I Read 200 Books In 2018- This Is How

In 2018 I read 200 books, the highest number I have read in a year; this is how. On January 24^th I launched by my Bookstagram Account- @bookofcinz quit my job and stayed home and read for the rest of the year… JUST KIDDING! If only life was that simple. I managed to read 200 books while holding down a full time manager job, maintaining an active social life and I even got to train for two half marathons AND see 7 new places. I am saying this because a lot of persons seem to think in reading 200 books in a year meant I must have sacrificed a lot, when in reality I actually gained. Here is how I read 200 books in a year:

• I Made Reading a Goal

When people make new year’s resolutions or plan their year goals most do not include reading as a goal. Why? Many think it will be something they will just get done during the week or see reading as a hobby (which it is ) and not something to actively do and put some thought behind. In 2018, my goal was to read 150 books, I wrote it down and to reinforce that decision, I logged on to www.goodreads.com and made public my reading goal for the year. Just saying you want to read more isn’t a goal unless it is written down and there is some plan around how you are going to achieve that goal. You don’t need to have a reading goal of 150, your goal might be 12 books for the year- one book for the month which is an amazing goal and when you achieve it you may want to double that for the following year. If you plan on reading more this year, there is still time to start and I highly recommend you joining Goodreads.com and uploading your reading goals. Goodreads will let you know whether you are on track or not. I wrote a book post on this before, see link.

• I made time to read

It is not enough to have a goal; you must have a plan which includes how exactly you will read. Reading requires you putting aside uninterrupted time a day, this is where a lot of persons fall off. For me, I tend to read 2-4 solid hours a day, a lot more on weekends. I cannot stress how important it is to set aside time to read on a daily or weekly basis, this is the only way you will achieve your reading goals. I know a lot of us live very different lives, my life allows me a lot of free time, most of which I use to read. There are persons who can only get 30mins uninterrupted reading time a day and that is fine, use that 30mins to immerse yourself in the book you picked out. Nine times out of ten when you are enjoying a book you WILL find time to read it. I have sat up many a nights reading because I could not put a book down… in times like that I wish I could call in “reading too much” to work.

• I Researched my Books Before Reading

You decided you will be reading this year, you set aside time, now to talk books. A  lot of persons I know give up on reading because they happen to stumble upon a book that did not pull them in. However, like any life experience you cannot just stop reading because you had one less than stellar experience with a book. While I cannot give you a no fail formula, what I do generally helps in ensuring the book I decide to read really captures my attention.

Before I start reading a book I go on Goodreads to read what is about, I read the reader’s reviews and I make sure I pay attention to the friends who I have similar bookish taste to. I also research the author to see if I have read and enjoyed something by them before. I also check to see how long the book is so I can mentally prepare myself for a marathon read. I have been reading for a long time so I KNOW my book taste, I know the plots, premise and characters I generally like and I know which books to stay away from. I take the time to look back on the books you’ve enjoyed and the authors you love and go from there. However, I strongly suggest researching a book before you decide to read it.

• I launched my BookOfCinz Book Blog

Launching a book blog means my second job is reading. I never thought I could read so much until I had books showing up in the mail, updated my library card and I decided that I would have to stay current with new releases. Yes, BookOfCinz became a part time job, which means I read a lot more. Having to write about books means you have to read the books first. I want to become an influencer in the bookish space so reading became a top priority.

Follow at https://www.instagram.com/bookofcinz/

• Meet Bookish People/ Follow Bookish Accounts

Having a community of readers really motivates you to read and read more.  I cannot tell the amount of times I’ve met people who told me, “every time I see your post I am reminder I need to read…” Yes, I know, shameless plug for BookOfCinz but the same is true for me. Whenever I see my bookish friends reading a book or talking about a book I get excited to go out and get it so I can experience reading it. Following bookish accounts on Instagram and seeing them posting about books you’ve read, want to read or have read makes me happy and reinforces my drive to read. I cannot stress how important it is to have a community of readers who encourage you to read, even when you don’t feel to.

There you have it, how I read 200 books in a year. I know, 200 is a lot and it seems ridiculous just typing it but it is a huge accomplishment for me because it’s the most I’ve read ever in a year. Please do not let my ridiculous goal stop you from setting a practical feasible goal for yourself. Decide how many books you want to read for the year and crush that reading goal- I want that for you. Also, if you aren’t following my on BookOfCinz please do, I want to hear all about your 2019 reading goals.