New Year, New Books: Reading Resolutions to Keep in 2025

A new year is the time for new challenges! Setting a resolution for self-improvement is easy; the hard part is sticking with it for an extended period. The trick is to make incremental improvements to eventually achieve the goal you set. For example, maybe you want to run a marathon. That will take practice, persistence, and follow-through with exercise, preparation, and planning—even before you sign up. 

The same is true for reading and writing. If you want to improve, you’ll need to practice consistently. The good news is that you don’t need to do much to start. Here are some ways you can begin working toward your reading and writing goals: 

Commit to reading at a specific time 

Reading at a set time and committing to it is the best way to stay on track with your practice. Take some time to think about when you are free during the day. It could be while commuting, before bed, or while waiting for your child. It could be daily, a few times a week, or even just once a week. Whatever you can commit to will be enough. The point is to carve out space for the habit to form, so you won’t need to force yourself to read or write. 

Once you have an idea of what might work, commit to reading for 15 minutes a day 

Find a quiet space or put on headphones with some non-distracting music. Put your phone on silent and set a 15-minute timer. This will be your time to read. Try to eliminate as many distractions as possible—putting your phone face down, closing the door to a room, turning off any other devices, etc. Nothing but emergencies should interrupt this time you've set aside for yourself. 

We’re all human, so if you find yourself getting distracted or your mind starts to wander, that’s okay. Just keep trying. Gently bring your focus back to the page and words. 

Read aloud

Reading aloud changes how our brains process words. It slows down our thinking and allows us to absorb the letters, the structure of the words, and the formation of sentences. This is a useful tool for anyone looking to improve their reading. Not only does it help develop your skills, but it also boosts comprehension and allows you to take more from the text. 

Whether it's the sound of your voice, feeling self-conscious, or another reason, you might feel hesitant to read aloud. This is another reason why having a private reading space can set you up for success. Your private reading space should be somewhere you can read without external distractions or judgment. 

Don’t get discouraged

It’s all part of the journey. If life gets busy, and you can’t commit to the schedule or routine that previously worked, that’s okay! The important thing is not to give up. Find something else that works for you. Just remember, you want to improve, and the only way to do that is to keep at it—even if it’s just a little at a time.