A little over ten years ago, I stumbled across Art Garfunkel's reading list (https://www.artgarfunkel.com/en/bibliothek). Hitherto, the concept of setting and tracking a reading goal never crossed my mind. Inspired by one half of the greatest musical duo, every year since, I have set an elaborate--yet achievable--reading goal. For the first decade, the goal was roughly 30 books and 10,000 pages. As someone who loves reading and challenges, I figured this goal doable.
However, year after year, I failed. Excuses such as not enough time and too many other commitments never assuaged the nagging sense of failure. Truth be told, I overestimated by propensity for laziness and lack of planning. Plenty of friends with two jobs, multiple children, and other time-consuming obligations managed to crush their reading goals. They accomplished it, because they prioritized reading.
Not discouraged enough to quit, I changed my reading goal last year (2024) to 20 books and 5,000 pages. By the end of summer, it appeared that I was NOT going to hit my goal. Once again, I was ready to resign myself to failure.
Yet, something changed. My friend, with whom I read a few books, called me to ask if we should read a particular book together. Obviously, I said yes; however, we had to wait until he returned from a trip overseas. When we finally managed to get together near the end of August, we sat down and planned out a series of thematically connected books to read until the end of the year. Together, we finished at least 8 books. As a result, I finally hit my reading goal for the year.
My 2024 goal was 20 books and 5,000 pages. With a few days still remaining, I have read 21 books and a little over 5,500 pages. For the first time ever (in terms of reading goals), I feel accomplished and encouraged.
Here's the takeaway: in order to hit my goal, I needed the support of community. Now I am inviting all of you, whoever you may be, to join me in reaching future goals.
My goal for 2025 is 25 books and 6,500 pages.
If you would like to be a part of the journey, click one of the links below:
With much love,
Christian
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