New Year, New Reading Habits.

The new year has a way of whispering reinvention into our routines. Fresh planners, fresh goals, fresh promises to ourselves. And somewhere between “drink more water” and “finally organise the wardrobe, declutter what you haven’t worn in months/years,” reading often shows up – usually with pressure from others. Read more books. Read faster. Read what everyone else is reading – follow the trends.

This year, let’s try something different.

Instead of turning reading into another competition of who reads quicker, etc make this about you and only YOU.

Read at Your Own Pace (Yes, Really)

In a world of reading challenges, monthly wrap-ups, and “I read 100 books this year” posts, it’s easy to feel like reading is a race. But reading has never been about speed. It’s about connection.

Reading at your own pace allows stories to breathe. It gives you time to linger on a sentence that hits close to home, to reread a paragraph because it was beautiful, or to pause and reflect without guilt. Some books are meant to be devoured quickly; others ask you to move slowly. Both experiences are valid.

Your pace may change depending on your season of life—and that’s okay. A few pages before bed. A chapter during lunch. One book stretched over months. Progress isn’t measured by how fast you finish, but by how deeply you engage. The same as how you read – audible, ebook, physical, they are all valid and don’t let anyone say otherwise.

Let Go of Social Media Reading Pressure

Book themed social media can be inspiring, but it can also be exhausting. Trending titles, aesthetic bookshelves, and constant recommendations can quietly turn reading into comparison. I myself have fallen in the trap of being hooked by the recommended titles and spent money on titles I wouldn’t normally give a second look at.

Here’s your reminder: you don’t owe anyone your reading choices.

You don’t need to read the “book of the moment” to be a real reader. You don’t need to finish books you’re not enjoying just because everyone else loved them. And you certainly don’t need to prove your reading ability by choosing books that feel like homework.

I’m not a lover of Historical stories or some Non-Fiction material but on the occasion I have read one of these genres I have found it to be a nice book.

Reading is not a test you have to pass, It’s an experience which only you control.

If a book isn’t working for you, put it down. If you reread old favorites instead of chasing new releases, that counts. I reread the Harry Potter series on a regular basis – they are my comfort blanket. If your reading taste doesn’t match the algorithm, or the trend in the office at work, don’t worry about it – you’re doing it right by reading for you and what you find appealing.

Explore New Genres, Expand Your World

One of the most exciting ways to refresh your reading life is by stepping outside your usual genres. New genres introduce new voices, new perspectives, and new ways of seeing the world.

If you always read fiction, try memoir.

If you love romance, dip into fantasy. If you’re not sure on the difference why not try Romantasy which combines the two.

If you stick to one comfort genre, explore poetry, essays, or short stories.

You might be surprised by what resonates. Reading outside your usual types/ authors stretches empathy, sparks curiosity, and keeps reading from becoming predictable. Even if you don’t fall in love with every new genre, the exploration itself enriches your reading experience and you may find you enjoy more than you thought you would which broadens your potential reading material in the future.

Think of it as travelling without leaving your chair.

Your Reading Ability Is Not Your Worth

Some readers move quickly. Others take their time. Some love complex, layered narratives. Others prefer simple, comforting stories. None of these choices define your intelligence, dedication, or identity as a reader.

Audiobooks count. Short books count. Graphic novels count. Rereading counts. Reading is not about proving capability; it’s about enjoyment, growth, and connection.

The moment reading feels like pressure is the moment it stops being joyful.

A Gentle Reading Resolution

This year, instead of setting rigid reading goals, try setting creative targets – choose themes for each month, fortnight or week to give you variety and inspiration. Ideas such as;

• Read a book that has a colour in the title
• Choose a book that was a classic
• Find a book that has been turned into or based on a tv show/film.

Read what excites you, Stop reading what doesn’t, Explore without obligation. Move at a pace that feels good

Let reading be a refuge, not a requirement.

New year, new reading habits – ones that attract curiosity, kindness, and freedom. The best reading life isn’t the most impressive one online. It’s the one that keeps you turning pages and brings you joy.