So at first I thought about just recycling my 2025 goals like a lazy person with no time (that’s me!) But then I decided to actually have ‘A Serious Think’!!!
In 2025, I feel like I changed as a reader.
I’m working more hours in my new job, and it’s a demanding role where I really have to concentrate. I used to be able to listen to audiobooks whilst working, but now I can’t.
I’ve also cancelled a couple of book boxes and I’m skipping more often when the picks don’t interest me. But… I’m still led by the FOMO, and I find myself preordering more, meanwhile reading less, which means my TBR is bigger than ever!
So for 2026, here’s what I’ve come up with:
Goal 1: Read Less
I know that sounds strange for a reader, but I want to savour quality over quantity. Looking back at my Goodreads goals from the past few years, I’ve already been doing this naturally, but I want to be more intentional about it.
• 2025: 80 books
• 2024: 119 books
• 2023: 185 books
I originally set my 2025 goal at 52 books and ended up reading 80. So for 2026, I’m taking the average of 66 and going with that!
Goal 2: Think Before I Buy
This is mostly aimed at preorders, which are my weakness. I’ve decided to pause and ask myself, “Do I actually need this?” And if the answer isn’t an immediate YES, I will wait a few hours and see if Future Me still needs it!
Goal 3: Read 2026 Romantasy Releases When They Come Out
Romantasy and PNR romance are my first loves, and I was SO thrilled when they became popular again in 2022/23. So in 2026, instead of buying new romantasy releases and letting them sit on my shelves for months (or years!), I’m going to try to read them right away.
Just three goals for 2026, hopefully simple and manageable and I hope they’ll help me enjoy my reading even more!
What are your reading goals for 2026?
CJRTB Books 
I definitely get the thing about reading less but making the quality count. If you have less time for reading then that seems like the only way to really still enjoy your reading. Preorders are so easy aren’t they? Good luck with sticking to your resolution.
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Thank you!
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These are great goals! I’ve decided not to set a reading challenge anymore and just read. Also not buying second hand books that are cheap but I know nothing about (a few disappointments about unfinished endings lately) and I hope to read more historical fiction in 2026 and find at least one 5 star romance novel for my end of the year list (spoiler there’s not one on my list for 2025). Good luck to you!
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Those are great goals! Good luck! I normally do a backlist and audiobook challenge but I’m having a year off!
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I’ve decided to request fewer books from NG and read from my own TBR. I have so many books that have been waiting patiently on the shelf, my Nook and Kindle, and I’ve already started on one of them. It’s a book my Secret Santa gave me – last Christmas, lol. Good luck with your goals, Caro!
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I’m ashamed to say how long I’ve had some books on my tbr! Good luck to both of us!
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Those are great goals! I haven’t come up with a list yet, but for sure — like you — I’m reducing my goal number for 2026. I like the idea of aiming lower and freeing myself up for more leisurely reads as well as longer books. Good luck!
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Yes! That’s the plan! Hope we can do it!
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