcomes and often include deadlines, making them easier to evaluate. However, they can sometimes feel rigid or overwhelming, especially if life throws unexpected curveballs. If you set goals that are too ambitious or inflexible, you risk feeling discouraged when you don’t meet them.
Key Differences Between Resolutions and Goals
Here’s a breakdown of the main differences:
| Aspect | Resolutions | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Broad and aspirational | Specific and actionable |
| Focus | Emphasizes values and intentions | Emphasizes measurable outcomes |
| Structure | Open-ended | Clear and structured |
| Flexibility | Allows for more adaptability | Often requires adherence to a plan |
| Timeline | No fixed deadline | Time-bound and deadline-oriented |
| Evaluation | Harder to assess success | Easier to track and evaluate |
While resolutions aim to inspire and guide your overall approach, goals provide a roadmap for turning those aspirations into reality. The choice between the two often depends on your personality and what motivates you most—the big picture or the details.
How to Combine Resolutions and Goals
The sweet spot might be finding a way to combine the aspirational energy of resolutions with the actionable focus of goals. For example:
Start with a Resolution: Reflect on what’s most important to you. Perhaps you want to rekindle your love of reading or broaden your literary horizons.
Example: "I want to read more widely and consistently this year."
Break It Down with Goals: Turn that resolution into specific, measurable steps.
Example: "I’ll read one book per month from a genre I’ve never tried before."
Track and Adjust: Use a reading journal, an app like Goodreads, or even a simple checklist to keep track of your progress. If you’re falling behind or a goal no longer resonates, adjust it to stay motivated.
Finding What Works for You
Everyone’s reading journey is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. If you thrive on structure, goals might be your best friend. If you prefer to follow your curiosity and mood, a resolution might give you the freedom you need.
Whether you choose resolutions, goals, or a mix of both, the most important thing is to enjoy the process. After all, reading isn’t just about numbers or lists—it’s about discovering stories, ideas, and perspectives that enrich your life.
What About You? Do you prefer resolutions or goals to guide your reading? Or do you take a completely different approach? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s inspire each other to make this year our best reading year yet.
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