Setting reading goals can feel like walking a tightrope. Aim too high (“I’ll read War and Peace this weekend!”), and we set ourselves up for disappointment. Play it too safe (“One book this month should be fine…”), and we miss out on pushing our reading boundaries and discovering new literary adventures.

I learned this the hard way last year. After setting a goal of reading twelve fantasy epics in one month (what was I thinking?), I found myself speed-reading through beautiful prose just to hit a number. That’s when I realized something had to change. Reading goals should enhance our love of books, not turn them into items on a checklist.

As we dive into February, I want to share my approach to setting meaningful reading goals that actually stick. Ones that challenge us just enough while keeping the joy of reading alive. Whether you’re a mood reader, a methodical page-counter, or somewhere in between, these strategies can help you find your perfect reading rhythm.

Why February is Perfect for Reading Goals

February might be the shortest month, but that’s exactly what makes it perfect for focused reading goals. After January’s ambitious resolutions have settled, we can create a more realistic plan that actually fits our life. Think about it – February offers unique advantages for readers:

First, we’ve shaken off the New Year pressure. Those overwhelming January goals (“I’ll read 100 books this year!”) have given way to more thoughtful intentions. We know our schedule better now, understand our real reading pace, and can set goals that make sense.

The weather plays a role too. Those dark winter evenings aren’t just cozy – they’re practically designed for reading. When it’s cold and dark by 5 PM, curling up with a book feels natural, not forced. No competing with summer beach days or spring garden plans.

February’s length is actually a gift for goal-setting. Twenty-eight days is long enough to build momentum but short enough to maintain focus. It’s the perfect timeframe to experiment with new reading habits without feeling overwhelmed. Want to try reading during breakfast? Or maybe setting aside Sunday afternoons for books? February gives you just enough time to test these routines.

Plus, many of us are settling into better routines after the holiday chaos. Our work schedules have normalized, the kids are back in school, and we’re finding our rhythm again. This stability creates natural pockets of reading time we can actually count on.

My February Reading Goals

This month, I’m focusing on three main goals that balance ambition with achievability:

The Six-Book Challenge

Six books might sound like a lot to some and modest to others. That’s the beauty of personal reading goals – they’re just that, personal. I’ve chosen six based on my reading speed and available time. This breaks down to roughly a book every five days, leaving room for life’s inevitable surprises.

Expanding My Bookstagram Presence

Social media can feel overwhelming, but I’m approaching it differently this time. Instead of vague “post more” goals, I’m planning specific content: reading updates, current reads, and honest reviews. It’s about building genuine connections with fellow readers, not just collecting likes.

Prioritizing ARC Reading

Advanced Reader Copies are both a privilege and a responsibility. This month, I’m dedicating specific reading slots to upcoming releases. It’s exciting to be among the first to experience these stories, and I want to honor that by providing timely, thoughtful reviews.

Know Your Reading Style

Some readers are sprinters – they’ll clear their Saturday schedule and devour an entire book in one glorious reading marathon. These are the readers who finish the latest release in 24 hours and can tell you every plot detail while the story is fresh in their mind. If this is you, plan your reading goals around creating these uninterrupted reading blocks.

Then there are the steady pacers – those who faithfully read two chapters every night before bed, no matter what. They treat reading like a daily vitamin for the mind, and their consistency adds up to impressive reading totals. These readers thrive on routine and often get more out of long, complex series because they give each part time to sink in.

I’ve discovered I’m what some call a mood reader – my reading style shifts with both the book, my emotions and my life’s current season. Give me an engaging fantasy like Mistborn, and I’ll barely come up for air until it’s done. But hand me a thought-provoking literary fiction or a dense non-fiction, and I prefer to read it in smaller doses, giving myself time to process and reflect.

During busy weeks, I might be a chapter-a-night reader. But come weekend or vacation time, nothing beats a long, uninterrupted reading session with endless cups of coffee. The key is that I’ve stopped fighting this flexibility and instead learned to plan around it.

Understanding your style helps you:

• Pick the right books for your current life phase
• Set realistic daily or weekly page goals
• Choose the best time of day for focused reading
• Create reading environments that support your style

Remember – your reading style might change from book to book or season to season. The goal isn’t to box yourself into one approach, but to recognize your patterns and work with them rather than against them.

Create a Reading Schedule That Breathes

Rigid schedules often backfire. Instead,  block out potential reading times while staying flexible:

• Morning coffee reading sessions
• Lunch break chapters
• Evening wind-down time
• Weekend reading sprints

Track Your Progress, Not Just Your Goals

I use my reading journal “ This Is My Book Journal” to track more than just finished books. It captures:

• Thoughts and reactions
• Favorite quotes
• Venting moments
• Page number with favorite annotations

Balance Your Reading Diet

My February TBR includes:

• Three fantasy novels
• One Romance
• Two ARCs
• One non-fiction 

This mix keeps things interesting and prevents reading fatigue.

Making Your Goals Stick

Start Small, Build Momentum

Let’s be honest – waiting for the perfect reading moment is like waiting for the perfect sunset. Sure, it happens, but you’ll miss out on so much if that’s all you wait for.

I used to think I needed at least an hour of uninterrupted time to make reading “worth it.” Know what happened? I barely read at all. Then I discovered the power of reading in the in-between moments – those small pockets of time we all have but often fill with mindless scrolling.

Here’s what changed my reading life: the Kindle app. It goes every where. Yes, everywhere. Those ten minutes waiting for your coffee to brew? Two pages done. Lunch break at work? Another chapter conquered. Early for a meeting? Time for a few more pages. These moments might seem insignificant, but they’re actually reading gold.

Think about it this way: reading just 10 pages in each of these small moments can add up to 30-40 pages a day. Before you know it, you’re halfway through your book without even having a “proper” reading session. It’s like saving spare change – those pennies eventually become dollars.

Some unexpected reading opportunities you may have missed:

• During morning coffee routine
• While waiting for water to boil when cooking
• In the grocery store line
• Waiting for your food order
• During my lunch break
• While the kids are at sports practice

The key is being prepared. Stash books in strategic locations (yes, there’s one in my car). This way, I’m always ready to turn idle time into reading time.

Remember: momentum builds naturally when you remove the pressure of needing perfect conditions. Start with five minutes here, ten minutes there. Soon you’ll find yourself automatically reaching for your book instead of your phone during those in-between moments.

Create a Cozy Reading Environment

Make reading irresistible. A good reading nook has:

• Good lighting
• Comfortable seating
• Easy access to books
• Minimal distractions

Connect with Other Readers

Reading might be solitary, but sharing the experience doesn’t have to be. I’m using my Bookstagram to:

• Share progress updates
• Connect with fellow readers
• Get book recommendations
• Stay accountable

Looking Ahead

As we move through February, these goals will guide but not constrain my reading journey. They’re checkpoints, not chains. Some weeks I might exceed them; others, I might fall short. What matters is maintaining a consistent, enjoyable reading practice.

Your Turn

Share your reading goals in the comments below. Let’s support each other in making February a month filled with wonderful books and reading adventures.

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Happy reading!

D.