How to accomplish your reading goals

Can you believe that it’s already March?

If you're behind on your reading goals for the year, you're not alone.

In this article, we'll explore three surprising tips that will help you catch up, or even get ahead of your reading goals. By adopting these strategies, you'll not only make reading a more enjoyable habit but also ensure that you're absorbing and retaining the information, which can enrich both your personal and professional life.

Overcoming challenges in meeting reading goals

Setting reading goals is one thing, but achieving them is quite another. 

Common challenges to achieving reading goals include finding the time to read, maintaining focus, and selecting materials that align with your interests and objectives. These obstacles can significantly impede your progress and may lead to frustration.

If you get too frustrated, you might abandon your reading goals altogether. So to prevent that from happening, check out some strategies that can help you navigate these challenges, making your reading journey both productive and enjoyable.

3 surprising tips to accelerate your reading goals

Here are three unconventional yet effective tips to help you advance your reading goals:

1. Embrace audiobooks

While traditional reading is invaluable, don't underestimate the power of audiobooks. Sitting down with a book isn't always feasible, and when that's the case, audiobooks offer a flexible alternative that allows you to experience the benefits of reading while on the go—be it during your daily commute, while exercising, or even as you perform household chores. Embracing audiobooks can significantly increase your "reading"' time without carving out additional hours in your day.

2. Integrate reading with technology

In an era dominated by screens, integrating reading into your digital life can be a game-changer. Apps and e-readers provide a way to always have your books with you. Additionally, many of these platforms offer features like highlighting, notetaking, and even syncing across devices, ensuring you can pick up right where you left off, whether on your phone, tablet, or e-reader. 

3. Join a reading group or challenge

Joining a reading group or participating in a reading challenge can provide you with motivation and accountability toward your reading goals. Engaging with fellow readers offers an opportunity to share insights, discuss interpretations, and get recommendations, which can enhance your reading experience and push you to meet, or even exceed your goals.

Practice, reflect, and enhance Your reading habits

To truly get ahead in your reading goals, it's essential to not only read, but to also reflect on and engage with the material. Here are some tips to deepen your reading practice:

• Reflect and journal: After completing a book or a significant section of one, take a moment to jot down your thoughts, insights, and questions. This practice can enhance retention and deepen your understanding.
• Set achievable milestones: Break down your reading goals into smaller, more manageable milestones. Celebrating these smaller victories can provide a sense of achievement and motivate you to continue.
• Vary your reading material: Diversifying your reading list can keep things interesting and prevent burnout. Mix genres, authors, and topics to maintain engagement and curiosity.

Handling distractions and maintaining focus

Even when you do all of the above, distractions can still be a major hurdle in achieving your reading goals. So here are a few strategies to help you maintain focus:

• Create a reading environment: Designate a quiet, comfortable spot for reading, free from distractions. This can help condition your mind to focus once you're in that space.
• Digital detox: Allocate specific times where you disconnect from digital devices to immerse yourself in reading, helping you avoid the constant ping of notifications.
• Use focus tools: Consider using tools like Pomodoro timers or apps designed to minimize distractions to keep your reading sessions productive. (Our favorite is the Balance app.)

Enrich reading experience with fun brain games on the Elevate app

While progressing toward your reading goals, remember to enjoy the journey. Books can transport you to different worlds, expand your knowledge, and provide solace and inspiration.

If you're looking to further enhance your reading experience, consider downloading the Elevate brain training app, available on iOS and Android. Elevate offers several brain training games that can improve your reading skills, including games to help you increase your vocabulary and read faster. Give Elevate a try today, and watch as you not only meet but surpass your reading goals, one page at a time.