Goodbye to Unreachable Goals: Enjoying Reading Without Pressure

Every new year brings the excitement of fresh starts, along with the famous list of resolutions. Last year, for example, I would have set a goal to read one book per month because I love reading. But, of course, life got in the way—work, errands, household tasks… Soon, I realized that instead of enjoying reading, I was frustrated by not being able to meet my goal.

Have you ever felt that rigid goals take the joy out of what you love?

The year is already well underway, but it’s never too late to adjust our “resolutions.” Recently, while talking to a friend, I realized I wasn’t alone. She loves painting, but for a while, she turned it into a structured task: she wanted to take classes, improve, and even make it profitable. Until one day, she decided to let go of the pressure and simply paint for the joy of it, without expectations. And that’s when I understood something—I had turned reading into a goal rather than a pleasure.

So this year, I set a different kind of resolution: to read whenever I can and whenever I enjoy it, without feeling guilty on the days I don’t pick up a book. Because reading shouldn’t be just another task on our to-do list—it should be a space for ourselves.

If you love reading but feel like there’s never enough time, here are some tips to integrate reading into your life in a more relaxed and pressure-free way:

1. Always carry a book with you

Take advantage of waiting times—standing in line at the grocery store, picking up your kids from school, or waiting for a class to start. Those minutes add up more than you think.

2. Share books with a friend

Not in a structured book club with deadlines and rules, but in a more casual way. Read a book your friend has already read, then meet for coffee to chat about it. It’s the perfect excuse to catch up and share thoughts.

3. Create small reading rituals

At least once a month, give yourself a special reading moment. Go to a café with your book and enjoy your favorite drink while reading, even if it’s just for half an hour. Or after a walk, sit in a park and read under a tree for 15 minutes. Turning reading into a pleasure without pressure makes all the difference.

4. It’s not about how much you read, but how much you enjoy it

In the end, reading shouldn’t feel like a race or a goal measured in numbers. If days go by without reading, that’s okay. The book will still be there, waiting for you when you’re ready to dive back into its pages.

5. If you don’t have much time or energy to read, choose easy and light books. Fiction novels are a great option—they entertain you, transport you far from reality, and help you relax.

This year, instead of setting resolutions that only lead to frustration, try focusing on enjoying small moments. Sometimes, letting go of pressure is the best way to truly enjoy what we love.