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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 18, 2024 20:24:47 GMT
I've been following #bookthreads on that app and there are so many posts related to annual reading goals and they always spark controversy. FTR, your life is your business so no judgment from me.
But I have this vision of people getting to the end of the year and engaging in a maniacal marathon of reading books that might not even be interesting just to hit a goal.
Don't get me wrong, I've been in the middle of a book and couldn't wait to get to the end to either see what happened because I was so intrigued or because I'm dying of boredom and want to move beyond it but I'm too caught up in it to stop. So I get the fact that you really can fly through a book.
But really, for me, the mark of a good book is that I actively want to pause and take the time to chew on what I've just read. If I get to a meaty chapter, I need to spend time really thinking about it and processing it. A book goal just doesn't seem compatible with that.
Am I just not understanding? What is the motive for a book goal? If you set one, do you feel like you get adequate time to process what you've read? Does it make your hobby less enjoyable at the end of the year when there is huge impetus to meet your goal? Does it make you choose 200 page novels over 900 page novels? Or fiction over nonfiction? Or do you need the goal just to prioritize the time to read?
I guess I just want to know reasons for setting reading goals and then how it actually works out in practice.
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pilcas
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Post by pilcas on Nov 18, 2024 20:28:06 GMT
I don’t make goals when it comes to reading although I keep a log of what I read. If I were to do that I would try to make it reasonable, something that I could achieve even knowing that life gets crazy at times. I think reading should be a positive experience and if I force myself to read when I don’t feel like it or to get to a goal it defeats my purpose.
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Tearisci
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Post by Tearisci on Nov 18, 2024 20:29:19 GMT
I read strictly for pleasure and relaxing. Reading isn't something I would ever set a goal for.
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kelly8875
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Post by kelly8875 on Nov 18, 2024 20:30:55 GMT
A book goal keeps me on track for reading. If I see that I'm way under my goal (like this year), I figure out what I've been doing with my time instead. If I know that I've been lounging around only watching tv or Tik Tok, I have a 'talk' with myself to see why, lol. Maybe I've been swamped at work and my brain is tired, or maybe I've been lazy for no reason. I do the same with scrapbooking...like why haven't I done any, or how did I get all the extra time?
I read for pleasure and relaxing. I'm not trying to learn anything, just enjoyment. I read a TON in the summer, but this fall has been almost no-existent because my brain is tired after work.
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dawnnikol
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Post by dawnnikol on Nov 18, 2024 20:36:40 GMT
I like having a goal so I can keep track of where I want to be... that can change though and I adjust the goal when that happens. /shrug I think I had a book goal of 50 this year and there's no way time would allow that, so I just knocked my goal down. I'll use it to look back on and go "oh, that was a busy year" or "you really knocked it out that year", but that's about it. It also helps me get a visual for how I'm spending my time. If it's March and I haven't finished a single book, something is going on.
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smartypants71
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Post by smartypants71 on Nov 18, 2024 20:39:04 GMT
I usually set an annual goal in Goodreads and then I forget to look at it again until it's time to set the new year's goal.
I read every night before bed, so I don't really need to set a goal. I read because it's enjoyable to me, so any amount of books is a success in my mind.
I could definitely see myself setting a daily quota though, if I was having to slog through a career development type book. Yawn!
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 18, 2024 20:42:59 GMT
I don’t make goals when it comes to reading although I keep a log of what I read. If I were to do that I would try to make it reasonable, something that I could achieve even knowing that life gets crazy at times. I think reading should be a positive experience and if I force myself to read when I don’t feel like it or to get to a goal it defeats my purpose. Yes, this too. Well said. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 18, 2024 20:45:35 GMT
I like having a goal so I can keep track of where I want to be... that can change though and I adjust the goal when that happens. /shrug I think I had a book goal of 50 this year and there's no way time would allow that, so I just knocked my goal down. I'll use it to look back on and go "oh, that was a busy year" or "you really knocked it out that year", but that's about it. It also helps me get a visual for how I'm spending my time. If it's March and I haven't finished a single book, something is going on. I'm glad you're flexible. I can't imagine putting pressure on myself over my fun time. It's not goals so much I eschew, but deadlines/timelines. Craft Thread peeps can vouch for the fact that I'm this way with all my hobbies. |
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Nov 18, 2024 20:53:37 GMT
I don't make reading goals. I read fiction books, because I enjoy it. I read self help books, because it helps me. For a long while now (years? decade?), I've been in a place in my life....where I put NO pressure on myself in regards to anything and everything. The thought of having to meet a "reading or book quota", would cause me anxiety. If I don't finish a book today, there's always >> the next day or the day after that. The closest I come to a reading time frame, is being aware that a "new release book" is not able to be renewed. So I try to make sure to finish it in the allotted time frame that I have it checked out from the Library, so I don't have to go back on the wait-list and wait my turn....to finish it. I've read an entire book in one day. I've taken two or three weeks to read an entire book. Sometimes, I don't want to stop reading, because it such a good story....but adult responsibilities take priority (need to go to sleep...because >> work). I love when I am off the next day and I can stay up until the wee hours reading....then sleep until noon-ish. My time spent reading ebbs and flows, based on my free time, my to-do list, my responsibilities, and how much sleep I've gotten (or lack thereof). Edited to add....thank you Jeremysgirl, for always coming up with good discussion topics.  |
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scrapngranny
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Post by scrapngranny on Nov 18, 2024 20:54:46 GMT
I don’t set any goals, but do keep track of the books I read during the year. It’s fun to see just how many books I did read.
If goals work for some people I don’t see anything wrong with that. Maybe, that encourages them to read instead of mindlessly sitting in front of the TV.
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christinec68
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Post by christinec68 on Nov 18, 2024 20:55:40 GMT
I set a reading goal as a reminder to prioritize reading sometimes. I don't think I've met an annual goal that I've set but I have read more books each year since I started doing it so...mission accomplished!
The way I read hasn't changed. I am reading books I enjoy, I don't skim any more or less than I did before, I don't purposely pick short books to reach a quota nor do I listen to audiobooks* at a super fast speed just to get through them. It's just for fun for me.
* I've also seen lots of controversy on whether or nor audiobooks should count towards reading goals.
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Post by leftturnonly on Nov 18, 2024 20:55:43 GMT
I don't set reading goals. There are times when I binge read or listen (almost all listen these days) to book after book in a series, and when I'm done, I begin another, similar series. And then there are times I just don't read/listen at all. Like you, jeremysgirl, I will stop on a dime when something hits me in a profound way. Doesn't seem to matter what the topic or who the author is, chances are very good that at least one thing in a book will apply to my life at that very moment or an important memory will pop up that is likewise applicable to the present. I may then suddenly lose interest in continuing with the story and have to put it down for a while even if I'm enjoying it. I may pick it back up in 5 minutes or 5 months; there's no real rhyme or reason to it, now that I think about it. I have watched many videos of people, mostly women, who delight in documenting what they read in really creative and sometimes beautiful ways. I find them very fun to watch, and I think they would be fun to copy... but at least so far, it's just not my wheelhouse at all. Book challenges and goals fall into the same category for me; an assignment. Very interesting topic. |
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breetheflea
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Post by breetheflea on Nov 18, 2024 20:56:18 GMT
I no longer set a book number goal each year, but use a pages goal. That way if I don't like a book I don't feel like I wasted time if I put it down to read something else, the pages read still count. I also don't feel penalized for picking up longer books.
I set goals because I want reading to be a priority, and having a goal keeps me accountable and picking up a book everyday (shrug emoji), I also have smaller goals like "read a classic" or "read this author" every year. I don't beat myself up if I don't meet them, they're just a guide.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 18, 2024 20:57:12 GMT
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Post by leftturnonly on Nov 18, 2024 20:57:27 GMT
A book goal keeps me on track for reading. If I see that I'm way under my goal (like this year), I figure out what I've been doing with my time instead. If I know that I've been lounging around only watching tv or Tik Tok, I have a 'talk' with myself to see why, lol. Maybe I've been swamped at work and my brain is tired, or maybe I've been lazy for no reason. I do the same with scrapbooking...like why haven't I done any, or how did I get all the extra time? I read for pleasure and relaxing. I'm not trying to learn anything, just enjoyment. I read a TON in the summer, but this fall has been almost no-existent because my brain is tired after work. There is so much wisdom in your post. Maybe I can learn from it. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 18, 2024 20:59:24 GMT
Yes christinec68 I won't even go there with audiobooks. These books people take reading very seriously. 😂 I avoid the commenting there and bring it here for discussion. |
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Post by jill8909 on Nov 18, 2024 20:59:58 GMT
for me goals are good - they help me get off a screen and onto something else. i don't care enough about reading to set a goal but if it works it works. if not, that's ok too
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Post by leftturnonly on Nov 18, 2024 21:01:06 GMT
It's not goals so much I eschew, but deadlines/timelines. BINGO! That's a huge difference, and again, an idea maybe I can learn from. |
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Post by leftturnonly on Nov 18, 2024 21:06:34 GMT
I set a reading goal as a reminder to prioritize reading sometimes. I don't think I've met an annual goal that I've set but I have read more books each year since I started doing it so...mission accomplished! The way I read hasn't changed. I am reading books I enjoy, I don't skim any more or less than I did before, I don't purposely pick short books to reach a quota nor do I listen to audiobooks* at a super fast speed just to get through them. It's just for fun for me. * I've also seen lots of controversy on whether or nor audiobooks should count towards reading goals. Mission accomplished! Yay! It's no skin off my nose if someone other than me thinks listening to a book shouldn't count towards a goal they think I should've set.   |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 18, 2024 21:07:51 GMT
That's exactly it leftturnonly and maybe it is just a function of who I am but I will read something and it is like poof! Mind blown. And I've got to sit with that. I'd be curious to see what you mean about documenting the books they've read. Especially being the scrapbooking sort. I do keep track of what I read. |
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Post by leftturnonly on Nov 18, 2024 21:10:00 GMT
I set goals because I want reading to be a priority, and having a goal keeps me accountable and picking up a book everyday (shrug emoji), I also have smaller goals like "read a classic" or "read this author" every year. I don't beat myself up if I don't meet them, they're just a guide. Guides are good. I admire that quality in people who are able to set and use them well. |
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Post by melanell on Nov 18, 2024 21:10:02 GMT
I think sometimes, depending on what life is like for me at the time, it's been nice to set a goal I knew darn well I could meet.  Does that fly in the face of the whole point of a goal? Maybe for others. But the years I felt that way, it worked for me, and since it was my goal, I was the only one whose opinion mattered. Other years it was more to act as a reminder for me to go start another book when I finished my current one. I do love to read, but sometimes life gets in the way, and I find myself not taking time to do the things I love. Sometimes saying I have a goal or a schedule that includes those things I enjoy helps me take that time.  |
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Sarah*H
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by Sarah*H on Nov 18, 2024 21:11:38 GMT
I respond well to external motivation so for me, it's just a good reminder to pick up a book instead of listening to a podcast, or whatever else I might think about doing in my free time. That being said, life happens and sometimes there is no space in my life for reading. This year I'm not going to come close to the goal I set in January and that's fine. Next year is another year.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 18, 2024 21:12:53 GMT
I can understand the idea of using it to prioritize reading melanell. Especially if you are the sort who doesn't take enough time for yourself. It's just getting close to end of year and I'm starting to see more book goal posts coming up and some people take them damn seriously. |
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Post by lainey on Nov 18, 2024 21:21:15 GMT
I do set a goal of 50 books ever year, I use Storygraph to track my reading and I like the pie charts  Reaching my goal isn't something I stress over though, I certainly don't change my reading to get through more books. I watch a lot of booktubers, and many of them will have a goal of say, 200 books the constant "I HAVE to read this many books this week to stay on target" the search for short books or novellas to get through as many as possible, listening to audio books at a speed that cant be enjoyable unless you're Pinky or Perky, that does seem odd to me. I think Booktok, Booktube and Bookstagram are fantastic at encouraging people to read but I also think they should be approached with caution! |
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Post by epeanymous on Nov 18, 2024 21:24:56 GMT
A book goal keeps me on track for reading. If I see that I'm way under my goal (like this year), I figure out what I've been doing with my time instead. If I know that I've been lounging around only watching tv or Tik Tok, I have a 'talk' with myself to see why, lol. Maybe I've been swamped at work and my brain is tired, or maybe I've been lazy for no reason. I do the same with scrapbooking...like why haven't I done any, or how did I get all the extra time? I read for pleasure and relaxing. I'm not trying to learn anything, just enjoyment. I read a TON in the summer, but this fall has been almost no-existent because my brain is tired after work. I don’t set reading goals but this is why I would if I did. It’s about making sure I am spending my time mindfully. |
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Post by disneypal on Nov 18, 2024 21:25:52 GMT
I’m on Goodreads & set an annual reading goal. The reason: for years & years I didn’t read at all and I still don’t read a lot, maybe 7-10 books a year because I’m busy with other things & I am a slow reader. A goal helps me stay on track, just like with any other goal. If I don’t reach my goal, it’s no big deal.
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Post by leftturnonly on Nov 18, 2024 21:26:08 GMT
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 18, 2024 21:26:31 GMT
Thank you lainey for validating that there really are some people that take these goals super seriously. If that's what someone finds satisfying/fulfilling then so be it. I just couldn't do it |
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naby64
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Post by naby64 on Nov 18, 2024 21:26:55 GMT
I have set a goal for the last 2-3 years on Goodreads. I used to be an avid reader and then life. I made excuses for not reading, or was just too tired to read at the end of the day. By setting a realistic goal, it was to keep me engaged. I mostly read fiction. Not a lot of self help. I need it but I can't keep focused on those. See the problem here?
I set a low goal the first year and hit it. So the next year I upped it a bit. Made it. This year increased it by a few more books. I will not be crushed at the end of the year if I don't make it. It's a win that I continue to find books that I enjoy reading. I check in on the Reading thread here to get ideas. I was in an online book club and that helped me get at least 12 books in a year.
I will jump into the pool to say I do listen to audiobooks. While I work. My office is very quiet and sometimes I don't need the quiet. The books I listen to are not deep books. YA fiction, humorous fiction and the like. I also find and this is weird, I retain things a bit more when I am listening. I remember hearing certain things. YDS and I discussed a series of books that I read this year and he had already read them. He would ask me what I thought about such and such and I was kind of amazed that I remembered and could discuss it with him. Not always, but it works mostly for me. I have listened to 2 books that were fabulous on audio and had me laughing out loud by what a character would say and how the narrator voiced that character. That is the appeal on some audio books.
Something new I am trying is annotating in books. Not every one of them. But some a couple that have had some appeal to me, I have used some of my journaling supplies to highlight or mark something that jumped out to me. Something profound said by a character or just a random line of the book. It has slowed me down some and I am doing better to retain.
I haven't looked recently to see if I am near my goal or not. Maybe this evening I'll give it a look.
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Reaching my goal isn't something I stress over though, I certainly don't change my reading to get through more books. 
