Why do I set book targets every year?

Why does one set book targets? Hear it from a reader. Recently I came across a post which said that books need to be enjoyed without setting any targets. They are meant to be savored with each page and to devoured just to hit the set target. I had my own two cent to share so I thought to write it on my blog and let my wider audience know about it.

All those reading this blog and following it for a while already know that I am a voracious reader and every minute that I can spare, I give it to the books. So why do I set targets when I enjoy reading my books so much?

For me, targets show a path which I need to follow to get there. It’s just as good as a goal for anyone else who works to attain it. With a set target in mind, I am motivated to continue to read and not cut slack. It’s my gush of adrenaline.

Then again, I get questions on why just 25 or 30 books when I don’t miss any opportunity to pick a book and read. Well, this is because I have two little humans who constantly want my attention and a husband who is trying to squeeze in-between these kids. So, with family and other chores, yes, my reading has scaled down compared to what it was earlier.

This is about now, let me tell you about how I use to set targets for every hour and read. When I got a job after graduation, it was an hours travel time in train. As soon as I use to sit in the train, I use to check my watch and set a timer. Till I reach the second last station, I will read 50 or 60 pages. Then I use to dig my face in the book and read without getting diverted. No wasting time over the phone, no chit chat, just reading. Once I got off the train, I had to board a bus to reach my office, and this again was a 15-minute ride. I would again set a target of 15 to 20 pages till I reach the stop.

This was a push, a challenge, I gave myself daily, and I enjoyed it. I used to get an adrenaline rush every time (more often than not) I hit the target.

For me, reading is a passion which I have been catering to from a very young age and with each passing days, I want to turn more and more pages and read more books. I have a huge TBR list, and I love hoarding books. Even before I finish reading a book, I decide what will be my next read. Reading is like religion which I follow without dithering or faltering.

Target for is just the adrenaline rush that I want to enjoy at the end of it all. It makes me feel happy high. I missed my 2021 target of 25 books and closed the year with 20 books only. But with the onset of 2022, I have dined the #TBRChallenge by Blogchatter and my new target is up. 25 it is again. Let’s see if I hit or miss this time. If you too wish to be a part of this fun challenge, register here and get reading.

I am sharing my Goodreads link for you all in case you wish to check the books that I have read and reviewed so far. Also read about my 2021 reading challenge and the books that I had selected here.